The Keyboard Chronicles

Kenny Hensley talks on his career with The Head and The Heart and more broadly. We chat on the story behind the band’s formation, Kenny’s development as a songwriter and player, the democratic approach to maintaining band harmony,  and hear about an on-stage train wreck that most of us will sympathise with.

To listen / watch:

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

Kenny’s musical upbringing

A great overview of The Head and The Heart in their own words

Sub Pop Records

The formation of The Head and The Heart

The Head and the Heart – Down in the Valley

The Head and The Heart – Ghosts

The recording of the first (selef-titled) The Head and The Heart album

Perry Watts-Russell

The initial touring experiences touring with bands like Death Cab For Cutie and My Morning Jacket.

How the democratic approach of the band has helped band harmony

Keeping things interesting and creative in a matured band

The Head and The Heart – After The Setting Sun

Kenny’s touring keyboard rig

The Roland FP-7

Kenny’s on-stage train wreck

Tag a keyboard player: Zach Miller, Dr. Dog.

Desert Island Discs: Beatles albums wall to wall (due to a technical glitch we lost Kenny’s audio for a while and didn’t come back to the DSD discussion but he did say in an ideal world it’d be all Beatles albums).

Key links:

Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

Complete our audience survey to help us improve!

Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

The post Kenny Hensley, The Head and The Heart appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Peter Manning Robinson is a pianist and composer who also has developed his own piano (the Refractor piano). On top of those amazing achievements he’s needed to overcome some major obstacles to continue playing at a high level. We cover all that and more in this fascinating conversation.

To listen / watch:

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

Peter’s past 12 months

Peter’s latest album – Excursions

Peter Manning Robinson – Initiation

Peter’s upcoming feature film

A discussion on the good and the not so good of film and TV composition

Peter’s childhood and playing the piano at age 3

The brilliant Ernie Watts and Freddie Hubbard

Rahsaan Roland Kirk

A discussion on resilience, harsh feedback and finding your own space within music

Learning how to tour and perform in a band 

The creative link between cooking and music

The development of tendonitis and the three-year journey to recovery

Professor Phil Cohen

Translating emotions to playing

Development of the Refractor Piano

Peter in action with the Refractor Piano

Desert Island Discs: None – explanation provided by Peter on the show.

Key links:

Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

Complete our audience survey to help us improve!

Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

The post Peter Manning Robinson, Pianist and Composer appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Cory Henry is one of the most innovative and dynamic players of the past 20 years, and hot off the release of his latest album Devotion, we were thrilled to spend some time getting his perspective on his evolution as an artist, the challenges of being an independent artist, and plenty of keyboard talk.

To listen / watch:

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

Cory Henry – Devotion

The making of Devotion

Cory Henry – Make A Way

Key references and inspirations, including Andraé Crouch and Walter Hawkins

Cory Henry – The Revival

The approach to recording Devotion at Henson Studio

Robert ‘Sput’ Searight

Cory Henry – Spirit

The analog keyboard approach to recording Devotion

Thoughts on genres and secular vs spiritual music

Cory in action with Kenny Garrett

Cory’s thoughts on soloing

A discussion on the iconic solo in Lingus when performing with Snarky Puppy

The challenges of being the front-person and the grind of being an independent artist

On singing more and adjusting playing to match

Stevie Wonder playing with Cory on Something Happens

Some thoughts for younger keyboard players 

Desert Island Discs: Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye, Voodoo – D’Angelo, 1 – The Beatles, Devotion – Cory Henry

Key links:

Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

Complete our audience survey to help us improve!

Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

The post Cory Henry, Solo Artist / The Funk Apostles appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Zac Rae has been Death Cab for Cutie’s keyboard/guitar player for more than 1o years, with previous touring or session stints with Macy Gray, Alanis Morrissett, Leonard Cohen and Morrisey to name just four. In addition, Zac has a prolific and ongoing career in film, TV and other collaborations.

To listen / watch:

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

Zac’s past 12 months

Death Cab for Cutie’s latest album, I Built You A Tower

Death Cab for Cutie – Trap Door

Death Cab for Cutie – Riptides

Death Cab for Cutie in action live, 2026

Death Cab for Cutie Tiny Desk Concert

Zac’s musical upbringing

Eileen Rowe – Piano Teacher

Zac’s ‘weird shit’ keyboards and accessories

Playing and touring with Macy Gray and Alanis Morissette

Zac playing with Macy Gray in 2001 at the Grammys

Zac’s keyboard rig with Alanis Morrissette

A memorable on-stage train wreck

Working on Leonard Cohen albums – You Want It Darker and Thanks for the Dance

A discussion on the relationship between guitar and keyboards

Brett Dennen – Hope For The Hopeless

Brett Dennen – Loverboy

Early Winters – Early Winters

Joey Waronker, Luke Reynolds, Zac Rae – Proof

Working with Morrissey

Morrissey – Some Say I Got Devil

Joining Death Cab for Cutie

Love of Benmont Tench’s approach

Death Cab for Cutie – Title and Registration

Death Cab for Cutie – Gold Rush

Zac’s Death Cab for Cutie keyboard rig

Desert Island Discs: Odyssey and Oracle – The Zombies, Head Hunters – Herbie Hancock, Spilt Milk – Jellyfish, The Shutov Assembly – Brian Eno, Syro – Aphex Twin

Thumbnail photos via  the brilliant Brynn Osborn and Joshua Halling

Key links:

Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

Complete our audience survey to help us improve!

Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

The post Zac Rae, Death Cab for Cutie appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Ivan Doroschuk has been making great synth pop/rock songs for more than 40 years, and as founder of Men Without Hats remains a live performance powerhouse in addition to regular releases of new material. In this episode we chat on Ivan’s career, approach to composition and his favourite synths of all time.

To listen / watch:

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

The past 12 months for Men Without Hats

Upcoming Australian tour

Men Without Hats in action in 2026

Men Without Hats’ latest album: On The Moon

Ivan’s musical upbringing

The formation of Men Without Hats as part of the Montreal punk scene

Moving to the synth based Men Without Hats we know

Developing the Men Without Hats sound and the ‘no sequencer’ approach

The Korg MS-20

Origins of The Safety Dance

Ivan’s key keyboard player / composer influences

Ivan’s solo album – The Spell

The evolution of Ivan’s home studio

The 1980s version of Men Without Hats’ keyboard rig to today.

The Yamaha QX1

A Men Without Hats train wreck story

Desert Island Discs: Foxtrot – Genesis, Tubular Bells – Mike Oldfield, Obscured by Clouds – Pink Floyd, You – Gong, Autobahn – Kraftwerk 

Key links:

Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

Complete our audience survey to help us improve!

Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

The post Ivan Doroschuk, Men Without Hats appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Mike Lindup is one of our most requested guests and we were thrilled to speak with him in the lead up to Level 42’s Australian tour. In this initial catch-up with Mike, we do a quick rundown of his amazing career and talk about his keyboard rig , upcoming Australian tour and briefly talk on his stellar solo career as well.

To listen / watch:

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

Upcoming first tour to Australia

Level 42 – Something About You

The iconic Molly Meldrum

Key musical influences of Level 42

Mike’s perspective on his evolution as a player

Mike soloing live on Level 42 – Hot Water

Mike’s touring keyboard rig with Level 42

Level 42’s first single, Love Meeting Love

The brilliant Wally Badarou

Level 42 – The Sun Goes Down (Livin’ It Up)

Two of Mike’s solo albums: Changes and Changes 2

Mike’s upcoming solo piano album, Beyond Words, and the amazing story of obtaining the piano he used on the album

Key links:

Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

Complete our audience survey to help us improve!

Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

The post Mike Lindup, Level 42 / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

For our 200th episode we couldn’t think of a better person to feature than Tony Banks, a true master of the craft and still creating amazing music to this day. In a little over an hour we cover Tony’s career as the heart of Genesis, as well as his brilliant solo output and some superb insights into composition, soloing and a great deal more.

To listen / watch:

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

Tony’s past couple of years

An example of Tony’s work with John Potter – Follow Thy Fair Sun

Tony playing on, and co-writing, Haunted Life by Rocking Horse Music Club

Tony’s musical upbringing

Tony’s early keyboard player inspirations

The Zombies – Whenever You’re Ready

Genesis – From Genesis To Revelation

Genesis – Stagnation

Genesis – Looking for Someone

Genesis – The Knife live 1980

Genesis – The Musical Box

The approach to writing songs within Genesis

A detailed discussion on the writing of Supper’s Ready

Tony’s perspective on different pianos / organs / synths he’s used

Hammond L122 Organ

Yamaha CP-70

The Polymoog

The Roland VP-330

The CP-70 and Tony in action on Genesis – Undertow

Tony Banks – A Curious Feeling

Tony playing the fiendishly difficult Robbery, Assault and Battery live

Genesis – Home By The Sea

Peter Gabriel drumming on Turn It On Again

Tony’s view on Genesis tribute bands

The Disturbed – Land of Confusion

Genesis – It’s Gonna Get Better

Tony’s approach to keyboard solos and his favourite solo

Thoughts on Firth of Fifth

Tony’s thoughts on the degree of fame Genesis reached

Genesis live at Wembley Stadium in 1987

Genesis – Domino Medley

A discussion on recording ‘A Curious Feeling’

Tony talks on his solo albums: The Fugitive, Bankstatement, Strictly Inc., 

Tony Banks (with Nik Kershaw) – I Wanna Change the Score

Tony Banks – An Island In The Darkness

A discussion on lyrics

Genesis – Keep It Dark

A discussion on Tony’s orchestral works

Tony Banks – Seven: A Suite for Orchestra

Tony Banks – Six Pieces for Orchestra

Tony Banks – Five

The Genesis song that was most difficult live – Man on the Corner

On missing touring (or otherwise), the 2007 and final tour

The last song played live: Carpet Crawlers

Desert Island Discs: Revolver – The Beatles, Pet Sounds – The Beach Boys, Rodgers & Hammerstein – The King and I, Symphony No. 10 – Shostakovich, The Oceanides- Sibelius.

Key links:

Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

Complete our audience survey to help us improve!

Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

The post Tony Banks, Genesis / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

David Paich is an American musician, songwriter, and producer best known as a founding member, keyboardist, and principal songwriter for the rock band Toto. Beyond his extensive work with the band, where he wrote or co-wrote hits such as “Africa,” “Rosanna,” and “Hold the Line,” David has a prolific background as a session musician. Over the course of his career, he has collaborated with numerous prominent artists, including Michael Jackson, Boz Scaggs, Elton John, Steely Dan and so many more. David is a true master of the craft and we try to cover some serious ground in what is a world-beating creative output.

To listen / watch:

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

David Paich – the full discography of more than 1900 sessions / releases

David’s musical upbringing

A small selection of Marty Paich’s amazing work

Shelly Manne

Being inspired by Ray Charles, Floyd Cramer and Elton John

Forming ‘Still Life’ alongside Jeff Porcaro and involving Steve Porcaro and Steve Lukather

The brilliant Larry Knechtel

David Paich’s first session: Seals and Crofts – Diamond Girl

Cher – David’s Song

Glenn Campbell – Houston (I’m Comin’ To See You)

Barbra Streisand – The Way We Were

Elton John – Nobody Wins

The Roland MicroComposer

Steely Dan – Night by Night

Steely Dan – Black Friday

David’s early keyboards

Working with Motown Mowest artists and seeing Clarence McDonald, Jerry Peters and Sonny Burke

David in action on one of his co-writes with Boz Scaggs – Lowdown

The formation of Toto

The first Toto album

One of the eight songs David wrote on the first album, the iconic Hold The Line

The successful keyboard partnership with Steve Porcaro

Exploring new synths, drum machines and Jeff Porcaro’s take on drum machines

The challenging of playing Toto songs live

David in action with Toto live on the 40 Tours Around The Sun tour- Rosanna

A discussion on Greg Phillinganes, Dennis Atlas and Rai Thistlethwayte – what it takes to be a keyboard player in Toto

David Paich – Forgotten Toys

David Paich – All The Tears That Shine

Working as an MD on large live events and composing for film

David in action preparing for the 2010 Emmy Awards

David’s thoughts on musical legacy

Desert Island Discs: Madman Across The Water – Elton John, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles, Steely Dan – Pretzel Logic, Trilogy – Emerson, Lake & Palmer, El Mirage – Jimmy Webb

A postscript on Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones

Key links:

Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

Complete our audience survey to help us improve!

Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

The post David Paich, Toto / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

No-one deserves to be part of our Masters Series more than Don Walker. Don is one of Australia’s most iconic players and songwriters and we chat on his latest release Love Songs , his work with Cold Chisel and Tex, Don and Charlie, and a whole lot more.

To listen / watch:

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

Don Walker – Love Songs

Don’s approach to the ‘Love Songs’ album

Don Walker’s ‘Salsa song’ – Let’s All Get Together

Don Walker – Luck

The song Cold Chisel knocked back – The Girl I Used To Know

Don Walker – Darwin

The inimitable Jeff Lang

Don’s favourite piano 

The sadly now deceased Head Gap Studios

Don’s Kawaii Baby Grand piano

Don Walker – Could You Still Be Here

Don’s solo touring keyboard rig and love of the (older) Nord piano sound

Don’s musical upbringing

Developing skills on organ

The Lawrence Audio electric piano

The thankful advent of the Yamaha CP-70

Negotiating sonic space for keyboard in a guitar driven band like Cold Chisel

A discussion on some deeper Don Walker compositions for Cold Chisel:

Cold Chisel – Home and Broken Hearted

Cold Chisel – Letter to Alan

Cold Chisel – Hound Dog

Cold Chisel – Janelle

Tex, Don & Charlie – Danielle

Arranging new songs / the collaborative approach within Cold Chisel

Don’s Cold Chisel keyboard rig

Auditioning a cavalcade of Yamaha CP-70s before the 2024 tour

The formation of Tex, Don & Charlie

Don in action with Tex, Don & Charlie live, 2017

Don’s duet with Slim Dusty: Charleville

Another Don Walker composition for Slim Dusty: Looking Forward, Looking Back

Don’s admiration for Thelonius Monk and Duke Ellington

Desert Island Discs: Ellington Indigos – Duke Ellington, Self-Titled – Elvis Presley, A Hard Day’s Night – The Beatles, Self-Titled – Led Zeppelin, Hymns to the Silence – Van Morrison.

A potential fiction book from Don Walker

Don’s view on a musical legacy or impact

Key links:

Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

Complete our audience survey to help us improve!

Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

The post Don Walker, Solo Artist / Cold Chisel / Tex, Don and Charlie appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Lawrence Gowan is a Scottish-Canadian singer, songwriter, and keyboardist best known as the vocalist and keyboardist for the classic rock band Styx, a role he has held since 1999. Before joining the group, he forged a highly successful solo career in Canada under the stage name Gowan. His 1985 solo album Strange Animal achieved triple-platinum status, driven by hit singles such as “A Criminal Mind,” a track that has since become a staple in Styx’s live sets. An ARCT-certified classical pianist, Gowan has crossed paths with some of rock’s most respected musicians over his decades-long career. His solo records feature notable collaborations with artists including Alex Lifeson of Rush, Jon Anderson of Yes, and Robert Fripp of King Crimson. Furthermore, his breakthrough album Strange Animal was famously recorded with Peter Gabriel’s esteemed rhythm section, including bassist Tony Levin and drummer Jerry Marotta.

To listen / watch:

Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):  

The current Styx tour – the band ‘that doesn’t stop’

Styx in action live in 2026

Lawrence’s post-show wind-down routine

Styx’s latest album – Circling From Above

A discussion on reproducing Mr Roboto live

Lawrence in action on Mr Roboto, 2026

Lawrence’s amazing rotating keyboard stand

Gowan – Lost Brotherhood (the first appearance of the spinning stand, alongside Alex Lifeson)

Lawrence’s early years as a musician and the importance of classical music

The first Gowan album (self-titled)

Working with the legendary Ronnie Hawkins

Gowan – Strange Animal

Lawrence in action with Jerry Lee Lewis, Jeff Healey and a wider cast of icons, 1995

Keyboards used on Strange Animal and the ‘step down’ from a Yamaha CS-80 to a Korg Poly 61

How ‘A Criminal Mind’ became part of the Styx live set

Gowan – ..But You Can Call Me Larry

Gowan – The Good Catches Up

Gowan in action live in 2025 – Strange Animal

Two questions from supporter Tammy – a song Lawrence wishes was his and his advice to his 20-year old self

Lawrence’s wish for his musical legacy

Desert Island Discs: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles, Selling England By The Pound – Genesis, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John, A Night at the Opera – Queen

Thumbnail graphic credit: Jason Powell via Styx official IG

Key links:

Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

Complete our audience survey to help us improve!

Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

The post Lawrence Gowan, Styx / Gowan appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.