The Keyboard Chronicles

Jim Moginie is a renowned Australian musician best known as a founding member, keyboardist, and songwriter for the iconic rock band Midnight Oil, where he served as a driving creative force for over 50 years. Beyond his keyboard work with the Oils, Jim has collaborated with numerous prominent artists including Silverchair, Sarah Blasko, Neil Finn, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra, while also pursuing diverse musical projects from his Sydney-based studio. We chat on a diverse range of topics and get into some great chat on his latest album release.

To listen / watch:

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

Jim’s release: Everything’s Gonna Be Fine

Jim Moginie: Murmurations

Hamish Stuart

Adam Ventura

Leah Flanagan

Colm Mac Con Iomaire – The Minbar of Saladin

Sean Wayland – Merge Conflict

Chris Abrahams – From a Tower Lost As Heat

Jim on piano

David Bridie

Jim’s childhood fascination with the piano

In-depth run through Jim’s latest album

From Everything’s Gonna Be Fine: I Follow The Truth

Politics / activism chat

The Cathy Freeman iconic moment

Warumpi Band – Blackfella / Whitefella

Yothu Yindi – Treaty

Christine Anu – My Island Home

Bill Fay – Salt of the Earth

Meeting a Minimoog as a teenager

The HG Palmer Organ

Oceanic Studio Brookvale

Life as a dual instrumentalist in Midnight Oil and increasingly incorporating keyboards

Jim’s solo in Short Memory – 2022

Jim’s Midnight Oil keyboard rig 

Midnight Oil – Koala Sprint (Live 2022)

Midnight Oil – Redneck Wonderland

Learnings from other players

Midnight Oil – A Crocodile Cries

Perspective on piano lessons later in life

Suggestions for newer players entering the industry

Desert Island Discs: Bach: Lute Suites Nos 1 &2 – Julian Bream, White Album – The Beatles, Focus 3 – Focus, Virtuoso – Joe Pass, anything by Horowitz or Jarrett.

Amazing cover photo by Christabel Blackman

Key links:

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Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.

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

The post Jim Moginie, Midnight Oil / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Mic Michaeli has held down keyboard duties with iconic act Europe for nearly the entirety of their ongoing career. We cover that career in some detail and also discuss other projects Mic has been able to complete in between sell out arena and stadium shows.

To listen / watch:

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

Mic’s musical upbringing and musical family

The Korg Polyphonic Ensemble

Joining Europe

Europe – Hold Your Head Up

Taking a fresh approach after a 12-year hiatus

Managing a harmonious band dynamic in the most democratic way possible

Mic Michaeli’s keyboard rig with Europe

Managing fatigue on longer tours

Working with Glenn Hughes

Exploring the country / Americana genres

Mic’s go-to software instruments at home

Keeping music human in an era of emerging AI

Some encouragement for younger players entering the industry

No Stone Unturned – Europe

Desert Island Discs: Abbey Road – The Beatles, Apostrophe (‘) – Frank Zappa, Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd, Spirit of Eden – Talk Talk

Cover photo taken by Gilles Simon and obtained via Europe’s official Instagram

Key links:

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The post Mic Michaeli, Europe appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Dennis Atlas is currently keyboardist for the renowned rock band Toto, joining the band in 2024 as their second keyboardist, replacing Steve Maggiora. We talk to Dennis about that amazing opportunity, his burgeoning solo career and his other projects.

To listen / watch:

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

Dennis’ website

Dennis’ musical upbringing

Dennis in action with Styxology

The Trip cover band

Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal

Dennis’ rig for his tribute / cover band work

Nexus by reFX

OP-X by Sonic Projects

Dennis ‘Only Eat Cheese Once in a While’ Atlas

Becoming a keyboard player with Toto

Dennis in action with Toto at The Hollywood Bowl

Buck the pilot from Arizona and learning Rosanna

Approach to the one only band rehearsal with Toto before the tour

Rehearsing the Toto setlist with David Paich and Greg Phillinganes

Taking a positive approach to learning and ‘the hang’

Dennis’ keyboard rig with Toto

The Alesis Q88

Dennis in action solo – Dream Theater cover

The experience of auditioning for American Idol

Check out Initiator – Ice Garden

Dennis’ solo album – My Magical Wonderland

Dennis in action with Lufeh

Tag a Keyboard Player: Lawrence Gowan

Desert Island Discs (Dennis’ 8 cruelly curated to 5): The Odyssey – Symphony X, A Night At The Opera – Queen, Point of Know Return – Kansas, Cyclorama – Styx

Key links:

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The post Dennis Atlas, Toto / The Trip / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Larry Mullins is an American multi-instrumentalist best known for his work with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Swans and Iggy Pop, but his diversity as a player and composer goes well beyond those two iconic acts. In this second of two parts we talk on Larry’s work with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, The Residents, the establishment of Larry’s record label, his work with Jessie Evans and lots more. Do check out Larry’s new album Camissonia as well – an amazing piece of work.

To listen / watch:

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

Joining Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

Larry in action with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

Iggy Pop and Nick Cave as band leaders

Adjusting as a keyboard player to Nick Cave’s style

Larry’s Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds keyboard rig

Markus Resch and Mellotron

The Omnichord

The Residents and setting up a record label (Hit Thing Records)

Lary 7

Georges Montalba – Pipe Organ Favorites @ Fantasy in Pipe Organ and Percussion

The fascinating story of Georges Montalba, Anton LaVey and a near-deathbed confession from Robert Hunter

Larry’s alter-ego Toby Dammit, and Mark Mothersbaugh’s admiration

Larry playing live with Jessie Evans

The amazing John and Cody Carpenter (and Daniel Davies) – My Name Is Death

Desert Island Discs: The Disintegration Loops Vol 1-4 – William Basinski, Lovely Thunder – Harold Budd, Escape From New York – John Carpenter, Single Collection – Maki Asakawa (Maki’s first album not available online), Warmth of Earth – Eduard Artemyev.

Key links:

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Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.

Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content

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

The post Larry Mullins, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds / Iggy Pop / Swans / Solo Artist (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Larry Mullins is an American multi-instrumentalist best known for his work with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Swans and Iggy Pop, but his diversity as a player and composer goes well beyond those two iconic acts. In this first of two parts we talk on Larry’s 115 date tour with Swans, his just released solo album and start discussing his long and storied career to date. 

To listen / watch:

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

Larry in action with Swans, 2024

Larry’s keyboard rig with Swans

Larry’s recently released solo album Camissonia

The shadowless man, or, The wonderful history of Peter Schlemihl 

The Suzuki Omnichord

The Casio MT-55

Candy Bomber Studio, Berlin

Larry’s early training as a classical musician

The move to punk

Following Iggy Pop around Ohio

Greg Ginn and Black Flag

Tex and the Horseheads

Iggy mentions Larry on Letterman

Spending nine years with Iggy Pop

Larry in action with Iggy Pop in Paris – 1991

Staying psychologically resilient on the road

Alina Kalancea

Key links:

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

The post Larry Mullins, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds / Iggy Pop / Swans / Solo Artist (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Tom Seals is an emerging talent in the jazz and blues scene in the UK. Despite his youth, this gifted musician from Crewe has already performed alongside renowned artists such as Jamie Cullum, Gregory Porter, and Jools Holland. Beyond live performances, he hosts his own television program on Sky called “Tom Seals Presents,” where he engages in conversations with celebrities and offers his own jazz interpretations of their favourite songs.  We chat with Tom on all this and a lot more.

To listen / watch:

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

Tom’s 2024 so far

Tom’s YouTube channel and website

Kiefer Sutherland – musician

Creed Bratton – More Than You Know

Tom’s musical childhood

Jools Holland

The UK’s love for Boogie Woogie Piano

The Polish Boogie Festival

Bartek Szopiński

Reunion Boogie Germany

Luis Coloma in action

Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts

Tom’s approach to improvisation

Tom in action with Kenny Thomas

Turning 12 songs into 300 on a short notice cruise gig

Paul Lamb at The 100 Club

Tom in action with CC Smugglers at Montreaux

The Tom Seals show during COVID – Black and Gold

The Tom Seals show with Matt Lucas

Tom and band do a killer version of Bowie’s Starman

Tom Seals and Noddy Holder

Tom at The Blue Note Milan

Tom’s favourite digital and acoustic pianos

The amazing Mo Pleasure

When you’re summonsed to play piano in someone’s hotel suite

Desert Island Discs: Live at Shea Stadium – Billy Joel, The Genius Sings The Blues – Ray Charles, Another Side of Paul Carrack – Paul Carrack & the SWR Big Band, Tapestry – Carole King, Breakfast – Lawrence

Key links:

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

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

Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.

Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content

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

The post Tom Seals, Jazz, Blues and Pop Pianist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Jakob Frímann Magnússon is a musical chameleon, wearing many hats in the Icelandic music scene and beyond. Born in Denmark but raised in Iceland, Jakob co-founded the legendary Icelandic band Stuðmenn back in his high school days, and they’ve been rocking since the 1970s. Jakob also has a solid solo career, dabbling in jazz fusion and collaborating with some big-name American jazz musicians. He also direct films, produces TV shows, and even had a stint as a cultural attaché in London. His latest outfit, Jack Magnet Science, has just released an album after gathering a bunch of talented musicians in an Icelandic studio to jam and see what happens. And when he has a spare hour or two, Jakob is also a member of the Icelandic parliament and has facilitated some fascinating initiatives for musicians..

To listen / watch:

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

Jack Magnet Science’s release – Future Forecast

Jakob’s musical upbringing

Studying trumpet and the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra

Check out some of Stuðmenn’s music

An example of Jakob and Stuðmenn’s movie work

More info on the 1982 film ‘On Top’

Long John Baldry

The amazing Alan Howarth

Jakob and Alan in action as The Magnetics

On being a primarily self-taught keyboard player

Jakob Magnússon – Special Treatment

On the origin of the name Jack Magnet

Jakob Magnússon – Jack Magnet

Eyþór Gunnarsson – interview

Eyþór Gunnarsson – Garden Party

Ragnhildur Gísladóttir in action

DiSA in action with Trentemoller

Joni Mitchell – Both Sides Now

Becoming a cultural attache of the Icelandic embassy in London

Being a member of the Althingi (Iceland’s Parliament)

Stephens Electronics recording devices

Desert Island Discs: Sculpture – DiSA, Gaucho – Steely Dan, Black Market – Weather Report, Both Sides Now – Joni Mitchell, Future Forecast – Jack Magnet Science

Key links:

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Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.

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

The post Jakob Frímann Magnússon, Jack Magnet Science / Stuðmenn / Composer appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Felix Bornholdt is a New Zealand-born pianist and composer, known for his active involvement in the Australian improvised music scene and as a member (until recently) of the band Lime Cordiale. He has a rich musical background, influenced by a diverse range of genres from ECM and Bach to avant-garde jazz, which he was exposed to during his childhood. Bornholdt’s career highlights include extensive touring across the USA, Europe, and the UK, and the release of his debut solo piano album, Man Overboard, in June 2023. We chatted with Felix just a few days before he announced his (amicable) departure from Lime Cordiale.

To listen / watch:

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

Felix’s musical upbringing

Mike Nock

Mike Nock – Ondas

Moving to Australia and studying jazz

The Catholics – Indigo

Joining Lime Cordiale

Felix’s touring rig with Lime Cordiale

Felix in action with Lime Cordiale

Felix’s solo piano album – Man Overboard

Felix with Bike Thief

Tag a Keyboard Player: Novak Manojlovic

Desert Island Discs: Mutable Set – Blake Mills, The Koln Concert – Keith Jarrett, The Mysterious Production of Eggs – Andrew Bird, Tribalistas – Tribalistas, A Kind of Blue – Miles Davis

Cover graphic taken by the amazing Vasili Papathanasopoulos via Felix’s Instagram account

Key links:

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

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

Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.

Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content

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

The post Felix Bornholdt, Lime Cordiale / Bike Thief / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Mike Mangan is an American musician known for his skills on the Hammond B3 Organ. Aside from playing keyboards for The Cult, Mike also leads his own bands, (Big Organ Trio and Rebel House Radio), and has been part of Glenn Hughes’ band, The Keef Richards and much more. 

To listen / watch:

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

Mike’s musical upbringing

Bob Kames and ‘Dance Little Bird’ (Chicken Dance)

Developing a love for the Hammond Organ

Moving to LA and the ‘Leave It To Beaver’ connection

Forming Big Organ Trio

Big Organ Trio in action: Dragon’s Triangle

Working with Glenn Hughes and the Secret Society of Glenn Hughes Organ Players with Lachy Doley and Bob Fridzema

Mike in action with Kings of Chaos

When Billy Gibbons plays your B3

Joining The Cult and ‘filling sonic spaces’

Mike in action with The Cult, 2023

Mike with The Cult – American Horse

Mike’s B3 organ outro on The Cult – The Witch

Opening for Dr Lonnie Smith and Ken Rich saving the day

The aging of the B3 tech support workforce

Opening for Robby Krieger

Lending your B3 to Bernie Worrell

When Keith Emerson turns up to your organ trio gig

Mike and Keith Emerson jam together

Shout out by Mike to Luke Jones at CV Keyboards

Mike with The Keef Richards band – I Want You (She’s So Heavy)

Desert Island Discs: Live! – Brother Jack McDuff, Black and Blue – Gene Harris Quartet, Brothers and Sisters – The Allman Brothers Band, In Step – Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, Are You Experienced – Jimi Hendrix

Key links:

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

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

Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.

Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content

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

The post Mike Mangan, The Cult / Glenn Hughes / Big Organ Trio / The Keef Richards appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Larry Goldings is an internationally respected pianist, organist and composer, whos has worked with a wide array of artists such as John Scofield, Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny, and James Taylor. He also has his own trio and solo works, as well as his contributions to numerous film and television soundtracks. Then there’s his  comedic alter ego named Hans Groiner. In Part 2 we explore Larry’s approach to humour, working with Sia, Colin Hay and James Taylor,  and continue to do some deep musical diving. 

To listen / watch:

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

Working with James Taylor

Larry letting it rip on Steamroller with James Taylor

Working with Colin Hay

Larry with Colin Hay – I Want You Back

Working with Sia

Larry with Sia – I’m in Trouble

The instinctive qualities of good singer/songwriters

Larry’s approach to humour

The evolution of Hans Groiner

Hans Groiner – Beethoven and the Blues

Hans Groiner live with Jake Sherman

Hans and the music of Thelonius Monk

Our favourites: CPAC National Anthem Fail and Close Encounters

What Larry Goldings has learned from Hans Groiner

Johnny ‘Bowtie’ Barstow

Tag a Keyboard Player: Sullivan Fortner, Steve Nieve, Garth Hudson

Desert Island Discs: Facing You – Keith Jarrett, Plays Duke Ellington – Thelonius Monk, At The Pershing: But Not For Me – Ahmad Jamal, Mompou Plays Mompou – Federico Mompou, The Complete Vee-Jay Recordings – Billy Preston, Genius + Soul = Jazz – Ray Charles

Key links:

Buy some keyboard related merchandise

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

Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.

Support us on Patreon and receive bonus content

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

The post Larry Goldings, Pianist and Composer (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.