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: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel 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 RevelationGenesis – 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 usedHammond L122 Organ Yamaha CP-70The 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 bandsThe Disturbed – Land of Confusion Genesis – It’s Gonna Get Better Tony’s approach to keyboard solos and his favourite soloThoughts on Firth of FifthTony’s thoughts on the degree of fame Genesis reachedGenesis live at Wembley Stadium in 1987Genesis – 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 DarknessA 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: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel 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 albumOne of the eight songs David wrote on the first album, the iconic Hold The LineThe successful keyboard partnership with Steve PorcaroExploring 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 filmDavid 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: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel 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 pianoDon Walker – Could You Still Be HereDon’s solo touring keyboard rig and love of the (older) Nord piano soundDon’s musical upbringingDeveloping 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 ChiselDon’s Cold Chisel keyboard rigAuditioning 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: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel 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.

Richard Barbieri is best known as the keyboardist for the pioneering British new wave band Japan, as a core member of the progressive rock group Porcupine Tree and a successful artist in his own right. He is known for his unique approach to synthesis, atmospheric sound design, and textural playing style. Richard chats with us on his career to date, his distinct approach to creating sounds, and a great deal more. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Richard’s latest album Hauntings The inspirations that led to the recording of Hauntings Discussion on the songs Anemoia, 1890,  Reveille / Last Post, and Artificial Obsession A viewer question (thanks Matt G) on writing for film Richard’s musical upbringing Richard’s work with Japan and the mammoth Roland System 700 Richard’s keyboard rig with Japan The unique creative relationship between Richard Barbieri and Steve Jansen Choosing backing tracks over sequencing for less pivotal parts One of Richard’s Japan compositions – Temple of Dawn The transition from Japan to Rain Tree Crow Red Earth (As Summertime Ends) – Rain Tree Crow Formation of Jansen, Barbieri and Karn (JBK) JBK live in 1994 – Bestial Cluster Jansen / Barbieri and Karn – Stories Across Borders Joining Porcupine Tree The ‘Signify’ sessions – recording as a band Porcupine Tree – Signify Evolving with the heavier / more complex albums from a sonic viewpoint (and the importance of the Access Virus) The influence of lyrics on sound design Adjusting sound design approach for performing in larger venues Getting used to In-Ear Monitoring A tour of Richard Barbieri’s recording studio (see standlone studio tour video here) Richard’s use of soft synths Richard’s evolving approach to perforning his solo work live Performing with The Bays Ryuichi Sakamoto as inspiration and watching him record Working with Marillion’s Steve Hogarth: Not The Weapon But The Hand and Arc Light Creating presets for others and the challenges of them being applied in other people’s work Richard’s wishes for his music in the far future Discussion on another solo album and work to date on a potential Porcupine Tree album Desert Island Discs: Rock Bottom – Robert Wyatt, Close To The Edge – Yes, A Moon Shaped Pool – Radiohead, Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, Endtroducing…. – DJ Shadow 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 Richard Barbieri, Solo Artist / Porcupine Tree / Japan appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

In this episode we speak with Christian Dinh Gulino, a UK-based keyboard player and musical director covering everything from pop tours to video game soundtracks. Aside from his arranging and production work for Square Enix Music, he has extensively toured with artists such as Bryan Ferry, Kylie Minogue and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, alongside a long-standing working relationship with Will Young. We chat on all that and more, including some great insights into weekend corporate gigs in other countries and an Andrea Bocelli train wreck anecdote for the ages…. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Christian’s musical upbringing Playing at 12 and getting ‘roasted’ by the pros Moving from Italy to the UK  Early career as a player Joining Dennis Rollins’ Badbone & Co Auditioning for, and joining Sophie Ellis-Bextor Using a Nord keyboard, Reason and a Dell Laptop Christian in action with Sophie Ellis-Bextor, 2009 Working with Will Young Christian in action with Will Young, 2015 John Newman – Love Me Again Christian’s thoughts on the key components of a Musical Director role Negotiating disagreements on musical directionWorking with Kylie MinogueChristian in action live with Kyle Minogue at Glastonbury 2019 When you have six days to get your driver’s license to be able to join Kylie Minogue in Singapore Working with Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music on their 50th Anniversary tour Christian playing with Roxy music in 2022 The keyboard rig for Roxy Music Composing for games / film, including the Final Fantasy franchise Kai Kaurismaki Christian’s two notable train wrecks Working on Name That Tune Desert Island Discs: Speak Like A Child – Herbie Hancock, Hotter Than July – Stevie Wonder, Off The Wall – Michael Jackson, 1996 – Ryuichi Sakamoto,  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 Christian Dinh Gulino, Roxy Music / Kylie Minogue / Will Young appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

John Linnell is one half of  They Might Be Giants, an American alternative rock band formed in Brooklyn, New York, in 1982. The group is known for their unique blend of alternative rock, experimental pop, and highly unconventional songwriting. John chats with us on his career to date, recent album The World Is To Dig and a great deal more. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Pulling together a ‘pile’ of songs for The World Is To Dig The Linnell / Flansburgh writing and album production process The brilliant Patrick Dillett Sound selection for The World Is To Dig The Critter and Guitari Organelle Bastl Instruments John’s long-term love of Digital Performer They Might Be Giants live – approach in the early years as a tape-backed duo They Might Be Giants re-create the duo years in Brooklyn in 2015. John in action with They Might Be Giants live in 2026: Spiraling Shape John’s discovery of the accordion Main Squeeze accordions in New York City The late, great Walter Kuhr and the Main Squeeze Orchestra John’s keyboard rig in ‘the early days’ Casio CZ-101 Casio FZ-1 John’s current virtual keyboard rig with They Might Be Giants after a long and healthy relationship with the original Roland Fantom keyboard The Marxophone The Marxophone in action on Alabama Song (Whisky Bar) – The Doors They Might Be Giants’ cover of the Irving Berlin song Lazy They Might Be Giants – Who Are The Electors? They Might Be Giants’ intergenerational appeal Mutual thoughts on Australia’s love for They Might Be Giants (and how JJJ made a difference) The TMBG musical vault and why it will likely stay closed Desert Island Discs: Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Books I & II BWV 846-893 – Glenn Gould, The Anthology 1931-1968 – The Mills Brothers, Songs of the Pogo – Norman Monath / Walt Kelly, The Biz Never Sleeps – Biz Markie, Oranges & Lemons – XTC A shout out for This Might Be A Wiki 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 John Linnell, They Might Be Giants appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Mark ‘Squeezebox Wally’ Wallace is an Australian-based accordion and keyboard player, who for more than forty years has played around the world with a range of outfits including Weddings Parties Anything and Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission.  We cover a lot of that career, in addition to some discussion on accordions in contemporary music, some great desert island disc selections and a whole bunch more. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Mark’s musical upbringing and earning his stripes in a Scottish dance band from age 12. Auditioning and joining Weddings Parties Anything Wedding Parties Anything live in 1988 – Under The Clocks Weddings Parties Anything – Streets of Forbes Early days gigging with Weddings Parties Anything, including a residency at Fitzroy’s Jike Jika Hotel. Weddings Parties Anything’s first album – Scorn of the Women The Infanticide of Marie Farrar Weddings Parties Anything – Away Away The second album – Roaring Days Discussion on Weddings Parties rise and rise and supporting acts like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robert Cray, Steve Earle and U2. The third album – The Big Don’t Argue The Ballad of Peggy and Col The fourth album – Difficult Loves The fifth album – King Tide Changes in band lineup and making Australia the ‘new Europe’ touring-wise. The sixth album – Donkey Serenade The last album – River’esque The ending of Weddings Parties Anything, the final gigs and stage diving with an accordion Touring with U2 and BB KingMark in action with Sally Dastey The brilliant Tiddas Playing on Mick Thomas and The Sure Thing albums – including Big Geographical The formation of Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission Three Roving Commission songs to check out: Back in the Day, Build This, Anything You Recognise (which in part retells the discussion with Mark on the breakup of Weddings Parties Anything) Mark’s accordions and go to keyboard: the Nord Electro 3 The solo album: Squeezebox Wally Thoughts on musical legacy The The – This Is The Day Desert Island Discs: Kite – Kirsty Maccoll, Five Leaves Left – Nick Drake, Dancer With Bruised Knees – Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Moon Safari – Air, How Will The Wolf Survive? – Los Lobos, Nina Simone At Town Hall – Nina Simone. 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. A special thanks to Tim Pyers who introduced me to Weddings Parties anything way back in 1989. Do get in touch Tim!The post Mark ‘Squeezebox Wally’ Wallace, Weddings Parties Anything, Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Julian Emery is a UK-based songwriter, producer, and guitarist whose credits include work with artists such as Nothing But Thieves, McFly, and Lissie. This episode is a little different as Julian doesn’t play keyboards himself, but he joins the show to share his unique perspective from the producer’s chair and offers some interesting thoughts on the role keyboard players play in songs. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   Julian’s website Jules’ musical upbringingMoving into production and recognising the importance of synths / keyboards in the processHear’Say Working with Matt Willis and co-writing his first three singles, including Up All Night Co-writing with McFly, including Star Girl Building rapport and co-writing with people you are meeting for the first time Jules’ long-term collaborative relationship with Jim Irvin Collaboration mistakes made the hard way The longstanding ‘gift’ of working with Nothing But Thieves. One of Jules’ co-writes with Nothing But Thieves (and #1 hit) Trip Switch Nothing But Thieves – Welcome to the DCC The WASP synth Working with Lissie across multiple albums and co-writing songs, including the breakout hit When I’m Alone A discussion on Jules’ passion for talking on creativity and resilience. Desert Island Discs: Back in Black – AC/DC, 2112 – Rush, Hemispheres – Rush, Denim and Leather – Saxon, Chicago X – Chicago. 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 tas te of each guest’s creations.The post Julian Emery, Songwriter and Producer appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Geoff Downes returns for his second appearance on the show, having originally joined us back on Episode 38. While his extensive history with Yes is well documented, this time around we focus specifically on the band’s latest album, Aurora. Geoff covers a lot of ground in this interview, and we take the opportunity to delve into his current approach to songwriting and his performance on the new record. To listen / watch: Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   The release of the album Aurora by Yes Thoughts on being in the longest period of time in Yes without personnel changes, and the central role Steve Howe plays in ensuring the Yes sound Yes – Countermovement Paying due respect to the legacy of previous Yes keyboard players  The keyboard sounds that are the essence of the Yes sound The more challenging aspects of a Yes live set Geoff’s (still huge) keyboard rig with Yes and the contrast with his rig with AsiaProposed approach to recreating the Aurora tracks live, in a band that doesn’t use backing tracks The importance in Yes of interplay between keyboards and guitar. Geoff’s collaborative relationships with Steve Howe and Jon Davison. Preparing for, and surviving a long tour. Geoff’s pick of artists living or dead, that’d he’d love to work with. Geoff’s admiration of Benny Andersson Band T-Shirt Pimp: Punch Drunk Cabaret Thumbnail picture via Yes official social media, taken by Ellis Larch 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 Geoff Downes, Yes (Redux) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.