The Keyboard Chronicles

Nigel Hall is a true soul provider whose authentic blend of funk, R&B, and jazz has made him a standout vocalist and keyboardist. We attempt to cover his musical evolution from his D.C. roots to his work with the Grammy-nominated band Lettuce and his own dynamic solo projects. Lots to be inspired by here, including Nigel’s story of overcoming adversity to have a great perspective on gratitude, music and life in general. 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):   Nigel’s past year Lettuce’s new album Cook – check out one of the songs, Keep On Nigel’s musical upbringing Nigel in action live with Lettuce Ryan Zoidis Robert Randolph and The Family Band Nigel in action on vocals with Soulive The challenges of being a band leader versus being a player in a band Some great insights on the physical and mental approach to touring Joining Lettuce Lettuce’s new album – Cook Nigel’s keyboard rig with Lettuce. Luke Jones – Custom Vintage Keys Nigel’s solo albums: Ladies and Gentleman.. Nigel Hall, Spiritual, The Burning Bush (EW&F tribute) Nigel Hall – I Can’t Stand The Rain Kofi Burbridge Thoughts for younger players Lettuce Live at The Fillmore Desert Island Discs: Journey to Love – Stanley Clarke, Extension of a Man – Donny Hathaway, OST – The Wiz, Feel – George Duke, Man-Child – Herbie Hancock. Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, 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 Nigel Hall, Lettuce / Soulive / Jon Cleary / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Mick Rossi has had a burgeoning career spanning decades, genres and artists. We attempt in an hour to cover some decent ground on that amazing career, including Mick’s work with Philip Glass, The Philip Glass Ensemble, Paul Simon, Carly Simon and Hall & Oates to name just a few. 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):   Mick’s recent and (8th or 9th) tour with Paul Simon Mick in action in 2025 with Paul Simon – The Sacred Harp Mick in action with Paul Simon – Wristband Recent work with the Philip Glass and the Philip Glass Ensemble – Floe (Glassworks) Mick with the Philip Glass Ensemble in 2024 – The Grid The late and great Dennis Sandole Touring with Angela Bofill Being approached to play with Philip Glass Philip Glass – La Belle et la Bête Michael Riesman Mick’s keyboard rig with The Philip Glass Ensemble Philip Glass – Orion Philip Glass & Leonard Cohen – Book of Longing On playing Philip Glass’ Music in 12 Parts On conducting a Philip Glass Ensemble show with a couple of hours notice On recording with, and joining, Paul Simon’s band Mick in action with Paul Simon on Cool, Cool River Mick’s keyboard rig with Paul Simon New York’s The Knitting Factory Mick’s prolific solo output including 160 (and why it should have been titled something different) Mick Rossi’s Anti-Matter Live at Barbes Mick with Caleb Wheeler Curtis – Runt Desert Island Discs: Facing You – Keith Jarrett, Symphonies Nos 1-15 – Shostakovich, Self-Titled – Led Zeppelin, Music for Strings, Percussion & Celesta, Five Pieces for Orchestra – Webern Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, 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 Mick Rossi, Paul Simon / Philip Glass / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Yaron Gershovsky is an internationally acclaimed pianist, keyboardist, arranger, composer, and producer. We attempt to cover Yaron’s amazing career, from his start in Israel and his initial gigs with jazz saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, through to his work with Wayne Shorter and his long-standing tenure as MD with The Manhattan Transfer. Add in some discussions about Broadway musicals, his recent album with Janis Siegel, The Count Basie Orchestra and a bunch of other collaborations and it’s a packed hour.  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):   Yaron’s past year Janis Sigel and Yaron Gershovsky – The Colors Of My Life Yaron’s early professional career in Israel Moving to the US and attending Berklee Working with Pharoah Sanders Working with Wayne Shorter on his album Atlantis Yaron in action with The Manhattan Transfer in 1986 Yaron in action with The Manhattan Transfer in 2023 A discussion on Yaron’s keyboard rig for The Manhattan Transfer When Chick Corea sits in with your band for a song Meeting and/or performing with Herbie Hancock, Oscar Peterson, Dr Lonnie Smith The Manhattan Transfer – Corner Pocket Yaron Gershovsky – Transitions Working on the musicals Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and City of Angels Thoughts for younger players entering the industry Yaron’s most memorable on-stage train wreck Desert Island Discs: Night Train – Oscar Peterson, The Cat – Jimmy Smith, The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album – Tony Bennett & Bill Evans, The Nightfly – Donald Fagen, Vocalese – The Manhattan Transfer Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, 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 Yaron Gershovsky, The Manhattan Transfer / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Kory Caudill is a keyboardist and composer from eastern Kentucky. After a musical journey with varied artists, he’s currently part of Tyler Childer’s band. He has also made a mark with his critically acclaimed solo projects, including the Grammy-nominated album “Tree of Life”. With special guest co-host Steve Nathan, we chat on all that plus his work on projects  like the “Concert for the Human Family” tour and how it reflects a deep commitment to using music as a bridge between cultures and communities. 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):   Recent touring with Tyler Childers Kory in action with Tyler Childers Recording the next Tyler Childers album Working with Rick Rubin Kory’s musical upbringing and a discussion on Appalachian culture Kory Caudill – Song for Appalachia The move to Nashville Kory’s father Keith Caudill in action Joining and working with Justin Moore Kory in action with Justin Moore Concert for the Human Family – working with collaborator Wordsmith Working with Pam Tillis Kory and Pam Tillis in action together Working with Blessing Offor Kory Caudill feat. Blessing Offor – Cross The River Being stretched as a player – Tyler Childers and Getting to the Bottom (solo is around 3-minute mark) Kory Caudill – Tree of Life Kory shares some of the insights that have been shared with him over the years in relation to musicianship Desert Island Discs: The Way Up – Pat Metheny Group, Tracks – Oscar Peterson, a Billy Preston gospel bootleg, Yanni Live at The Acropolis – Yanni, Here Come The Noise Makers – Bruce Hornsby Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, 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 Kory Caudill, Tyler Childers / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Steven Reid Williams is a British keyboardist, pianist, and songwriter who currently plays for UK and Australian pop legend Leo Sayer and 80s icon Paul Young, while also contributing as a session musician to artists such as Melanie C, Rebecca Ferguson, Lulu, and Nadine Coyle. Add to that his solo creative output and his work with The Overtones, and there’s lots to discuss. 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):   Touring with Leo Sayer Steven in action with Leo Sayer 2025 Steven’s musical upbringing Casio PT-20 Moving from teaching to professional musician Beth Rowley Working with Jamelia Steven demonstrating his chops as a player and singer Working with The Overtones Steven in action live with The Overtones Working with Leo Sayer Steven in action with Leo Sayer – One Man Band Steven’s keyboard rig with Leo Sayer When your first pro gig is given with one day’s notice, and is in Kazakhstan Working with Paul Young Paul Young – Iron Out The Rough Spots Steven in action with Sam Outlaw Some best bits of Terry Wogan This is actually what a flapjack is  Steven Reid Williams – Hearts and Stones Steven’s killer covers album – Black + White Interpretations Desert Island Discs: Sleepwalking – Gerry Rafferty, Rumours – Fleetwood Mac, An Innocent Man – Billy Joel, Self-Titled – Rage Against The Machine, hummingbird – Carly Pearce, Back Home Again – John Denver Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, 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 Steven Reid Williams, Leo Sayer / Paul Young / The Overtones appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

In this second part of our interview with Roger O’Donnell, we dive deeper into Roger’s time with The Cure by walking through each Cure album Roger worked on in reverse order. We also chat on composing for ballet, a great on-stage train wreck and a whole lot more. Watch Part 1 here. 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 strength of The Cure’s live show The Cure in action at Glastonbury 2019 The Cure live in 2024 – A Forest Working on 2004’s album – The Cure The Cure’s approach to songwriting Working on Bloodflowers Wild Mood Swings period Roger’s current touring rig with The Cure Recreating the keyboard sounds of the earlier albums by The Cure The more challenging songs by The Cure to play, including The Top Roger playing Like Cockatoos live in 2018 One of the 9 million times Roger has loved playing Just Like Heaven The recording of Disintegration Thoughts for younger players entering the music industry A memorable on-stage train wreck The next decade of Roger’s career and the long-term passion of a ballet on The Picture of Dorian Gray A taste of Roger O’Donnell’s classical work On not playing music during an extended illness Desert Island Discs: Head Hunters – Herbie Hancock, Mahavishnu Orchestra – Birds of Fire, The Grand Wazoo – Frank Zappa, Electric Ladyland – Jimi Hendrix, Songs From The Silver Box – Roger O’Donnell. Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, 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 Roger O’Donnell – The Cure / Psychedelic Furs / Solo Artist (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Roger O’Donnell is a long-serving member of The Cure, shaping their sound for coming up to 40 years (with a couple of breaks). Aside from that critical role, Roger formerly held down keys duties with The Psychedelic Furs, Thompson Twins and Berlin. Add to that his incredible solo output and you have a fascinating guest for the show. In Part 1 we cover off Roger’s early career, musical upbringing and his solo albums, finished off with a start on our discussion on The Cure. 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):   Roger’s past year The Cure – Songs From A Lost World Roger’s new solo album – Projections Roger’s new Rhodes Mk 8 The challenges of doing Atmos mixes Roger O’Donnell – The Truth In Me Roger O’Donnell – Songs From The Silver Box The brilliance of the Rhodes Mk 8 in an album context Roger O’Donnell – 7 Different Words for Love The Una Corda piano Roger’s work on the movie Sam & Kate A brief time with Phillip Glass Roger’s musical upbringing and being born next to the piano Buying a Prophet 600 and joining The Thompson Twins The move to LA and joining The Psychedelic Furs Roger in action with The Psychedelic Furs in 1987 The Flirtations Thompson Twins keyboard rig Roger’s enormous Sequential Circuits-based keyboard rig with The Psychedelic Furs Recording Disintegration with The Cure and the keyboards used Adjusting playing style when joining The Cure What makes the working relationship with Robert Smith successful Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, 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 Roger O’Donnell – The Cure / Psychedelic Furs / Solo Artist (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Thorsten Quaeschning is a German composer, multi-instrumentalist, and musical director. We talk to him about his new album in collaboration with Steve Rothery, his role as the leader of the legendary electronic group Tangerine Dream, and his career more broadly.  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):   Check out Bioscope – Gento Genesis of the collaboration with Steve Rothery Recording of the Gento album and the benefits of working side by side rather than remotely Alex Reeves A walk through Gento track by track The importance of Thorsten’s modular rig in his work Using three Minimoog Voyagers and their idiosyncracies Avoiding the 80s and 90s keyboard staples with the Bioscope project A detailed chat on the huge range of keyboards, plugins and effects used on Gento Potential for a second Bioscope album Thorsten’s musical upbringing Getting the call to join Tangerine Dream (and Edgar Froese’s ‘to-do’ list) Learning electronic music with Edgar Froese at your side Tangerine Dream – Jeanne D’Arc (2005) The secret to the success of Thorsten and Edgar’s working relationship Evolving Tangerine Dream’s sound whilst honouring the legacy to date The brilliant Sigur Rós and the iconic Sundlaugin Studio Tangerine Dream – Zeit vs Tangerine Dream – Phaedra Defining Tangerine Dream’s ‘Quantum Era’ Tangerine Dream live in Melbourne 2014 Edgar Froese’s firm view on Tangerine Dream’s continuation Paul Frick Fascinating chat on approach to playing Tangerine Dream songs live Desert Island Discs: Five Leaves Left – Nick Drake, In The Wee Small Hours – Frank Sinatra, Disintegration – The Cure, August and Everything After – Counting Crows, ( ) – Sigur Rós Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, 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 Thorsten Quaeschning, Tangerine Dream / Bioscope / Picture Palace Music appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

In this engaging conversation, Otmaro Ruiz shares insights into his musical journey, from his upbringing and early influences to his teaching philosophy and collaborations with renowned artists, including Dianne Reeves, Alex Acuna, Abraham Laboriel, Justo Almario, Gino Vanelli, John McLaughlin, and Protocol – Simon Phillips. He discusses the challenges of adapting his music for live performances, the creative process behind his solo albums, and the impact of his experiences on his growth as a musician. Otmaro reflects on the importance of education in music, the evolution of teaching methods, and the unique challenges faced by today’s musicians. He also shares memorable stories from his career, including his work with iconic artists and the lessons learned along the way. 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):   Otmaro’s full discography Working on show prep with Simon Phillips for the upcoming tour of the Lado B Brazilian Project Otmaro’s musical upbringing Otmaro’s approach as a music educator Otmaro’s relationship with synthesizers Otmaro Ruiz Plays Ryuichi Sakamoto Otmaro Ruiz – Distant Friends Otmaro Ruiz – Nothing to Hide Otmaro Ruiz – Sojourn Otmaro Ruiz – Elemental Otmaro Ruiz – Essencia Working with Alex Acuna Working with Abraham Laboriel Working with Justo Almario Otmaro’s performance / touring time with Dianne Reeves Otmaro in action live with Dianne Reeves Effortless Mastery – Kenny Werner Working with Gino Vanelli Otmaro in action live with Gino Vanelli 2002 Working with Frank Gambale Otmaro playing live with Frank Gambale and Alain Caron Otmaro’s thoughts on imposter syndrome and learning throughout a career in music Otmaro and John McLaughlin – The Heart of Things (Live in Paris) When you have to learn John McLaughlin’s repertoire from scratch Working with Lee Ritenour Otmaro playing live with Lee Ritenour 2018 Working with Simon Phillips and Protocol Otmaro playing live with Protocol Otmaro’s Protocol keyboard rig Otmaro’s hilarious train wreck story Desert Island Discs*: Now He Sings, Now He Sobs – Chick Corea, The Köln Concert – Keith Jarrett, Piano Concertos – Ravel / Nelson Goerner, Fictionary – Lyle Mays, Jammin’ with Herbie – Herbie Hancock *Specific album choices curated by David where needed Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, 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 Otmaro Ruiz, Protocol / Dianne Reeves / Gino Vanelli / Alex Acuna / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

In Part 2 we move on to Toby’s work with Belinda Carlisle, Cher, Tom Jones, Tina Arena, Aqua, boy bands, Rick Astley and a whole bunch more. Do check out Part 1 here. 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):   Working with Paul Young Being MD for D-Ream Working with Paul Carrack Working with Aqua Working with Tina Arena Producing some songs (and ‘waving his F&^king arms around’ for Cher on her Living Proof album Working with Gary Barlow, Westlife, Boyzone and Atomic Kitten Joining Tom Jones in the 1990s Tom Jones – Thunderball Working for Belinda Carlisle Toby in action with Belinda Carlisle in 2025 Working with ABC Toby in action with Spandau Ballet on their reunion tour 2015 Toby in action with ABC at the Royal Albert Hall 2017 Working with Rick Astley Looking forward: the next decade of Toby’s career Thoughts for younger players entering the industry Desert Island Discs: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John, Hotel California – Eagles, Minute by Minute – The Doobie Brothers, Vince Gill – When Love Finds You, Coldplay – Moon Music. Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, 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 Toby Chapman, Spandau Ballet / Tom Jones / Belinda Carlisle (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.