Lawrence Gowan, Styx / Gowan

Michael Orland has been at the centre of many great musical moments across his career and they keep on coming. In his role as part of the American Idol team across 16 seasons he’s played with hundreds of talented musicians. As you’ll hear, that brings with it some wonderful insights into music, musicianship and professionalism.  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):   Michaels music upbringing and playing piano at age 3The Duplex Cabaret / Piano BarThe life of a break pianist and progressing to five years of playing in piano bars The huge learning opportunities of musical theatre, dinner theatre and the cruise circuitMichael’s first MD job: Wayland Flowers and Madame Michael in action with Jennifer Hudson (and Adam Lambert) Sam Harris Becoming Barry Manilow’s rehearsal pianist Joining American IdolThe pace of shooting week on American IdolAccompanying Idol contestants on Ellen more than 70 times Adam Lambert on American Idol Katharine McPhee on American Idol The role of pianist in building a singer’s confidence on American IdolAdam Lambert – If I Can’t Have You Working with David FosterDavid Foster at Sea Working on the Celebrity Duets TV showSome tips for players in today’s social media driven ageMichael’s InstagramThe joy of working with Kristin ChenowethMichael’s 2025 album In My LifeSam Gravitte – Love Is Why We’re HereDesert Island Discs: The Fantasticks – Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones,  Gold: Greatest Hits – Carpenters, Ultimate Manilow – Barry Manilow, any Elton John album, any Billy Joel 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 Michael Orland, Music Director and Pianist appeared first on 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: 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):   Kenny’s musical upbringingA great overview of The Head and The Heart in their own wordsSub Pop RecordsThe formation of The Head and The HeartThe Head and the Heart – Down in the Valley The Head and The Heart – GhostsThe recording of the first (selef-titled) The Head and The Heart albumPerry Watts-RussellThe 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 harmonyKeeping things interesting and creative in a matured bandThe Head and The Heart – After The Setting SunKenny’s touring keyboard rigThe Roland FP-7Kenny’s on-stage train wreckTag 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: 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):   Peter’s past 12 months Peter’s latest album – Excursions Peter Manning Robinson – InitiationPeter’s upcoming feature filmA discussion on the good and the not so good of film and TV compositionPeter’s childhood and playing the piano at age 3The brilliant Ernie Watts and Freddie HubbardRahsaan Roland KirkA discussion on resilience, harsh feedback and finding your own space within musicLearning how to tour and perform in a band The creative link between cooking and musicThe development of tendonitis and the three-year journey to recoveryProfessor Phil CohenTranslating emotions to playingDevelopment of the Refractor PianoPeter in action with the Refractor PianoDesert 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: 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):   Cory Henry – Devotion The making of Devotion Cory Henry – Make A Way Key references and inspirations, including Andraé Crouch and Walter HawkinsCory Henry – The RevivalThe approach to recording Devotion at Henson StudioRobert ‘Sput’ Searight Cory Henry – SpiritThe analog keyboard approach to recording Devotion Thoughts on genres and secular vs spiritual musicCory in action with Kenny GarrettCory’s thoughts on soloingA discussion on the iconic solo in Lingus when performing with Snarky PuppyThe challenges of being the front-person and the grind of being an independent artistOn singing more and adjusting playing to matchStevie Wonder playing with Cory on Something HappensSome 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: 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):   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 upbringingEileen Rowe – Piano Teacher Zac’s ‘weird shit’ keyboards and accessoriesPlaying and touring with Macy Gray and Alanis MorissetteZac playing with Macy Gray in 2001 at the Grammys Zac’s keyboard rig with Alanis MorrissetteA memorable on-stage train wreckWorking on Leonard Cohen albums – You Want It Darker and Thanks for the Dance A discussion on the relationship between guitar and keyboardsBrett Dennen – Hope For The Hopeless Brett Dennen – Loverboy Early Winters – Early WintersJoey Waronker, Luke Reynolds, Zac Rae – ProofWorking with MorrisseyMorrissey – Some Say I Got DevilJoining Death Cab for CutieLove of Benmont Tench’s approachDeath Cab for Cutie – Title and RegistrationDeath 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: 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 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 knowDeveloping the Men Without Hats sound and the ‘no sequencer’ approachThe Korg MS-20 Origins of The Safety Dance Ivan’s key keyboard player / composer influencesIvan’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: 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):   Upcoming first tour to Australia Level 42 – Something About You The iconic Molly Meldrum Key musical influences of Level 42Mike’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: 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.