The Keyboard Chronicles

Steve Nieve has been the distinctive keyboard voice beside Elvis Costello for over forty years, evolving from the new wave intensity of The Attractions to the soulful sophistication of The Imposters. A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy winner his prolific career also includes work with Madness, Sting, and David Bowie, alongside his own ambitious solo compositions. We cover that all and more in our chat with Steve – one not to miss. 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):   Steve’s busy past couple of years Steve in action with Elvis Costello & The Imposters Steve’s musical upbringing Auditioning to join Elvis Costello Elvis Costello – Less Than Zero Memories of early gigs with The Attractions The Vox Jaguar and the Vox Continental A discussion on Steve’s favourite Elvis Costello and the Attractions album – This Year’s Model Steve’s early synths The evolution of the recording process with Elvis Costello and his band over the years Elvis Costello and the Attractions – Blood and Chocolate Elvis Costello and the Attractions – Imperial Bedroom Working on a cover of Yoko Ono’s ‘ Walking on Thin Ice’ with Allen Toussaint Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint – The River in Reverse Working as band leader and MD in Steve Nieve & The Playboys on The Last Resort with Jonathon Ross  Steve performing with Paul McCartney on The Last Resort with Jonathon Ross  Doing 100 shows remotely during the pandemic Steve Nieve and Kessada – About Love Working on Absolute Beginners – David Bowie Steve Nieve and Muriel Teodori – Welcome To The Voice Sans Plomb movie ToGetHer album You Lie Sweetly – Steve Nieve featuring Sting Steve in action with The Imposters 2022 On the brilliance of Pete Thomas Collaborations with David Coulter including The Great Australian Songbook Desert Island Discs: (yet to be released / titled) – Kessada, The Best of Satie – Erik Satie, Goldberg Variations – Uri Caine, Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, Rough and Rowdy Ways – Bob Dylan. 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 Steve Nieve, Elvis Costello & The Imposters appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Glenn Sarangapany is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who serves as the sonic texturalist for Australian rock heavyweights Birds of Tokyo. Since joining the band in 2012, Glenn has become pivotal to their evolving sound, blending his classical piano and jazz guitar training to layer rich synthesizers and backing vocals on chart-topping albums like March Fires and Human Design. Beyond his touring work, Glenn is the founder and creative director of sound production studio Electric Sheep. We sit down with Glenn to discuss his journey from session player to full-time member and the specific gear he uses to build the band’s massive live sound. 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):   Birds of Tokyo – Starlights Glenn’s musical upbringing Jebediah live The Triffids Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts  Glenn with Birds of Tokyo at an early gig, 2009 The challenges of a Western Australian band going on tour Glenn’s Birds of Tokyo keyboard rig (you can also check out our seperate rig tour with Glenn here) Making space for keyboards in a guitar heavy band Adapting the studio recording keyboard parts to the live environment Bird of Tokyo Live – Unbreakable Birds of Tokyo – Anchor Birds of Tokyo – Lanterns Live on New Year’s Eve 2025 Upcoming music from Birds of Tokyo The joys of working with an orchestra Birds of Tokyo live with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra  – Good Lord Electric Sheep Music The challenges and opportunities of AI and music Desert Island Discs: Self-Titled (Blue Album) – Weezer, OST – KPop Demon Hunters, Nevermind – Nirvana, Self Titled (Green Album) – Weezer, American Idiot – Green Day 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 Glenn Sarangapany, Birds of Tokyo appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

In Part 2 of our chat with Neal Evans, we talk more Soulive, Jack White, The Rolling Stones, Maceo Parker and lots 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):   More talk on Neal’s Soulive keyboard rig Holy Grail Reverb by Electro-Harmonix Neal delves into his organ technique and the importance of reverb Acoustic Samples B5 organ plugin Discussion on Neal’s amazing left-handed ‘quirk’ and hand independence Neal in action on a Hammond B3 Mk 2 Working with Jack White The brilliant Louis Cato The process of recording with Jack White Neal in action with Jack White on Saturday Night Live, 2018 Playing five shows with Soulive in support of The Rolling Stones Neal in action on stage with Maceo Parker and Soulive, 2016. Soulive with John Scolfield at Bowlive Desert Island Discs (6 curated from Neal’s much longer list): Haha Sound – Broadcast, Self-Titled – Dina Ögon, Album 2 – Louis Cole, No Sun In Venice – The Modern Jazz Quartet, Walking in Space – Quincy Jones, Sex Machine – James Brown 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 Neal Evans, Soulive / Jack White / Moon Boot Lover (Part 2) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Neal Evans is the rhythmic and melodic powerhouse behind the celebrated funk/jazz trio Soulive, widely revered for his ability to simultaneously hold down deep, pocket-driven bass lines with his left hand while laying down searing leads with his right. In Part 1 of our chat, we talk to Neal on his playing, composition and career as a whole, from his Buffalo roots to sharing stages with The Rolling Stones. We also discuss vintage gear preferences and the enduring chemistry he shares with his brother Alan Evans and guitarist Eric Krasno. 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):   Soulive’s latest album – Flowers Recording in Iceland Flóki Studios in Iceland The LMI Motor City Big Block DI Soulive – East Side The evolving performing and recording relationship between the three members of Soulive Neal’s musical upbringing Moon Boot Lover – Good Thing Studying with Jaki Byard Nick Mancini on Vibraphone The parallel lives of Soulive and Lettuce Early and later keyboards with Soulive Roland A-30 Roland XV-5080 Break Science 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 Neal Evans, Soulive / Jack White / Moon Boot Lover (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Andrew Fearn is the musical architect behind the English post-punk duo Sleaford Mods, known for his stark, loop-based productions that have redefined modern minimalism. In this episode, we talk to Andrew about his unique approach to composition, his philosophy on keeping gear simple in a complex world, and how he crafts the perfect sonic landscape for the band’s gritty lyrical content. We also discuss his solo project EXTENDDNTWRK, his background in electronic music and the evolution of his live rig. 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 recording of The Demise of Planet X Sleaford Mods – The Good Life Andrew’s musical upbringing Sleaford Mods – Wank Sleaford Mods – Austerity Dogs John Cooper Clarke The Streets Sleaford Mods – Jobseeker The song-writing process in Sleaford Mods Sleaford Mods – No Touch Andrew’s approach to finding sounds 1010 Music Bitbox Thoughts on AI and music EXTENDDNTWRK – Bandcamp DJ Krush – Strictly Turntablized LFO – LFO  Andrew in action with Sleaford Mods at Glastonbury Casio MT-400V Desert Island Discs: TNT – Tortoise, Untrue – Burial, Surfer Rosa – Pixies, Off The Radar – Earthling, It’s Tomorrow Already – The Irresistable Force 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 Andrew Fearn, Sleaford Mods / EXTENDDNTWRK appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

To round out the year, we’re going with the brainchild of esteemed podcast co-host Paul Bindig, to interview the guy responsible for The Keyboard Chronicles, David Holloway. As an alleged keyboard player himself, David talks about his lifetime in adjacency to keyboards, bands, music projects and a whole lot more. There’s also a deep dive / behind the scenes discussion on how the podcast is put together and discussion on some favourite guests. 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’s past 12 months, including gigging with Gloss David’s electronic music outfit –  Civil Sector David’s musical upbringing Sliprock The JVC KB-500 keyboard Yamaha DSR-1000 Discussion on musicals and orchestra pits Res Rocket Surfer  The poet Philip Larkin David’s ambient music project – Stainless Fields Stainless Fields on Spotify  Midnight Fields David’s go-to keyboards over the years Check out David’s 2024 rig in detail Narf Sounds A detailed chat / behind the scenes expose of the podcast Some of David’s favourite guests of all time How rig tours are organised (and apologies to Adam Holzman for calling him Andy!) Desert Island Discs: Self-Titles – Philip Oakey & Giorgio Moroder, Under the Sun – Paul Kelly & The Coloured Girls, Born Sandy Devotional – The Triffids, Songs of Distant Earth – Mike Oldfield, Darkness On The Edge of Town – Bruce Springsteen, Oxygene – Jean Michel Jarre. Band T-shirt shout-outs: Daniel Martin and The Infamous and Chrome 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 David Holloway, Stainless Fields / Gloss / Civil Sector / Podcast Host appeared first on 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.