Chris Norton, Cirque Du Soleil and Zappa Plays Zappa

Chris Norton keyboard player

Chris Norton arguably has been part of two of the more stressful gigs a keyboard player can be involved in: band leading a Cirque Du Soleil show and playing as part of Dweezil Zappa’s Zappa Plays Zappa. Chris has not only manage to pull off both with aplomb, but has a career full of highlights and lots more on the horizon.

To listen / watch:

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

What it’s like auditioning for Cirque Du Soleil (and getting the gig nine years later!)

Cirque Du Soleil: Axel

Timely cues or death!

Zappa Plays Zappa

Peaches En Regalia

Michael Whalen episode talking Zappa’s Synclaviers

Auditioning for Zappa Plays Zappa by making a video playing G-Spot Tornado

Playing with Chick Corea and Rachel Flowers

Chick Corea on a Viscount VIntage Vibe piano

Rachel Flowers plays ‘Montana’ with Zappa Plays Zappa

Tips for new players

Composing for film and TV

Composing for video games

Tag a keyboard player: Ty Bailie

Desert Island Discs: Either / Or – Elliott Smith, Whatever and Ever Amen – Ben Folds Five, A Wizard A True Star – Todd Rundgren, Waiting for Columbus – Little Feat, Joe’s Garage – Frank Zappa. Runners-up: Toy Matinee – Toy Matinee, Original Soundtrack – Undertale

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Cover photo by Jack Timberlake via Chris Norton

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