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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
Being inspired by Ray Charles, Floyd Cramer and Elton John
Forming ‘Still Life’ alongside Jeff Porcaro and involving Steve Porcaro and Steve Lukather
David Paich’s first session: Seals and Crofts – Diamond Girl
Glenn Campbell – Houston (I’m Comin’ To See You)
Barbra Streisand – The Way We Were
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 album
One of the eight songs David wrote on the first album, the iconic Hold The Line
The successful keyboard partnership with Steve Porcaro
Exploring 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 – All The Tears That Shine
Working as an MD on large live events and composing for film
David 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
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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
