KC Editor

Hammond Releases Skx Pro

January 22, 2022 by KC Editor 2 Comments

Now that I’ve wiped the drool off my chin, I’ll take some time to post about this new release from Hammond. For those looking for the full, double manual Hammond experience, it’s going to be hard to go past this.

The official vid:

And then a great run through the Skx Pro from Bonners Pianos:

What’s your take? Like the look of what you see? Some stores are offering pre-orders etc, but I imagine this baby will be hard to get hold of even when it’s fully out the factory door. Pricing at time of writing not clear.

Roland Releases n/zyme Expansion for Fantom

January 21, 2022 by KC Editor Leave a Comment

Los Angeles, CA, January 20, 2022 — Roland announces the n/zyme Model Expansion for the FANTOM synthesizer series, the latest addition to the acclaimed ZEN-Core Model Expansion lineup. Built for hands-on sound design, n/zyme is a thoroughly modern instrument with an innovative new synth engine from Roland. Offering layered wavetable oscillators, phase and shape modulation, resonant filters, and two powerful step LFOs, n/zyme is a highly interactive music tool that brings a new dimension of creative power to all FANTOM owners.

Wavetable-based synths are famous for their distinctive sound, but many can be hard to program. FANTOM’s hi-res touchscreen and physical controls change all that, making n/zyme a fun, tactile instrument that inspires players to take their music into uncharted sonic territory. In contrast with basic synthesizer waveforms, wavetable oscillators employ multiple waveforms, and it’s possible to jump or morph between them for everything from dramatic shifts to slowly evolving soundscapes. With the ability to mix two layers with 63 wavetables each and adjust their positions in real time, n/zyme makes it easy for creators to develop complex textures in the heat of the moment.

Players can physically shape the sound of n/zyme by drawing custom waveforms right on FANTOM’s touchscreen, and then tweak them using a range of powerful modulation tools. It’s also possible to manipulate sounds with an X/Y pad on the touchscreen, complete with automation support and tempo-synced control over speed, intensity, and more.

Two onboard Step LFOs feature 16 tempo-synced steps and 37 different shapes per step. There’s also a Step Kick Switch to add percussive attack for deeply rhythmic sounds and phrases. Going further, users can process n/zyme’s futuristic oscillators with FANTOM’s eight onboard filter types, including detailed models of vintage analog designs.

With FANTOM’s massive DSP power, players can layer multiple n/zymes for ultra-deep tones with sophisticated movement. It’s also possible to mix n/zyme with classic Roland synthesizers, acoustic instruments, and vocoders to craft sounds never heard before.

n/zyme is the latest in a growing lineup of Model Expansions for ZEN-Core instruments and is available via a Lifetime Key purchase through Roland Cloud. Support for n/zyme is included with the free Version 3.0 update for the FANTOM 6, FANTOM 7, and FANTOM 8 keyboards.

Availability & Pricing

The Roland n/zyme Model Expansion for the FANTOM synthesizer series is available now as a Lifetime Key for $149 through Roland Cloud.

Korg Nautilus OS 1.2.0 release notes

January 20, 2022 by KC Editor Leave a Comment

Korg have released version 1.2.0 of their software for the Korg Nautilus. You can download it for yourself here, but here’s what’s changed:

Expansion of PROGRAM bank and WAVESEQ bank
[Improvements] The KORG bank in PROGRAM mode has been expanded from 20 to 40 banks, allowing more programs to be saved and sound libraries to be loaded. Similarly, the Wave Sequence bank has been expanded from 15 to 20 banks. Related pages have been changed in accordance with the bank expansion.
KRONOS PCG file support
[Improvements] Support for loading PCG files saved with the KRONOS has been added, allowing you to use tones created with the KRONOS with NAUTILUS.
* KRONOS-specific functions and NAUTILUS-specific functions will not be reproduced correctly.
General
[Bug fixes]
In addition to those listed above, various other minor improvements and bug fixes are also included in this update.

For NAUTILUS Editor users
Please note that NAUTILUS System v1.2.0 is NOT compatible with NAUTILUS Editor Ver1.0.0.
Please wait until NAUTILUS Editor ver1.2.0 is released to use the NAUTILUS Editor with NAUTILUS System v1.2.0.

Requirements
・An FAT32 formatted USB Memory. 1GB or more free space.・A computer which can use USB Memory.

How to install
Instructions for updating are in the document file which is extracted from the downloaded file.

Humour: Things You Never Hear Keyboard Players Say

January 19, 2022 by KC Editor Leave a Comment

I’ve seen this little gem do the rounds a few times in different guises, but I still get a laugh so thought I’d share for those who haven’t seen it.

Things You Never Hear Keyboard Players Say

1. Can someone give me an A?

2. No problem. Actually, covering the horn, string, organ, piano, and triangle parts all simultaneously is a piece of cake.

3. Could you turn up your guitar amp? I can’t hear it over my keys.

4. Take up as much space with that drum kit as you want. Just leave me a couple of feet for my keyboard rig.

5. Yes, the original had two keyboard players. No problem, I can cover with just two hands.

6. Forget the set list, I can dial up anything on-the-fly!

7. That studio sound in the original? Wait, I have a preset for that …

8. Sure, place as many drinks as you want on my synth.

9. I’m the loudest in the band – here, have these free earplugs if it gets too much.

10. Wow, you guys all came to practice knowing your parts? I don’t have to show you what to play? Cool !

11. You want me to play Jump? Man, I never get asked to do that.

12. Hey drunk audience, be sure to play my synths while I’m on a break.

13. I play keyboards because the equipment is cheap and it lasts forever.

14. No..I don’t mind if you want to jump around the set list. I think its fun and challenging to make you happy as I scramble with presets in the dark.

15. I love having the drummer’s cymbals about 4 inches from my ears, it really sounds good !

There we have it – any further ones you’d like to add to the list?

Lisa Coleman, Prince & The Revolution / Wendy and Lisa

December 31, 2021 by KC Editor Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

It’s hard to overstate the career Lisa Coleman has had to date. As a solo artist, part of iconic duo Wendy and Lisa and as a core member of The Revolution, Lisa Coleman has some brilliant insights that everyone can learn something from. As Prince said of Lisa: “she plays Mozart, she’ll be funky”. With a special guest appearance from Lisa’s lovely greyhound dog!

Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab):

Wendy and Lisa – composers

Berry Gordy

Tom Oberheim, ARP Dealer

Matt ‘Doctor’ Fink

The Revolution – Live in 2017

Prince and The Revolution – rehearsal footage

Lisa Coleman – Collage

Neil Finn – Hole in the Ice (co-written with Lisa Coleman)

Tag a keyboard player: Joe Zawinul, Bill Evans

Desert Island Discs: Talking Book, Stevie Wonder, Blue – Joni Mitchell, The Legendary Lazar Berman Plays Liszt – Lazar Berman, anything from Sly and the Family Stone, A Simple Matter of Conviction – Bill Evans

Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.

We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.

If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.

To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month.

Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

(Bonus) Josh Weinstein and Paul Bindig: A Tale of Two Floyds

October 27, 2021 by KC Editor Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Josh Weinstein is a composer, arranger and keyboard player and teacher of music history. In this bonus episode (Josh was featured in Episode 35), Josh and our own Paul Bindig talk everything Pink Floyd, particularly the joys and challenges of recreating Pink Floyd’s music in a tribute band context.

Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab):

Pink Froyd (Facebook page)

Echoes of Pink Floyd

Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.

We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.

If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.

To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month.

Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

JD-800 Software Synthesizer Announced By Roland

October 27, 2021 by KC Editor Leave a Comment

Roland Announces JD-800 Software Synthesizer

Authentic Software Recreation of the Iconic ’90s Digital Synth,

Available Exclusively Through Roland Cloud

Los Angeles, CA, October 26, 2021 — Roland announces the JD-800 Software Synthesizer, the latest addition to the Legendary series of software-based Roland instruments available through Roland Cloud. In early 2021—30 years after the debut of the original JD-800 hardware synth—Roland introduced the JD-800 Model Expansion for the ZENOLOGY software synthesizer and select ZEN-CORE hardware instruments. Now, the anniversary celebration continues with the release of this iconic digital instrument as a dedicated DAW plug-in. The JD-800 Software Synthesizer delivers a virtual recreation of the original’s unique sound and inviting control-laden interface, along with a host of new features and enhancements for today’s music producers.

In the early 1990s, preset-driven digital synths with limited hands-on controls dominated the landscape. The JD-800 changed all that in 1991, bringing the synthesizer world back to its roots with a massive control-filled panel and an unapologetically electronic sound palette. An instant hit among the world’s top keyboard players, this innovative instrument found its way onto classic albums and numerous film and television scores, and it remains highly sought after to this day.

The JD-800 Software Synthesizer is painstakingly crafted to sound and behave exactly like the original hardware. Rather than simply combining a bunch of JD-800 samples, Roland used the original waveform data along with advanced modeling techniques to perfectly recreate the big, bright, spacious sound that only the JD-800 can deliver.

A key ingredient of the JD-800’s sound was its formidable multistage effects section. It’s been carefully recreated in the plug-in and enhanced with an expanded view for real-time tweaking. In addition to a master EQ, there are seven effects with adjustable controls and the ability to change the signal flow with drag-and-drop actions.

The JD-800 Software Synthesizer includes 64 original presets from the JD-800 hardware, plus 64 newly crafted presets that show how inspiring and evocative the synth can be in a modern context. And with the plug-in’s extensive array of top-level controls, users can easily create all-new sounds to make their music stand out from the crowd.

The JD-800 Software Synthesizer offers a hyper-realistic interface that’s resizable for high-resolution screens and comes in VST3, AU, and AAX formats for compatibility with popular Windows and Mac production software. The plug-in also features native Apple silicon support for the highest level of performance on the latest Mac computers.

The JD-800 Software Synthesizer is the newest member of Roland Cloud’s Legendary series, which includes plug-in versions of other Roland classics like the JUNO-60, JUPITER-8, TR-808, TR-909, D-50, and more. Legendary titles are available with the Ultimate membership level of Roland Cloud. All paid levels—including Core and Pro—start with a free 30-day trial of Ultimate, allowing users to try out the JD-800 and all Ultimate features. In addition, any Roland Account holder can purchase Lifetime Keys for individual Legendary series titles. This provides unlimited access for as long as their account is active, even if they don’t have a Roland Cloud membership.

Geoff Downes, Yes / Asia / The Buggles

October 4, 2021 by KC Editor Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Geoff Downes not only co-founded a pioneering group in the late seventies, but he’s also a core member of two other iconic groups that continue to go strong. And that’s just the start. Geoff covers a lot of ground in this interview and we take the opportunity to delve into the latest album release from Yes.

Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab):

Downes Braide Association – latest album Halcyon Hymns

Geoff at the Sydney Opera House

Yes – The Quest

Rock Aid Armenia – Smoke on the Water (making-of documentary)

Trevor and Geoff performing live in 2004

Our interview with Geoff’s old band mate, Jan Pulsford

Asia – Go

Tag a keyboard player: Dave Sinclair (Caravan)

Desert Island Discs: In The Land of Grey and Pink – Caravan, ABBA Gold – ABBA, 4 – Foreigner, What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye, The White Album – The Beatles.

Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.

We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.

If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.

To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month.

Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

Tom Brislin, Kansas

September 6, 2021 by KC Editor Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Tom Brislin plays keyboards for Kansas and has also toured with other icons such as Debbie Harry, Meatloaf and Yes. As you’ll hear, Tom has some great insights on his career to date that inspired us and will hopefully inspire you. We even have a fun chat about whether Meatloaf’s work could be described at ‘Pop Prog’. You’ve been warned!

Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab):

Mussorgski – Pictures at an Exhibition

Kenny Barron – Embraceable you

Tom with Spiraling

Tom with Glen Burtnik

Tom with Meatloaf

Tom with Yes

Tom with Renaissance

Tag a keyboard player: Kerry Minnear (Gentle Giant), Glasys.

Desert Island Discs: Purple Rain – Prince, Christmas Album – The Ventures, Business As Usual – Men At Work, Fragile – Yes, Magical Mystery Tour – The Beatles and any album from Emerson, Lake and Palmer.

Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.

We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.

If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.

To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month.

Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

Oliver Wakeman, Solo Artist / Nolan & Wakeman / Yes

August 8, 2021 by KC Editor Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Oliver Wakeman has had a prolific career to date, with lots more on the horizon. Oliver talks his latest release with Clive Nolan, his musical upbringing and even a bit of tech and train-wreck.

Links to content mentioned during the show (links will open in new tab):

Oliver Wakeman and Rodney Matthews

Nolan and Wakeman – Why Do You Hate Me?

More details on the Tales by Gaslight box set

Our own interview with Clive Nolan

Oliver and Gordon Giltrap live

Oliver and Steve Howe – 3 Ages of Magick

Oliver with Yes

Rodney Matthews – Lord of the Rings cover

Yendor: The Journey of a Junior Adventurer

Tag a keyboard player: Jon Lord

Desert Island Discs: 2112 or Hemispheres – Rush, Who Do You Think We Are – Deep Purple, The Grand Illusion – Styx, Poe – Haunted, Eat Me in St Louis – It Bites. Honourable mention: Slam – Dan Reed Network.

Don’t forget to click on any of the subscribe links to automatically have each episode download, or just click play on the player above to listen right here.

We’re always keen to hear from you: drop us a line via the website, Facebook, or Twitter.

If you’re a keyboard player, we also have a regular email newsletter with interesting news from the industry just for you.

To help us keep the podcast running like a fine oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month.

Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

KC Editor

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