The Keyboard Chronicles

Gigging, Gear and Great Music

Podcast

David Rosenthal, Billy Joel / Rainbow / Robert Palmer / Enrique Iglesias (Part 2)

by 1 Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Stitcher | Podchaser | Email | TuneIn | Deezer | RSS

In this second of two parts (see Part 1 here), David Rosenthal continues the discussion on the fascinating journey that’s been his musical career.

To listen / watch:

  1. Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
  2. 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): 

Auditioning for the first big gig with Rainbow

Rainbow – Stone Cold (San Antonio 1982)

Preparation and over-preparation

David’s amazing on-stage train wreck story

Artists who have been big influences: Yes (Close to the Edge) / Emerson, Lake and Palmer / Rush (Moving Pictures) / Tomita / Uriah Heep 

Who inspired David to buy his first synth

Playing with Happy the Man

Suggestions / tips for players wanting to make a career in the industry

Quick Fire 10 questions with a Billy Joel bent.

The blessing and curse of perfect pitch

(Some of) David’s favourite Billy Joel songs

Another great train-wreck story, this time in Rome Italy.

No Man’s Land – Billy Joel

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, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn .

We also have a listener survey that helps us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.

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 finely oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content

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

David Rosenthal, Billy Joel / Rainbow / Robert Palmer / Enrique Iglesias (Part 1)

by 1 Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Stitcher | Podchaser | Email | TuneIn | Deezer | RSS

In this first of two parts (Part 2 is here), David Rosenthal joins us to talk about his amazing career, including nearly 30 years as Billy Joel’s keyboard player. As you’ll hear, that’s only one aspect of what continues to be an amazing career in music.

To listen / watch:

  1. Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
  2. 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):  

2022 and continuation of Billy Joel’s amazing residency at Madison Square Garden

Having nearly 90 songs ready to go on a keyboard rig

Billy Joel’s You May Be Right  / Led Zep Rock and Roll combo

Billy Joels’ River of Dreams / Dancing in the Street combo

The experience of playing 110 times (and counting) at Madison Square Garden

Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen: Tenth Avenue Freeze Out and Born to Run

Billy Joel and Tony Bennett – New York State of Mind

Billy Joel and Bryan Adams – Summer of ’69

Billy Joel and Paul McCartney at Shea Stadium – Let It Be

The secrets to success of working with Billy Joel for nearly 30 years

56 shows in 56 nights in 56 cities with Robert Palmer

Discussion of David’s A, B and C keyboard rigs

David’s dual career as synth programmer and rig designer

Setting up Roy Bittan and Charlie Giordano’s re-designed E-Street Band rigs

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, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn . We also have a listener survey that helps us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.

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 finely oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content

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

(Extra) Paul Gildea and Glenn Reither talk Music Business

by Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Stitcher | Podchaser | Email | TuneIn | Deezer | RSS

We talk with two master Australian musicians about the music business and the challenges musicians face making a living in the 21st Century.

Paul Gildea is a guitarist who has played with Icehouse for decades, as well as being guitarist with Little River Band, Rick Price and Vika and Linda Bull to name just three. Paul also happens to be an accomplished music educator, teaching and coordinating music industry subjects for a number of educational institutions.

Glenn Reither is a keyboard player and saxophonist also with Icehouse, but has played with a large roster of artists as well. Glenn has also been a previous guest on the show – check out his episode here. Between Paul and Glenn, you get a rollicking, insightful discussion into a range of topics, so enjoy! 

This is bonus content that was provided to our Patreon supporters and we hope you enjoy it as much as they did.

To listen / watch:

  1. Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
  2. 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):

Paul and Glenn in action together on stage

Glenn playing with Jon Stevens

How Glenn and Paul make a living in music

The importance of diversification

The ‘saturation’ of the music industry

The death of the stadium rock band

The source of future growth in streaming

How to succeed in stock / library music

The opportunities in gaming and music

The tyranny of choice and curated playlists

The renaissance of music festivals

Risk management, touring and COVID-19

Glenn’s guitar amps built from vintage radios

Exclusivity / geographical radius clauses for bands

Fuzzy / wishful thinking when entering the music industry / being careful what you wish for

The modern session musician is at home

RadioActive Band (Canada) 

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 finely oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content

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

Richard Hilton, Nile Rodgers and CHIC

by Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Stitcher | Podchaser | Email | TuneIn | Deezer | RSS

Richard Hilton has had one rich, ongoing career as a keyboard player and producer.  This career and dedication to the craft has created a great musician with an amazing outlook on life and music more broadly. 

To listen / watch:

  1. Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
  2. 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):

Nile Rodgers and Chic Live

Working with Nile Rodgers

Playing guitar with Eric Clapton

How and why Chic are ‘loaded with love and forgiveness’ for each other

Historical division of keyboard duties in Chic with current line-up and previous line-ups (Russell Graham, Phillipe Saisse, Katreese Barnes)

Rich’s rig

Chic Live at the Budokan 1996

Admiration for Kerry Minnear, Steve Winwood, Elton John, David Bowie

Jump They Say – David Bowie

Working with a Synclavier for Bowie

Gentle Giant – ‘Proclamation’ Official Fan Video

Working with Ric Ocasek

Ric Ocasek – Rockaway (from Fireball Zone)

Rich’s tips for upcoming players (highly recommended listening)

Tag a keyboard player: Cory Henry

Cory Henry playing the Harpejji

Rich’s obsession with the Roli Seaboard (and chamber music)

Desert Island Discs: Meet The Beatles – The Beatles, Are You Experienced? – Jimi Hendrix, The Inner Mounting Flame – Mahavishnu Orchestra, A Love Supreme – John Coltrane, Debut: The Clef / Mercury Duo Recordings 1949-1951 – Oscar Peterson

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 finely oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content

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

Chris Norton, Cirque Du Soleil and Zappa Plays Zappa

by Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Stitcher | Podchaser | Email | TuneIn | Deezer | RSS

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:

  1. Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
  2. 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):  

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

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 finely oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content

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

Francis Capistrano, Narf Sounds

by Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Stitcher | Podchaser | Email | TuneIn | Deezer | RSS

Francis Capistrano is an accomplished keyboard player who survived a decade or more in music retail. That alone makes him a great guest, but he’s also CEO of Narf Sounds, a company that makes sound packs for cover band musicians. As weekend warriors ourselves, we couldn’t resist catching up with Francis for a wide-ranging discussion that covers a lot more than his sound offerings.

To listen / watch:

  1. Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
  2. 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):  

Busselton, Western Australia

How justifying the purchase of a gold Kronos led to Narf Sounds

Kronos Enthusiast Workshops (KEW) Facebook Group

Salacious performing live

The Baker Boys Band

Why cover band players may be better players than originals players

Tag a keyboard player: Luke Edwards (Rocky IV Training Theme)

Desert Island Discs: Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite – Maxwell, Hunting High and Low – a-ha, Songs from the Big Chair – Tears for Fears, Power, Corruption and Lies – New Order, 1984 – Van Halen.

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 finely oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content

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

Extra: The Keyboard Community – Keyboard Players in Cover Bands

by Leave a Comment

As you probably know, there’s no shortage of great online resources. So we thought we’d take the time to chat to people who are behind some of the forums and groups we hang out at. First cab off the rank: Ken and Walter from the Keyboard Players in Cover Bands Facebook Group. We talk on a range of topics, including Walter and Ken’s own music backgrounds and the joys of moderating a Facebook group!  To watch:

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

Ken and Walter’s musical history

Mutual love for Nick Rhodes  

Rig rundowns

Best and worst gigs (including a great story involving iconic rock band Survivor)

Being a moderator and avoiding the ‘shark infested cesspool’ and fun conversations about Roland KC amps

Why / how keyboard players may be different to other members in a band

Exploding Korg Triton

Coca-cola and a DX-5 doesn’t mix

Walter and Ken do the ‘Quick Fire 10’: Stereo or Mono, Sitting or Standing, Keytars: sexy or an abomination, Transpose button or adjust on the fly?, X-stand or anything else, Last gig you attended as an audience member, Best thing about live gigs, Worst thing about live gigs, Name one thing you’d like to see invented that’d make your life as a keyboard player easier, Red keyboards, yes or no?

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 finely oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content

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

Martin Rebelski, Doves / Peter Hook and The Light / Echo and The Bunnymen

by Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Stitcher | Podchaser | Email | TuneIn | Deezer | RSS

Martin Rebelski AKA Rebelski is a UK based keyboard player and producer. As you’ll hear, he manages to hold down three diverse touring roles (Doves, Echo and the Bunnymen and Peter Hook and the Light), plus production of his own work. He’s a busy guy with some great insights for every keyboard player.

To listen / watch:

  1. Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
  2. 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):

Martin’s early day as a player and the joy of a Yamaha Portasound

Rebelski – Kaleidoscope

Here it Comes – Doves

Doves – Carousels (Live)

Martin playing with Peter Hook and the Light

Martin playing with Echo and the Bunnymen

Richard Clayderman in action

Martin’s keyboard rig

One of the best ‘train-wreck’ stories we’ve heard.

Ray Manzarek and Echo and the Bunnymen

Tag a keyboard player: Cory Henry 

Desert Island Discs: Music for 18 Musicians – Steve Reich, LA Woman – The Doors, Head Hunters – Herbie Hancock, Selected Ambient Works – Aphex Twin, The Man-Machine – Kraftwerk.

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 finely oiled machine, we do have a Patreon account if you’d like to contribute the cost of a small cup of coffee a month and receive bonus content

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

Toby Hounsham, The Stranglers

by Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Stitcher | Podchaser | Email | TuneIn | Deezer | RSS

Toby Hounsham is the keyboard player and newest member of the iconic band The Stranglers. We cover plenty of Stranglers territory plus Toby’s previous work with Rialto and Mungo Jerry to name two. And then there’s Toby’s other job as a fully qualified music therapist. A wide-ranging discussion to say the least. 

To listen / watch:

  1. Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or:
  2. 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):  

Big Joe Duskin

Toby’s ‘Double-Six’ Boogie Woogie Album

Mike Armitage and The Lion Brewery

The Wombles – The Wombling Song

Rialto on Top of the Pops

Toby playing with Mungo Jerry

Toby on tour with Mungo Jerry

Stranglers – Walk on By keyboard solo

Dave Greenfield’s go-to keyboards

Toby’s rig

Oberheim and their resurgence

Toby’s decision to go into Music Therapy

British Association for Music Therapy

Lessons learned about playing keys

The Stranglers, Live in 2022

Tag a keyboard player: Vince Guaraldi, Ben Folds

Desert Island Discs: The Raven – The Stranglers, LA Woman – The Doors, A Charlie Brown Christmas – Vince Guaraldi, any good boogie woogie compilation album.

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 and receive bonus content

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