Gigging, Gear and Great Music
Chris Norton played with Dweezil Zappa’s ‘Zappa Plays Zappa’ for ten years and also has played for Cirque Du Soleil amongst many other things (here’s our previous in-depth interview with Chris). Having recently moved to Adelaide South Australia, Paul caught up with Chris as he played a show with Zappa tribute band Läther.
A huge thanks to Paul Bindig and Matt Goodluck for the interview, and to Chris for giving his time on a very busy night.
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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:
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!)
Timely cues or death!
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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Finally, check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.