The Keyboard Chronicles

Geoff Downes returns for his second appearance on the show, having originally joined us back on Episode 38. While his extensive history with Yes is well documented, this time around we focus specifically on the band’s latest album, Aurora. Geoff covers a lot of ground in this interview, and we take the opportunity to delve into his current approach to songwriting and his performance on the new record.

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):  

The release of the album Aurora by Yes

Thoughts on being in the longest period of time in Yes without personnel changes, and the central role Steve Howe plays in ensuring the Yes sound

Yes – Countermovement

Paying due respect to the legacy of previous Yes keyboard players 

The keyboard sounds that are the essence of the Yes sound

The more challenging aspects of a Yes live set

Geoff’s (still huge) keyboard rig with Yes and the contrast with his rig with Asia

Proposed approach to recreating the Aurora tracks live, in a band that doesn’t use backing tracks

The importance in Yes of interplay between keyboards and guitar.

Geoff’s collaborative relationships with Steve Howe and Jon Davison.

Preparing for, and surviving a long tour.

Geoff’s pick of artists living or dead, that’d he’d love to work with.

Geoff’s admiration of Benny Andersson

Band T-Shirt Pimp: Punch Drunk Cabaret

Thumbnail picture via Yes official social media, taken by Ellis Larch

Key links:

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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Geoff Downes, Yes (Redux) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Scottie Miller is an American keyboardist, singer-songwriter, and producer based in Minneapolis. Known for his blues- and roots-influenced playing style, Scottie has spent years on the road as the long-time musical director and keyboardist for Ruthie Foster. He’s also worked with Bo Diddley and Johnnie Johnson to name just two others. Alongside his work as an MD, he has maintained a steady solo career, releasing 13 albums—including his latest project, Hello Pain—and earning an induction into the Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame. We chat to Scottie about his approach to composition, his time on the road, and balancing a solo career with collaborative work.

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):  

Scottie’s past 12 months

Scottie’s album Hello Pain

Commissioning and working with a 50+ piece Budapest Scoring Orchestra 

Scottie Miller – Awake and Willing

Scottie Miller – Hello Pain title song and the impetus for the whole album

Scottie Miller – Underneath The Black Oaks

Scottie’s musical upbringing and the huge influence of the Minneapolis music scene

Working with Big John Dickerson & Blue Chamber

The Scottie Miller Band in action

Meeting and working briefly with Johnnie Johnson

Working and touring with Bo Diddley

Joining Ruthie Foster’s band

Scottie in action with Ruthie Foster  – Phenomenal Woman

Opening for Ray Manzarek and saving the day later in the night

Scottie’s rig with Ruthie Foster

Ruthie’s album Mileage and reproducing horns live

A discussion on Scottie’s (victorious) battle with depression and addiction

A message of support to other keyboard players struggling with addiction, depression or anxiety

Desert Island Discs: Self-Titled – Donny Hathaway, Feeling Good: The Very Best of Nina Simone – Nina Simone, Goin’ Back To New Orleans – Dr John, Violin Concerto / Musica Dolorosa / Viatore – Peteris Vasks, I Wanna Go Home – Otis Spann.

Key links:

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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Scottie Miller, Solo Artist / Ruthie Foster appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Danny Silverston is an American keyboardist and founding member of the Boston-based soul-pop band Couch. Known for his warm, jazz- and funk-influenced playing style, Danny has been an integral part of the seven-piece group’s collaborative writing and production process since their formation in 2018. He recently played on the band’s 2025 debut full-length album, Big Talk, and continues to tour extensively with them across the United States and internationally. We chat to Danny on his approach to composition, performance and making two hands do maximum work on some complex pieces. Add in a very relatable train wreck story and there’s lots to enjoy.

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):  

Danny’s musical upbringing

Orange Guava Passion

Danny’s Couch connections and becoming a core member of the band

Couch in action live: Jessie

Couch’s cover of Conjunction Junction

Couch – Black Bear Lane

The importance of piano, electric piano and organ in Couch

A shout-out to the amazing Kevin Gastonguay as organ mentor

Danny breaks down his approach to a complex multi-patch and keyboard piece, Static and Noise

Danny pulling off Static and Noise live with Couch

Finding creative sonic space amongst a brass section and guitars

Couch’s collaborative songwriting approach and the challenges and opportunities it brings

Rehearsing pre-tour

Anatole Muster

Some fast playing by Danny on ‘On The Wire’

Desert Island Discs: Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, I Am – Earth, Wind & Fire, Two Star & The Dream Police – Mk.gee, Self-Titled – Daryl Johns, Brown Sugar – D’Angelo.

Key links:

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Buy some keyboard related merchandise





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Complete our audience survey to help us improve!





Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Danny Silverston, Couch appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Paul Furness is a keyboard player and multi-instrumentalist who serves as a founding member of Brisbane indie rock mainstays Ball Park Music. Since forming the group during a university class assignment in 2008, Paul has spent nearly two decades helping anchor their melodic and eclectic sound, layering essential synthesizer textures, piano, and occasional trombone across eight studio albums. From their acclaimed debut Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs to their latest release Like Love, his meticulous approach to parts and arrangement has been a constant thread in the band’s enduring catalog. We chat with Paul about how a college project evolved into a multi-decade career, his collaborative writing process, and the gear he relies on for the stage and the studio.

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):  

Paul’s past 12 months 

Ball Park Music’s latest album Like Love

Ball Park music in action supporting Oasis last year

Playing a gig with Brisbane’s cheesiest band, The Pizzas

Approaching gigs supporting Oasis in stadiums

The first album – Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs – and working with Matt Redlich

The second album – Museum

Recording the fourth album, Every Night The Same Dream,  to analog 4-track, 1/4-inch tape

The evolution of Paul’s keyboard rig and the UDO Super 6 as a central component

Creating and feeding energy to the audience when playing live

Paul’s role as Ball Park Music’s Keep of the Statistics

Ball Park Music – Hands Off My Body 

Ball Park Music – Surrender

Plans and motivations for the future

Ball Park Music’s tour rehearsal process

A Vietnam-based challenging gig

Desert Island Discs: Night Train – Oscar Peterson, Morrison Hotel – The Doors, Whatever and Ever Amen – Ben Folds Five, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John, We Like It Here – Snarky Puppy

T-Shirt shout-out to The Rock and Roll Society of Edmonton

Key links:

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Buy some keyboard related merchandise





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Complete our audience survey to help us improve!





Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Paul Furness, Ball Park Music appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Michael Stephen Brown is a versatile American pianist and composer best known for his solo performances, rich chamber music collaborations, and unique original works. Bridging the gap between world-class piano playing and storytelling, he has recently released his debut album of all-original music, Twelve Blocks. Showcasing his distinct creative voice, the deeply personal project features a series of musical portraits, emotional detours, and true stories brought to life alongside an impressive roster of guest performers. We chat with Michael on this and get some great insights into his approach to music and composition.

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):  

Michael’s past year

Michaels’ album – Twelve Blocks 

The process of seeking or receiving commissions for musical performances and/or compositions

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

Michael’s musical upbringing

Attending Juilliard 

Jerome Lowenthal

Samuel Adler

Ursula Oppens

Ursula Oppens and Jerome Lowenthal perform Michael’s piece Twelve Blocks, with poetry

Composing for one piano, four hands and four albums

Composing for one hand only

Breakup Etude for the Right Hand Alone

The Yaddo retreat

The Carnival of Endangered Wonders

Lake Alan

Piano from Pas de trois – Michael Stephen Brown

Composing with pencil and paper versus computer

Michael’s piano Octavia

A discussion on mental health, music and the arts

Creatives Care

Planning and rehearsing a repertoire before a show or tour

Michael’s upcoming creative works, including release of his own piano concerto

Desert Island Discs: Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring – Leonard Bernstein and London Symphony Orchestra, Live Performances 1934-1956 Vol. 1 – Art Tatum, Bach: The Goldberg Variations – Glenn Gould, Ravel: Gaspard de la nuit – Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli

Key links:

Become a member of our YouTube channel and receive extra content

Buy some keyboard related merchandise





Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn

Complete our audience survey to help us improve!





Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.
The post Michael Stephen Brown, Pianist and Composer appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.