The Keyboard Chronicles

For our 200th episode we couldn’t think of a better person to feature than Tony Banks, a true master of the craft and still creating amazing music to this day. In a little over an hour we cover Tony’s career as the heart of Genesis, as well as his brilliant solo output and some superb insights into composition, soloing and a great deal more.

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):  

Tony’s past couple of years

An example of Tony’s work with John Potter – Follow Thy Fair Sun

Tony playing on, and co-writing, Haunted Life by Rocking Horse Music Club

Tony’s musical upbringing

Tony’s early keyboard player inspirations

The Zombies – Whenever You’re Ready

Genesis – From Genesis To Revelation

Genesis – Stagnation

Genesis – Looking for Someone

Genesis – The Knife live 1980

Genesis – The Musical Box

The approach to writing songs within Genesis

A detailed discussion on the writing of Supper’s Ready

Tony’s perspective on different pianos / organs / synths he’s used

Hammond L122 Organ

Yamaha CP-70

The Polymoog

The Roland VP-330

The CP-70 and Tony in action on Genesis – Undertow

Tony Banks – A Curious Feeling

Tony playing the fiendishly difficult Robbery, Assault and Battery live

Genesis – Home By The Sea

Peter Gabriel drumming on Turn It On Again

Tony’s view on Genesis tribute bands

The Disturbed – Land of Confusion

Genesis – It’s Gonna Get Better

Tony’s approach to keyboard solos and his favourite solo

Thoughts on Firth of Fifth

Tony’s thoughts on the degree of fame Genesis reached

Genesis live at Wembley Stadium in 1987

Genesis – Domino Medley

A discussion on recording ‘A Curious Feeling’

Tony talks on his solo albums: The Fugitive, Bankstatement, Strictly Inc., 

Tony Banks (with Nik Kershaw) – I Wanna Change the Score

Tony Banks – An Island In The Darkness

A discussion on lyrics

Genesis – Keep It Dark

A discussion on Tony’s orchestral works

Tony Banks – Seven: A Suite for Orchestra

Tony Banks – Six Pieces for Orchestra

Tony Banks – Five

The Genesis song that was most difficult live – Man on the Corner

On missing touring (or otherwise), the 2007 and final tour

The last song played live: Carpet Crawlers

Desert Island Discs: Revolver – The Beatles, Pet Sounds – The Beach Boys, Rodgers & Hammerstein – The King and I, Symphony No. 10 – Shostakovich, The Oceanides- Sibelius.

Key links:

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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 Tony Banks, Genesis / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

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

Shelly Manne

Being inspired by Ray Charles, Floyd Cramer and Elton John

Forming ‘Still Life’ alongside Jeff Porcaro and involving Steve Porcaro and Steve Lukather

The brilliant Larry Knechtel

David Paich’s first session: Seals and Crofts – Diamond Girl

Cher – David’s Song

Glenn Campbell – Houston (I’m Comin’ To See You)

Barbra Streisand – The Way We Were

Elton John – Nobody Wins

The Roland MicroComposer

Steely Dan – Night by Night

Steely Dan – Black Friday

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 – Forgotten Toys

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

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 David Paich, Toto / Solo Artist appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

No-one deserves to be part of our Masters Series more than Don Walker. Don is one of Australia’s most iconic players and songwriters and we chat on his latest release Love Songs , his work with Cold Chisel and Tex, Don and Charlie, and a whole lot more.

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):  

Don Walker – Love Songs

Don’s approach to the ‘Love Songs’ album

Don Walker’s ‘Salsa song’ – Let’s All Get Together

Don Walker – Luck

The song Cold Chisel knocked back – The Girl I Used To Know

Don Walker – Darwin

The inimitable Jeff Lang

Don’s favourite piano 

The sadly now deceased Head Gap Studios

Don’s Kawaii Baby Grand piano

Don Walker – Could You Still Be Here

Don’s solo touring keyboard rig and love of the (older) Nord piano sound

Don’s musical upbringing

Developing skills on organ

The Lawrence Audio electric piano

The thankful advent of the Yamaha CP-70

Negotiating sonic space for keyboard in a guitar driven band like Cold Chisel

A discussion on some deeper Don Walker compositions for Cold Chisel:

Cold Chisel – Home and Broken Hearted

Cold Chisel – Letter to Alan

Cold Chisel – Hound Dog

Cold Chisel – Janelle

Tex, Don & Charlie – Danielle

Arranging new songs / the collaborative approach within Cold Chisel

Don’s Cold Chisel keyboard rig

Auditioning a cavalcade of Yamaha CP-70s before the 2024 tour

The formation of Tex, Don & Charlie

Don in action with Tex, Don & Charlie live, 2017

Don’s duet with Slim Dusty: Charleville

Another Don Walker composition for Slim Dusty: Looking Forward, Looking Back

Don’s admiration for Thelonius Monk and Duke Ellington

Desert Island Discs: Ellington Indigos – Duke Ellington, Self-Titled – Elvis Presley, A Hard Day’s Night – The Beatles, Self-Titled – Led Zeppelin, Hymns to the Silence – Van Morrison.

A potential fiction book from Don Walker

Don’s view on a musical legacy or impact

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 Don Walker, Solo Artist / Cold Chisel / Tex, Don and Charlie appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Lawrence Gowan is a Scottish-Canadian singer, songwriter, and keyboardist best known as the vocalist and keyboardist for the classic rock band Styx, a role he has held since 1999. Before joining the group, he forged a highly successful solo career in Canada under the stage name Gowan. His 1985 solo album Strange Animal achieved triple-platinum status, driven by hit singles such as “A Criminal Mind,” a track that has since become a staple in Styx’s live sets. An ARCT-certified classical pianist, Gowan has crossed paths with some of rock’s most respected musicians over his decades-long career. His solo records feature notable collaborations with artists including Alex Lifeson of Rush, Jon Anderson of Yes, and Robert Fripp of King Crimson. Furthermore, his breakthrough album Strange Animal was famously recorded with Peter Gabriel’s esteemed rhythm section, including bassist Tony Levin and drummer Jerry Marotta.

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 current Styx tour – the band ‘that doesn’t stop’

Styx in action live in 2026

Lawrence’s post-show wind-down routine

Styx’s latest album – Circling From Above

A discussion on reproducing Mr Roboto live

Lawrence in action on Mr Roboto, 2026

Lawrence’s amazing rotating keyboard stand

Gowan – Lost Brotherhood (the first appearance of the spinning stand, alongside Alex Lifeson)

Lawrence’s early years as a musician and the importance of classical music

The first Gowan album (self-titled)

Working with the legendary Ronnie Hawkins

Gowan – Strange Animal

Lawrence in action with Jerry Lee Lewis, Jeff Healey and a wider cast of icons, 1995

Keyboards used on Strange Animal and the ‘step down’ from a Yamaha CS-80 to a Korg Poly 61

How ‘A Criminal Mind’ became part of the Styx live set

Gowan – ..But You Can Call Me Larry

Gowan – The Good Catches Up

Gowan in action live in 2025 – Strange Animal

Two questions from supporter Tammy – a song Lawrence wishes was his and his advice to his 20-year old self

Lawrence’s wish for his musical legacy

Desert Island Discs: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles, Selling England By The Pound – Genesis, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John, A Night at the Opera – Queen

Thumbnail graphic credit: Jason Powell via Styx official IG

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 Lawrence Gowan, Styx / Gowan appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.

Richard Barbieri is best known as the keyboardist for the pioneering British new wave band Japan, as a core member of the progressive rock group Porcupine Tree and a successful artist in his own right. He is known for his unique approach to synthesis, atmospheric sound design, and textural playing style. Richard chats with us on his career to date, his distinct approach to creating sounds, and a great deal more.

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):  

Richard’s latest album Hauntings

The inspirations that led to the recording of Hauntings

Discussion on the songs Anemoia, 1890,  Reveille / Last Post, and Artificial Obsession

A viewer question (thanks Matt G) on writing for film

Richard’s musical upbringing

Richard’s work with Japan and the mammoth Roland System 700

Richard’s keyboard rig with Japan

The unique creative relationship between Richard Barbieri and Steve Jansen

Choosing backing tracks over sequencing for less pivotal parts

One of Richard’s Japan compositions – Temple of Dawn

The transition from Japan to Rain Tree Crow

Red Earth (As Summertime Ends) – Rain Tree Crow

Formation of Jansen, Barbieri and Karn (JBK)

JBK live in 1994 – Bestial Cluster

Jansen / Barbieri and Karn – Stories Across Borders

Joining Porcupine Tree

The ‘Signify’ sessions – recording as a band

Porcupine Tree – Signify

Evolving with the heavier / more complex albums from a sonic viewpoint (and the importance of the Access Virus)

The influence of lyrics on sound design

Adjusting sound design approach for performing in larger venues

Getting used to In-Ear Monitoring

A tour of Richard Barbieri’s recording studio (see standlone studio tour video here)

Richard’s use of soft synths

Richard’s evolving approach to perforning his solo work live

Performing with The Bays

Ryuichi Sakamoto as inspiration and watching him record

Working with Marillion’s Steve Hogarth: Not The Weapon But The Hand and Arc Light

Creating presets for others and the challenges of them being applied in other people’s work

Richard’s wishes for his music in the far future

Discussion on another solo album and work to date on a potential Porcupine Tree album

Desert Island Discs: Rock Bottom – Robert Wyatt, Close To The Edge – Yes, A Moon Shaped Pool – Radiohead, Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, Endtroducing…. – DJ Shadow

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 Richard Barbieri, Solo Artist / Porcupine Tree / Japan appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.