The above list is with courtesy of Digital Dream Door Site
It is NOT compiled by myself. They have a page for your comments

Email me with your choice if not listed above and I will give them a well deserved mention

* * * * * * * * *
YOUR CHOICES
* * * * * * * * *

MELVIN RHYNE

American jazz organist Melvin Rhyne was born in Indianapolis and took up playing the piano at a very young age. At 19 years old, he started performing on piano with the then unknown tenor saxophonist Rahsaan Roland Kirk but he soon switched over to the Hammond B3 organ, and before long he was backing famous blues players like B.B. King and T-Bone Walker. In 1959 he joined Wes Montgomery's newly formed trio; Melvin played with Montgomery for the next five years and cut four records with The Wes Montgomery Trio: A Dynamic New Sound, Guitar on the Go, Boss Guitar, and Portrait of Wes. Melvin then moved to Wisconsin and kept to himself for two decades. Melvin returned to the jazz scene in full force in 1991, playing on Herb Ellis' album Roll Call, Brian Lynch's At the Main Event, and his own comeback album, The Legend. He continued to be prolific in the years to come, releasing eight more solo albums with his trio, on the Criss Cross jazz label.
* * * * * * *
ROGER SMITH

American hammond keyboardist and vocalist, Roger Smith, was born in Texas but as a child moved with his family to Sacramento, CA. and learnt piano as at a very young age. After spending some time in the service, at 20 years old and then living in Austin, Texas, he formed a band called "Blind Mellon", his band mates were are very young Eric Johnson on guitar, and Roscoe Beck on bass. In 1971, Roger was given an opportunity to fill in for a member of Freddie King's band for about 5 weeks. This was a life changing event that led him to work with many other artists over the years such as Leon Russell, Joe Cocker, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Louden Wainwright III, Jeff Beck, and Gladys Knight, among others. At Present, Roger holds down the Hammond B-3 seat with the legendary West Coast soul band Tower of Power. Touring extensively with Tower of Power, Roger performs in all parts of the US, Europe, and Asia each year. He still finds time to play gigs with other Northern C.A. musicians, and has a successful solo career with many solo CD's to his credit. His 'My Colors' album recorded in the mid-Nineties, was nominated for two Jazz Grammys. His follow-up was 'Both Sides'; one of the songs, “Off The Hook,” went to the top of the jazz charts and he was honored when Radio & Records recognized him as their “Breakout Artist of the Year” in 1999. Roger's latest projects include the release of Jazz Roscos "Rosco's Place II" and he has produced a cd by a new up and coming pop artist, Robbie Christmas.
* * * * * * *
BARRY GOLDBERG

Barry Goldberg, American blues and rock keyboardist, songwriter and record producer was born Chicago, where even as a teenager, he was sitting in with Muddy Waters, Otis Rush, and Howlin' Wolf. Also Barry was the organist in the band supporting Bob Dylan during his 1965 notoriuos 'electrified' appearance at the Newport Folk Festival. After which in 1967, Barry formed The Electric Flag with Mike Bloomfield, before forming the Barry Goldberg Reunion in 1968. His first professional recording session was "Devil With The Blue Dress On" / "Good Golly Miss Molly" by Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels. Among the albums he contributed to are Leonard Cohen's Death of a Ladies' Man; The Ramones' End of the Century; Gram Parson's The Gilded Palace of Sin; Super Session which featured Michael Bloomfield, Stephen Stills, and Al Kooper; Carla Olson & Mick Taylor band's "Too Hot for Snakes"; and the Bo Diddley tribute album "Hey Bo Diddley - A Tribute!", aere just a few of many. In 1999 he wrote and performed the theme to the Disney Channel original movie Smart House, entitled "The House is Jumpin'", and in 2002, he performed on the Bo Diddley tribute album Hey Bo Diddley - A Tribute!, as well as recording 12 albums with his own band between 1966-2006 and in 2005-6, he toured with the Chicago Blues Reunion. Barry has also produced many albums including Percy Sledge's Blue Night which was Grammy nominated and WC Handy soul album of the year, as well as Shining Through the Rain, Charlie Musselwhite, James Cotton, The Textones plus Bob Dylan's version of Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready". Barry's songs, some of which co-written with Gerry Goffin, have been recorded by many musicians including Rod Stewart, Gladys Knight, Percy Sledge, Joe Cocker, Steve Miller, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Gram Parsons and B. J. Thomas. 2012 saw the release of Barry's film documentary, "White, Black & Blues," which details the rock-blues explosion of the 1960s.
* * * * * * *
VITALIJ KUPRIJ

Ukrainian pianist, composer, music teacher, and keyboardist of the now defunct neo-classical progressive metal band Artension, Vitalij Kuprij now resides in Reading, Pennsylvania, when he is not touring. While studying classical music in Lucerne, Switzerland, he met fellow student Swiss guitarist Roger Staffelbach, and together founded their band "Atlantis Rising". They were joined by drummer Mike Terrana, bassist Kevin Chown, and vocalist John West and "Artension" was born. Soaring vocals, along with Vitalij's and Roger's lightning-fast solos, became the trademark for Artension's neo-classical and aggressive music. Between 1993–2005 the band produced seven albums, their last being Future World in 2004. Running along side his band commitments he had /has a very busy solo career. As well as much touring, guest sessions, 3 albums with Ring of Fire, and releasing 10 solo albums, on March 7, 1999, Vitalij was selected as the soloist to perform the "Liszt Piano Concerto No. 1" with the New York Youth Symphony at Carnegie Hall, followed by performances at the Alice Tully Hall and Avery Fisher Hall. During the summer of 2007, Vitalij appeared at Mexico's "Music Fest" in Mexico City. In 2009 and 2010, he joined Trans-Siberian Orchestra as pianist for live performances in the United States and Europe. While not touring Vitalij writing and composing his own piano concerto, which he will one day dedicate to the memory of his late father.
* * * * * * *
REG WEBB

Born in Chelmsford, England, singer-songwriter, pianist, keyboard player Reg Webb, was blinded by retinal cancer at the age of only 1 year. After attending special schools for the blind in London and Worcester, he did a Social Science degree at Birmingham University and took up music full-time in 1971. He formed the band Fusion which included Nik Kershaw on guitar, they played music from the likes Gentle Giant, Steely Dan, and original songs written by himself and Nik. After the band's break up, from the mid 80s into the 90s, Reg has gigged and toured with many artists and bands including The Outfield, Lenny Kravitz, Vanessa Paradis, John McLaughlan, Linda Lewis, Jimmy Witherspoon, Steve Harley, Roland Kirk, Art Farmer and Suzi Quatro. Also in the 90s and until 2008, he gigged with Kate Pace as Short People. He still plays with Short People but now with the young singer Laura Jepp. Reg has also formed a jazz trios, Blind Black & Breathless, and The Reg Webb Trio with Reg playing piano, they perform standards and more contemporary material in a quite unique style.
* * * * * * *
IAN GIBBONS

English keyboardist, Ian Gibbons started playing the accordion then guitar in school bands before making the organ his main instrument. In 1972 he joined Moonstone, which released three singles. He also worked with Love Affair, and The Nashville Teens and with rock based and New Wave bands. In 1979, Ian joined The Kinks working with them for 10 years whilst also working, mainly recording, with Dr. Feelgood, The Kursaal Flyers, Blues 'n Trouble, Ken Hensley, Mike Vernon, Samson, Randy California among others. From 1989 he worked with Roger Chapman, The Sweet, Suzi Quatro, and Ian Hunter until 1993 when he returned to The Kinks. He has continued to record and perform with Chapman and Hunter, along with Chris Farlowe, Maggie Bell, Andy Scott, The Chicago Blues Brothers and recently on Ray Davies choir and other projects. In 2008 he joined The Kast Off Kinks, a line-up which includes former Kinks members Mick Avory and Jim Rodford and former Tim Rose sideman, Dave Clarke.
* * * * * * *
ROGER COTTON

British keyboard player, guitarist, singer and songwriter, Roger Cotton was a member of Peter Green's Splinter Group in the 70s, where he wrote many of the band's hits, including "Big Change" and "Real World". Also in the 70s and 80s he was a member of The Clockwork Orange, The Bandwagon, and The Brothers Grim. Through his career he has played keyboard and guitar with many different artists including John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, Paul Jones, Carlos Santana, Papa George Blues Band, Soul Survivor, The Paul Cox Band, and with Buddy Whittington. He has also written and recorded with Eric Bibb, The Barcodes, The Downliner Sect, Dr. Feelgood, Incredible Blues Puppies, Sonny Black and Derek Nash. In 2008, Roger released his first album under his own name "A Long Way Back" and is currently the keyboard player in the Buddy Whittington Band. Roger also has his own studio in Kent where he produces 100s of albums for other musicians.
* * * * * * *
ZOOT MONEY

British keyboardist, vocalist and bandleader Zoot Money born George Bruno Money in Bournemouth, Hampshire, is a best known for his playing of the Hammond organ and association with his Big Roll Band. He played the French horn and sang in the school choir as a boy. During the mid-1950s, he discovered Jerry Lee Lewis and Ray Charles, took up keyboard and by the beginning of the 1960s, Hammond organ. He soon became a leading light in the music scene of Bournemouth and Soho during the 1960s. In the Autumn of 1961 Zoot formed the Big Roll Band, which in July '67 became Dantalian's Chariot, sharing concert line-ups with Pink Floyd, Soft Machine and the Crazy World of Arthur Brown. In June '70 he contributed piano to the studio session led by former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green, which was edited into six tracks that formed Green's experimental release, The End of the Game. Zoot has also worked with the likes of Kevin Ayers, Kevin Coyne, Eric Burdon, Steve Marriott, Rocket 88, Snowy White, Mick Taylor, Spencer Davis, Geno Washington, Brian Joseph Friel, the Hard Travelers, Widowmaker and Alan Price. He is also known as a bit part and character actor in British television programmes such as Bergerac, The Professionals, The Bill and Coronation Street.
* * * * * * *
VAN DYKE PARKS

American pianist, keyboardist, composer, arranger, producer, singer, author and actor, Van , was born in Hattiesburg, MI, and brought up in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He began his career as a child actor. Between 1953 and 1958 he worked steadily in films and television, including the 1956 movie The Swan. He originally studied the clarinet, but had moved to the piano before enrolling and majoring in music at the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh im 1963. Van is noted for his contributions as a lyricist on the Beach Boys album Smile. Unsatisfied with Pet Sounds collaborator Tony Asher's lyrics for "Good Vibrations", Brian Wilson asked Van to help him re-write the lyrics to the song, and on the musical direction. During the recording of "Good Vibrations", Van suggested to Brian that he have cellos playing eighth notes. Van then wrote lyrics for the Beach Boys' next LP, the ambitious but ill-fated Smile. Sadly several members of the Beach Boys strongly opposed Smile, notably Wilson's former collaborator Mike Love, who derided Van's lyrics as "Acid Alliteration". The album was finally released 44 years later in November 2011. In 1967, he released his first solo album, Song Cycle which combined orchestral textures and traditional Americana-meets-psychedelic pop song structure. This has been followed by 5 other albums: Discover America, Clang of the Yankee Reaper, Jump!, Tokyo Rose, and with Brian Wilson, Orange Crate Art. He has also released a live album Moonlighting: Live at the Ash Grove. Van has produced/arranged/played on albums by artists including Tim Buckley, Phil Ochs, Delaney Bramlett, U2, Randy Newman, Harry Nilsson, The Byrds, Cher, Rufus Wainwright, Sam Phillips, Ringo Starr, Frank Black, The Beau Brummels, The Manhattan Transfer, Medicine, Keith Moon, Sixpence None the Richer, Carly Simon, Little Feat, T-Bone Burnett, Stan Ridgway, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Victoria Williams, Bonnie Raitt, Peter Case, Gordon Lightfoot, Fiona Apple, Sheryl Crow, Ry Cooder, Joanna Newsom, The Everly Brothers, Saint Etienne, Silverchair, The Thrills, Scissor Sisters, Laurie Anderson, and Susanna Hoffs/Matthew Sweet's covers collection, among many others and is still working.
* * * * * * *
JERRY LEE LEWIS

American rock and roll and country music singer-songwriter, pianio and keyboard player, also known by the nickname "The Killer". Born in Ferriday, Louisiana, he was an early pioneer of rock and roll music, having hits in the late 1950s with songs such as "Great Balls of Fire", "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On", "Breathless" and "High School Confidential". He began playing piano in his youth with two cousins, country music singer Mickey Gilley and TV evangelist Jimmy Swaggart. His parents mortgaged their farm to buy him a piano. He traveled to Memphis, in November 1956, to audition for Sun Records, he recorded a rendition of Ray Price's "Crazy Arms" and his own composition "End of The Road". During December 1956, he began recording prolifically, as a solo artist and as a session musician for such Sun artists as Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash. Jerry is the last surviving member of Sun Records' Million Dollar Quartet and the Class of '55 album, which also included Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley. His 60s-70s country hits include "What's Made Milwaukee Famous (Has Made a Loser Out of Me)", "She Still Comes Around (To Love What's Left of Me)", "She Even Woke Me Up to Say Goodbye", "Once More With Feeling", "There Must Be More to Love Than This", "Touching Home", "Would You Take Another Chance on Me", "Me & Bobby McGee", "Think About It, Darlin'", "Sometimes a Memory Ain't Enough", and "Tell Tale Signs". Between 1957 and 2006, 47 singles and 22 albums made the Top Twenty Pop, Jukebox, Rock, Indie and/or Country charts in the US or the UK, 14 reached No. 1 position. He has had ten official gold disks, the latest being for the 2006 album Last Man Standing. Jerry was also one of the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in it's third year, 1986.
* * * * * * *
BRUCE HORNSBY

American singer, pianist, accordion player, and songwriter, Bruce Randall Hornsby born in Williamsburg, Virginia, is known for the spontaneity and creativity of his live performances. Following his graduation from the University of Miami, in 1977, Bruce returned to Williamsburg and played in local clubs and hotel bars. In 1980, he and his songwriting partner, younger brother John moved to Los Angeles, where they spent three years writing for 20th Century Fox and spent time as a session musician and touring with Sheena Easton's band. His recordings have been recognised on a number of occasions with industry awards, including the Best New Artist Grammy in 1987 with Bruce Hornsby and the Range, the Best Bluegrass Recording Grammy in 1990, and the Best Pop Instrumental Grammy in 1993. Bruce has also achieved recognition for his solo albums and performances, his current live act Bruce Hornsby & the Noise Makers, his bluegrass project with Ricky Skaggs, his jazz act The Bruce Hornsby Trio, and his appearances as a session and guest-musician. He also collaborated with the Grateful Dead and was a member of the band from September 1990 to March 1992, playing at many shows during this period in their history.
* * * * * * *
BRENT MYDLAND

American keyboardist, songwriter Brent was born in Munich, Germany and he moved to San Francisco, California with his parents at the age of one and he started piano lessons at age 6 . He also played trumpet and accordion at school. He was influenced by rock organists like Lee Michaels, Ray Manzarek and Goldie McJohn of Steppenwolf and played in a series of local bands. In 1978, Brent played in the Bob Weir Band, before he joined the Grateful Dead on April 16th 1979. He was keyboardist with The Dead for 11 years, longer than any other keyboardist. His songwriting contributions included "Far From Me" and "Easy to Love You", "Hell in a Bucket" "Tons of Steel". "Just a Little Light" "We Can Run", and "I Will Take You Home". His high, gravelly vocal harmonies and emotional leads added to the band's singing strength, and highlighted several old favorites like "Cassidy", "Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo", "Ramble on Rose" as well as covers like Traffic's "Dear Mr. Fantasy", the Beatles' Hey Jude and the Band's "The Weight". His last show with them was on July 23rd 1990 at The World Music Theatre in Tinley Park, IL. Brent also played in another of Bob Weir's bands, Bobby and the Midnites in 1980 and 1981.
* * * * * * *
MILTONREAME-JAMES

English keyboardist Milton grew up in Kinver, in the West Midlands; he started on the piano at the age of 7. As a young teenager and still at school he taught himself guitar and formed a band Kinver, then the band The Jump. While at Uni he worked some time-out in Essex where he met Steve Nice. They played the folk clubs, both on guitar, until Steve heard Milton on piano. In July 1973 Steve, by now Steve Harley was forming Cockney Rebel and asked Milton to join him as the keyboardist. They recorded their first album "Human Menagerie" and first single "Sebastian" with classic keyboard arrangements and performance by Milton. They recorded a second Album "The Psychomodo" in early 1974 and released the second single "Judy Teen" which rose to No.5 in the charts. A second single from the album, "Mr. Soft", was also a hit. Soon after the band split, and Milton stayed with Paul Jeffreys and joined Be-Bop Deluxe. Milton and Paul worked together in The Violins, The Electric Eels, Warm Jets, Modern Romance and other projects until Paul's tragic death in the Lockerbie disaster, December 21st 1988. Gradually Milton went on to have his own successful recording studios. More recently Milton and Jeff Ellis completed writing and recording the full soundtrack to the film " Lost in Italy" starring Ray Winstone and Glenn Murphy in 2011. The film won the World Cinema Award at New York's Hells Kitchen Film Festival in September 2011 and had it's European première at the Lucerne Film Festival in October 2011.
* * * * * * *
MARK "MOOGY" KLINGMAN

American rock keyboardist, producer, songwriter, founding member of Todd Rundgren's musical team Utopia, and later became a solo recording artist and bandleader. He grew up in Great Neck, Long Island, New York and at 16 he joined Jimmy James and the Blue Flames with Randy California and Jimi Hendrix. His association with Todd Rundgren began in 1969, when Moogy was the original keyboardist for Todd and also Utopia. In his Manhattan loft, he and Todd constructed the "Secret Sound" recording studio where they recorded Todd's 'A Wizard', 'A True Star', 'Todd', and other albums. He played on ten Todd Rundgren albums, as well as several Utopia albums. Over his long career, Moogy has played, recorded and/or had his songs recorded by artists including Luther Vandross, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Bette Midler, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Allan Woody and Warren Haynes from the Allman Brothers and Gov't Mule and has also worked with Carly Simon, Cindy Lauper, Shawn Colvin, Irene Cara, and Thelma Houston. He was the co-founder of the band The Peaceniks, along with Barry Gruber, he also played in the "Moogy/Woody Band" with Allman Brothers alumni Allan Woody, and Warren Haynes, as well as having solo albums out on Capitol, EMI records, and on his own label
* * * * * * *
JOHN "RABBIT" BUNDRICK

American rock keyboardist, pianist and organist born in Houston, Texas, best known for his work with The Who and is noted as the principal musician for the cult film The Rocky Horror Picture Show and is also known as a composer and has recorded several solo albums. Early in his career he toured and recorded with vocalist Johnny Nash, playing on Nash's hit single and album "I Can See Clearly Now" in 1972. He met Bob Marley while in Sweden, when back in London, Rab collaborated on arrangements for Marley's Catch a Fire album, adding keyboards to the original Jamaican recordings. In 1971, he recorded and wrote five tracks for the album Kossoff, Kirke, Tetsu and Rabbit with guitarist Paul Kossoff, drummer Simon Kirke and bassist Tetsu Yamauchi, before joining the reformed band Free recording their final album Heartbreaker. From the late 70s to 2008 he has spent much of his time with The Who and it's members as well as following his solo career. He has also worked with Mallard, John Martyn, Fairport Convention, Eric Burdon, Sandy Denny, Zack Starkey, Andy Fairweather Low, Kevin Ayers, John Cale, Nico, Eno, Bryn Haworth, Deep End, Joan Armatrading, Crawler, Roger Waters and Mick Jagger among others. On July 12, 2008, Rab performed at the recording of VH1 Honors The Who in Los Angeles. He then worked with English alternative folk band Small Engine Repair and has recently played on their track "This Whole Setup Is A Lie". He recorded with Beverley Martyn, in 2010 and worked with Night Parade on their new album.
* * * * * * *
DAVE GREENSLADE

· British keyboards player born in Woking, Surrey; he has played in his own eponymous band, Greenslade, and others including Colosseum, If and Chris Farlowe's Thunderbirds. Colosseum made their live debut in Newcastle and were promptly recorded by influential BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel for his Top Gear Radio program. This appearance gained them valuable exposure and critical acclaim. Colosseum's first album, Those Who Are About To Die Salute You, was released by the Fontana label in 1969. Colosseum also played at the Supershow, a recorded two-day jam session, along with Modern Jazz Quartet, Led Zeppelin, Jack Bruce, Roland Kirk Quartet, Eric Clapton, Steven Stills, and Juicy Lucy. They went on to record 3 further albums. Among his other works are, Cactus Choir, The Pentateuch of the Cosmogony and Music from the Discworld. Television work includes music for the BBC series Gangsters 1975-1978, Bird of Prey 1982-1984 and A Very Peculiar Practice 1986. Dave is still involved in the legendary Colosseum, who reunited in 1994 after their split in 1971
* * * * * * *
JOZEF SKRZEK

Polish keyboardist, multi-instrumentalist, singer and composer, an important figure in Polish rock. In his early career, he was associated with the groups Slezanie, Ametysty and Breakout. In 1971, he created the progressive-rock group Silesian Blues Band with Jerzy Piotrowski and Apostolis Anthimos and also recorded for a time with Czeslaw Niemen. Over the following decades, Józef consistently showed independence. He performed with a number of artist and ad-hoc created bands, but mostly involved himself with theater and church music, as well as movie soundtracks. He is well-noted for his live performances not only on conventional concerts but also in a variety of other venues like his improvisations on summer solstice nights in Silesian Planetarium.
* * * * * * *
MIKE RATLEDGE

British musician, Mike was part of the Canterbury scene and a long-time member of Soft Machine. Born in Maidstone, Kent, he was educated in classical music as a child. After obtaining a degree at Oxford university in 1966 his friends were forming a new band and asked Mike to join. Soft Machine featured among others Robert Wyatt, Daevid Allen and Kevin Ayers. In the years to follow there were many personnel changes and by 1973 Mike was the only remaining member of the original lineup, over the years he evolved with the band from psychedelic music to jazz-rock. After nine albums, in 1976 Mike left Soft Machine to follow a solo career. He built himself a studio, but a solo album was never released. Mike did however provide film scores for Riddles of the Sphinx, Crystal Gazing and The Bad Sister for director Laura Mulvey and other projects.
* * * * * * *
PAR LINDH

Swedish organ, keyboard, piano player and founding member of the Swedish symphonic prog group Pär Lindh Project. Before turning to working in his band, he had several careers: church organist, as a touring classical pianist, as a solo harpsichordist, as drummer, as Hammond organist, as jazz & ragtime entertainer etc. During 1977 and 1978 he played in Antenna Baroque and Vincebus Erupturn, but he decided to leave the rockscene in 1979 to become a classical player. He moved to France to continue this career. In 1989 he returned to Sweden determined to once again take up the banner of progressive rock. In 1991 Pär and friends started The Swedish Art Rock Society. This was a starting point for a new wave of progressiv-rock and art-rock. In 1995 he formed Pär Lindh Project/PLP. In 1996 the concept album 'Bilbo' was released, they headlined the 1997 Rio Art Rock Festival and played other dates in Brazil and Argentina. Late 1997 saw the release of Mundus Incompertus. His latest album with PLP "Time Mirror" was released in 2011.
* * * * * * *
ALAN PARK

Scottish keyboard player noted for his work in the early 1970's with the progressive rock band Beggars Opera recording 4 albums for the now legendary Vertigo label. Their electrifying and unforgettable live performances at home and abroad, earned them major success in Germany, with the super hit Time Machine from their Waters of Change album of 1971. Prior to the Beggars Opera he woked with The Harlem Shuffle, The Vipers, The Jack Anderson Band featuring Joe Egan, and Steelers Wheel. In 1981 Alan joined Cliff Richard's band and went on to become his musical director for many years. He moved to Australia in 2002 but continued to go back to U.K. to tour with Sir Cliff Richard. Alan has also worked with the likes of 10CC, Jimmy Witherspoon, Judith Durham, Olivia Newton- John, Uli John Roth, Bucks Fizz, David Essex, Hale & Pace and others.
* * * * * * *
NEAL MORSE

American keyboard player and multi-instrumentalist and progressive rock composer born in Van Nuys, California. During his twenties he wrote two musicals, Hit Man and Homeland and did some session work. After about ten years, he traveled through Europe for several years, busking and playing in small clubs. On his return to the U.S. he formed the band Spock's Beard with his brother Alan. Their first album, The Light-1995, was moderately successful. Spock's Beard would soon become one of the more successful progressive rock bands of the late nineties. While with Spock's Beard, he also released two solo albums which contain mostly straightforward rock music. Among other projects, in 1999, Neal joined Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy, Flower Kings' Roine Stolt and Marillion's Pete Trewavas to form the supergroup Transatlantic, with which he has so far released three studio albums, SMPT:e, Bridge Across Forever, The Whirlwind and three live albums, Live In America, Live in Europe, and Whirld Tour 2010: Live in London, helped live by the guest artist Daniel Gildenlöw, from Pain of Salvation.
* * * * * * *
GUY LeBLANC

Canadian keyboardist and composer. He leads his own progressive-rock band - Nathan Mahl, and was a member of the British progressive band Camel from 2000-2003 and has appeared as guest keyboardist on several other releases. He began musical training at 4, and ended his classical piano training at age 11, in order to concentrate on composition and modern electric music. He started playing keyboards in Rock bands at 15 and co-founded Nathan Mahl at age 20 with Mark Spenard, Don Prince and Dan Lacasse. Guy has reformed Nathan Mahl several times over many years through to the present. On the strength of his performance at NEARfest 1999 with Nathan Mahl, he was invited to join the British progressive band Camel, with whom he toured in 2000-2001 and recorded the studio disc a Nod and a Wink in 2002, writing a couple pieces with leader Andrew Latimer. Since late 1999, he has also been producing all his discs in his own digital studio. Guy also participated a progressive rock supergroup collaboration along with members of progressive avant-guard bands French TV and Boud Deun called The Distinguished Panel of Experts. Their debut cd Trans-Indulgent was released in 2009 jointly by labels Musea and Luna Negra.
* * * * * * *
EDDIE HARDIN

British rock keyboard player and vocalist, he replaced Steve Winwood in the Spencer Davis Group in 1967 after which he toured extensively with the band until forming Hardin & York with drummer, Pete York, in 1969. They had major success on the continent. His solo career kicked off with November 1971's "Driving"/"Where I'm Going To SleepTonight" single which was swiftly followed by the 1972 LP "Home Is Where You Find It"and another single, "Why Does Everybody Put Me Down"/"Spend Your Money Honey". He then put his solo attempts on hold when he took part in the 1973 reformation of the Spencer Davis Group where he was again reunited with Pete York. The reunion lasted for just two LP's "Gluggo" and "Living In R Back Street", before the band again split up. Eddie along with York and bassist Charlie McCracken then formed Hardin-York-McCracken and released one critically acclaimed self-titled LP, in 1974. He also worked with Roger Glover on "Butterfly Ball" and "Wizards Convention" LPs. Between 1979 and 1981, he led Axispoint and continued his solo career, many side projects and plays with the latest line up of the Spencer Davis Group.
* * * * * * *
STEVE WALSH

American musician and keyboard player, Steve, was in a number of local groups prior to his joining Kansas, most notably a group named "White Clover" which ultimately became Kansas. The band White Clover toured relentlessly and sharpened their original brand of distinctively American, hard-rocking progressive music. With 1972's self-titled debut album, Kansas started a winning streak that has continued for 35 plus years. 1976's 'Leftoverture' and 1977's 'Point Of Know Return' were enormously successful and are deservedly recognized as rock classics, as are the previously mentioned hits they contained, "Carry On Wayward Son," "Dust In The Wind" and "Point Of Know Return". While many other albums by Kansas have come out since this time, the band is most known for their hits during the mid-1970s. Steve's solo albums have never had commercial success, but are considered by his fans to some of his best and most creative works. With Kansas, Steve has released 12 studio albums, 6 live albums, 2 DVDs, a video, and numerous singles. He has had three solo albums to date.
* * * * * * *
MANFRED WIECZORKE

German keyboardist, guitarist, composer and producer and is best known for his membership in Eloy and Jane . His first band in the mid 60s was called "The Blackstones" before becoming a founder member of the band Eloy in 1969 where he remained until 1975. Afterwards, he joined the band Jane until 1979, leaving because of musical differences once again. In 1980, he founded his own recording studio "Nautilus" and began to produce other bands. He also formed his own band "Fire Horse" with hit the songs "Action man", "Jenny," "Blue Star" and "Child's. There followed various solo projects, but also joint projects with the former Eloy member Detlev Schmidtchen with "Animator", "The Trick", "Choco" and Piefke & Pafke and the guys from the darkroom.
* * * * * * *
JOSEF ZAWINUL

Austrian-American jazz keyboardist and composer born in Vienna, a life changing break came Josef's way when in 1959 he won a won a scholarship to the Berklee School of Music, Boston in the USA. He first came to prominence with saxophonist Cannonball Adderley, and went on to play with trumpeter Miles Davis, and to become one of the creators of jazz fusion, an innovative musical genre that combined jazz with elements of rock and world music. Later, Josef co-founded the groups Weather Report and the world fusion music-oriented Zawinul Syndicate. Additionally, he made pioneering use of electric piano and synthesizers. He was named "Best Electric Keyboardist" 28 times by the readers of Down Beat magazine. Weather Report's biggest commercial success came from his composition "Birdland", a 6-minute opus featured on Weather Report's 1977 album Heavy Weather, which peaked at number 30 on the Billboard pop albums chart. "Birdland" is one of the most recognizable jazz pieces of the 1970s. Josef also wrote a symphony, called Stories of the Danube, which was commissioned by the Brucknerhaus, Linz. It was first performed as part of the Linzer Klangwolke, for the opening of the 1993 Bruckner Festival in Linz. Several artists have honored Zawinul with songs, notably Brian Eno's instrumental "Zawinul/Lava", John McLaughlin's instrumental "Jozy", Warren Cuccurullo's "Hey Zawinul", Bob Baldwin's "Joe Zawinul", Chucho Valdes's Zawinul's Mambo, and Biréli Lagrène's instrumental "Josef".
* * * * * * *
PAGE McCONNELL

American keyboard player and pianist born in Philadelphia, PA, moving to Basking Ridge, NJ, in 1969; he is best known for his work with the rock band Phish. He began piano lessons at the age of four and was playing in local bands by the time he was in the seventh grade. He attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, from 1982 to 1984, and then transferred to Goddard College in Vermont, graduating in 1987. As a student he played with several area bands, including Love Goat, Pueblo Fever, Tom's Sub Shop, and most notably Phish, which he officially joined in 1985, spending the next 15 years playing, recording, and touring with the group. He has also written multiple Phish originals including "Cars Trucks Buses," "Magilla," "Beauty of a Broken Heart", "Army of One," "I Been Around," "Windy City," and "If I Told You". He has also co-written numerous other tracks. During a a Phish hiatus, in 2001 Page formed the electronic trio Vida Blue with Oteil Burbridge and Russell Batiste. The group released two albums, 2002's Vida Blue and 2003's The Illustrated Band, before leaving. In another Phish hiatus Page released his debut solo album, simply entitled Page McConnell in 2007. Phish reformed again to received the Jammys Lifetime Achievement Award on May 7th 2008 in The Theatre at Madison Square Garden, after which the band played thirteen shows of a summer tour, and have remained together recording and touring ever since. Page also pursues his solo and other projects.
* * * * * * *
ELTON JOHN

English pianist, keyboardist, singer and composer, Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight; he has worked with lyricist Bernie Taupin as his songwriter partner since 1967; they have collaborated on more than 30 albums to date. He received a knighthood from HM Queen Elizabeth II for "services to music and charitable services" and became Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE in 1998. In his four-decade career John has sold more than 250 million records, making him one of the most successful artists of all time. His single "Candle in the Wind 1997" has sold over 33 million copies worldwide, and is the best selling single in Billboard history. He has more than 50 Top 40 hits, including seven consecutive No.1 US albums, 56 Top 40 singles, 16 Top 10, four No. 2 hits, and nine No. 1 hits. He has won six Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award and a Tony Award. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked him Number 49 on its list of the 100 greatest artists of all time. John was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. In 1992 he established the Elton John AIDS Foundation and a year later began hosting the annual Academy Award Party, which has since become one of the most high-profile Oscar parties in the Hollywood film industry. Since its inception, the foundation has raised over $200 million. In 2008, Billboard magazine ranked him as the most successful male solo artist on "The Billboard Hot 100 Top All-Time Artists" third overall, behind only The Beatles and Madonna.
* * * * * * *
SKYLAR THOMAS

An up and coming American multi-genre keyboard player, pianist, born in 1994; at the age of 12, Skylar began writing songs with rock bands. She was the youngest member of the band Ember and later became the keyboardist of the band, Aldershot, which won 3rd place in Stairway to Stardom: Skip's Music band competition in 2008. The following year, she was entered into the MTAC Sacramento 2010 Baroque Music Festival, playing J.S. Bach Inventions and receiving Superior awards for her performances and was also highlighted as the 1st featured article, MAJORminor, in Keyboard Magazine's February 2010 issue. She routinely performs classical recitals at California state colleges and also plays live with rock guitarist Frank Hannon and his band; Jeff Watson, Night Ranger's guitarist; the Lenny Dean Band, and Izzy Ozborne, an Ozzy Osbourne tribute band. In December 2009, Skylar helped raise about $12,000 with other musicians and Sacramento's radio station, KRXQ 98 Rock, for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society at the All Star Jam and more recently played at Coaches in Rocklin, CA for the Wounded Warrior Project. In mid 2010 she started the Skylar Thomas Band in mid 2010, performing popular new era music and classic rock and in April of 2011, she signed an endorsement deal with Kurzweil Music Systems.
* * * * * * *
BILLY RITCHIE

Scottish organist, keyboard player and composer, he grew up in Forth, Lanarkshire and a former member of The Satelites, before joining the The Premiers in 1964, who then decided to move in a new musical direction, changing their name from The Premiers to 1-2-3 and later became Clouds. Billy is generally acknowledged as being the first keyboard player in rock music to stand and take a leading role, thereby providing a model for others such as Keith Emerson and Rick Wakeman. Despite some initial success for the band, the record label Chrysalis to who they were signed with, increasingly focused its attention on Jethro Tull, and the momentum that began with 1-2-3 was lost. Though the later incarnation, Clouds, was still interesting, invention was now part of the mainstream, and the group disbanded in October 1971, unable to find a niche in a by then overcrowded progressive rock scene. Because of the lack of public perception, Billy has at times been accused of being influenced by those, who, in reality, were influenced by him. It was some years later, thanks to accolades from David Bowie and others, that Billy was properly credited for the pioneering role he played in the development of electric keyboards in popular music and credited as being the first of his kind, standing and taking a lead role, paving the way for Emerson, Wakeman and others. Similarly belated credit was also given to the pioneering role of 1-2-3 and Billy's innovative arrangements, being responsible for rewriting standard songs and arranging music in a style that later became fashionable as progressive rock. The band's distinctive guitar-less organ-driven sound is now viewed as a definitive precursor to the progressive rock movement and Billy described as 'a genius'.
* * * * * * *
VINCENT CRANE

Self-taught English pianist, born Vincent Cheesman is maybe best known for his work with Atomic Rooster and The Crazy World of Arthur Brown. Their eponymous debut album, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown in 1968 contained the song "Fire", a chart-topping hit single in the UK, Canada and the USA, with Vince's organ on the leads. During the tour of the USA, the band began to splinter, when Vince and drummer Carl Palmer left to form Atomic Rooster in late 1969. Atomic Rooster enjoyed success in 1971 with two hit singles, "Tomorrow Night", and "Devil's Answer". He collaborated with other musicians on a number of albums, including Rory Gallagher, Arthur Brown, Richard Wahnfried and Dexys Midnight Runners. In 1983 he was part of the one-off blues outfit, Katmandu, with Ray Dorset and Peter Green, who recorded the album A Case for the Blues.
* * * * * * *
TOM COSTER

American keyboardist and composer. Detroit-born and San Francisco-raised, Tom played piano and accordion as a youth, continuing his studies through college and a productive five-year stint as a musician in the U.S. Air Force Band. He has played with and/or composed for many groups and musicians including The Loading Zone, Gábor Szabó, Carlos Santana, Billy Cobham, Third Eye Blind, Coryell/Coster/Smith, Claudio Baglioni, Stu Hamm, Boz Scaggs, Zucchero and Bobby Holiday, Joe Satriani, Frank Gambale, and Vital Information. He also produced solo jazz fusion recordings as a leader for Fantasy, Headfirst, and JVC. But it was during his tenure with Santana in the 70’s, when Tom made his mark as a keyboard player and composer of versatility and power. Some of his best known compositions include "Europa (Earth's Cry Heaven's Smile)", "Flor D'Luna (Moonflower)" and "Dance, Sister, Dance (Baila Mi Hermana)" performed by Santana, and "The Perfect Date" with Vital Information.
* * * * * * *
SIMON RINALDO

British keyboard player, organist, electric pianist and producer with a unique style honed by many years of performing. Formerly of the Mod / Ska band Bowfinger, Simon's talents have always been in great demand from numerous professional sessions both in the studio and live alongside artists such as Chrissie Hinde, Roy Wood, Alicia Keys, Ocean Colour Scene, Cheap Trick, The Fall, The Quireboys and Andrew WK to name just a few, as well as appearances on BBC’s TV Top of The Pops, but he is never too far from his love of dirty blues. Simon's aggressive Hammond Organ licks and delicate Rhodes intervals breathe life into the sound of his latest band the Pearl Handled Revolver
* * * * * * *
DANNY EISENBURG

American keyboardist Danny Eisenberg started learning the piano at home when he was 7. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Donovan, the musical Hair and other classics from the ‘60s became his earliest influences. Later, as a teen, Danny discovered the Grateful Dead and Santana and other improvisational rock bands of the early ‘70s which also had a big impact on his approach to music. He has played with several bands including Mother Hips 1994-1997, Jonathan Richman 1996, Shelby Lynne 2000, Ryan Adams with Brad Rice 2001-2003 and Glider with Jim Boggio and Dave Immergluck of Counting Crows from 2003-current. He has also done stints with the likes of Wasted Days, The Stolen Bibles, and Tift Merritt.
* * * * * * *
JOHN LAWRY

American keyboardist, composer, producer and songwriter John Lawry is maybe most remembered for his work with the Christian rock band Petra during their most prolific years. In 1982, he joined the Joe English Band and recorded three albums with them. He also recorded with the band Forerunner. In 1984 he joined Petra first appearingon their Beat the System album in 1984 and stayed with them for the next 10 years, recording a total of nine albums with the band. In this period, the band won 3 Grammys and several other awards. Also during this time in 1986 John played a keyboard solo on Greg X. Volz, former Petra lead singer, first solo album. John also released a solo album "Media Alert" in 1990, and he left Petra in 1994 to dedicate to a career producing and recording. He released another solo album 'Excursions' in 1997. In 2005, John joined Petra on stage again at one of the band's final presentations which was released as "The Petra Farewell" CD and DVD. The band and John still get together occasionally for recordings and performances.
* * * * * * *
TERRY WATKINSON

Canadian keyboard player, Terry, was born in Thunder Bay and moved to Toronto to study architecture at the University of Toronto. After completing two years, he joined the up and coming rock band, Max Webster with singer, Kim Mitchell. Terry's styling was instrumental to the band's sound and success, and over the next eight years the band toured throughout North America and Europe, playing to sold out concerts in locations such as Maple Leaf Gardens. They recorded six gold and platinum albums, releasing thier self titled debut album in 1976 followed by High Class in Borrowed Shoes in 1977. Their last album Diamonds Diamonds was released in 1981. When the band ended, Terry returned to University of Toronto and earned the challenging B.Sc. degree in Medical Illustration. Terry went on to teach surgical illustration and perspective for the University's Biomedical Communications program. Using his many life experiences, this multi-talented artist creates a brilliant sense of light, depth and emotion in his spectacular wilderness scenes and cityscapes. Terry and Max Webster have played several successful reunion gigs in 1995, 1996 and 2007.
* * * * * * *
GRAHAM BOND

English musician, considered a founding father of the English rhythm and blues boom of the 1960s. Technologically and musically, Graham was an innovator, described by critic Richie Unterberger as "an important, underappreciated figure of early British R&B ". Along with John Mayall and Alexis Korner, he was one of the great catalytic figures of '60s rock in England. Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker -- both later to find stardom in Cream -- first achieved prominence in Bond's group. Additionally, he was perhaps the first English musician to use the Hammond organ and Leslie speaker combination, in an R&B context, the first to "split" the instrument for portability, the first to build an electronic keyboard, and the first contemporary musician to use a mellotron, which can be heard on his first two LPs. Deep Purple's renowned organist Jon Lord cited Graham as an early influence. "He taught me, hands on, most of what I know about the Hammond organ," said Lord in a 1989 interview
* * * * * * *
HUGH BANTON

photo with courtesy of : http://www.vandergraafgenerator.co.uk
British organist and organ builder, most widely known for his work with the group Van der Graaf Generator in the 1970s. In performance with the band he played Farfisa and Hammond organs, adding a wide range of effects including phasing, tape echo, distortion and overdrive. He later modified a Hammond E112 organ to allow separate amplification, with different effects, of the output from the two keyboards and pedalboard, and added a remote reverb unit. In 1975 he began building a custom organ based on a Hammond but with added electronic oscillators to closely approximate a full pipe organ sound, with bass notes down to 16 Hz played through 24-inch subwoofers. He left Van der Graaf Generator at the end of '76 to work on the development, design and installation of electronic church organs for the Makin Organs company in Oldham, Lancashire. In 1992 he set up The Organ Workshop, at Lymm in Cheshire. He worked together with many artists, such as Judge Smith, John Ellis and René van Commenée/Mr Averell. Van der Graaf Generator reunited in 2004.
* * * * * * *
DOUG INGLE

American musician, founding member and former organist, vocalist and primary composer for the band Iron Butterfly. His work is featured on Iron Butterfly albums Heavy, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, Ball and Metamorphosis. Most famously, he authored the band's biggest hit, the epic seventeen-minute "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida". The album and subsequent single release of the title track vaulted him and the band to national prominence. "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" received the first Platinum Record sales award in the history of the Recording Industry and became a landmark record in psychedelic rock. He also had a short stint with the pop group Stark Naked and the Car Thieves in the early 1970s after he left Iron Butterfly.
* * * * * * *
BEPPE CROVELLA

Italian keyboard and organ player, composer, singer and producer born in Turin. A self taught musician he started working professionally with music in the 60's and has recorded and released several Hammond, piano, and keyboard solo albums. He was a founding member of the Italian jazz-rock band Arti & Mestieri in 1974, releasing their debut album 'Tilt' that same year. He is currently in his fourth decade as a band member and composer of this outfit. Beppe has also worked with Mosaic; Romantic Warriorr; Secret Cinema; Tower; and Randone. as well as writing songs and music for cartoons that won 2 international prizes and music for TV, Radio and documentaries.
* * * * * * *
MOTOI SAKURABA

Japanese keyboardist, composer of video games, anime series, and television dramas as well as independent progressive rock albums. Born in Akita Prefecture, he broke into the music scene as composer and keyboard player of the progressive rock band Deja Vu, which released an album, "Baroque in the Future", in 1988. The band later disbanded, and Sakuraba went on to release a solo progressive rock album, "Gikyoku Onsou", in 1990. During his work as video game composer he continued to produce heavily extended arrangements of his compositions. In late 1989, Motio began work as main composer for Wolf Team, a subsidiary of Telenet Japan. During July 2003, he held a live concert in Tokyo, Japan. He performed progressive rock interpretations of music from the PlayStation games Star Ocean: The Second Story and Valkyrie Profile.
* * * * * * *
BO HANSSON

Swedish musician best known for his four instrumental albums released in the 1970s. As a teenager he became interested in the rock and roll scene and taught himself to play the guitar, before joining the band, Rock-Olga. After the rock and roll craze gave way to jazz and blues in the late 50's, he joined 'Slim' Notini's Blues Gang as a guitarist. He moved on and formed his own blues group The Merrymen. But inspired by American jazz organist Jack McDuff, Bo acquired his own Hammond organ and together with drummer Janne Karlsson played up-tempo Hammond organ based music and releasing three albums between 1967 and 1969. He released his solo album Music Inspired by Lord of the Rings in 1972, followed by Magician's Hat, Attic Thoughts, and Music Inspired by Watership Down, among others. He also occasionally performed live sets with fellow organist Eric Malmberg who has been greatly inspired by Hansson's work.
* * * * * * *
MARIAN VARGA

Slovak composer and organ player. He studied piano and composition at the conservatory in Bratislava, after three years he left to become a member of the Czechoslovakia rock group Prúdy, and contributed to the legendary album Zvonte zvonky. He left Prúdy to establish the first Czechoslovak art rock band Collegium Musicum. The repertoire of the band, comprising mostly instrumental pieces, included reinterpretations of the themes of classics such as Joseph Haydn, Béla Bartók and Igor Stravinsky, complemented by original compositions. Already at this stage his work bore signs of postmodernism, which later became the basic principle of his work. When they disbanded in 1979, he started a solo career. Among other achievements, he became a pioneer of absolute improvisation (real-time composition) in Slovakia. He also continued to contribute to popular music. His ongoing collaboration with Pavol Hammel led to five successful albums and to the first rock musical in Slovakia.
* * * * * * *
THIJS van LEER

Dutch keyboardist, singer and composer, born in Amsterdam, best known for heading the Dutch progressive rock band, Focus, as primary Hammond organ player, vocalist, and flautist. He also yodels and whistles. While at school, Thijs led a jazz group on piano and went on to play and sing with the Shaffy cabaret group. In 1969 he joined Martijn Dresden-bass and Hans Cleuver-drums to form a trio that covered songs by Traffic and their own material. Later that year guitarist Jan Akkerman joined, completing the initial line-up of Focus. They released several albums in the early 1970s. In his later years, Thijs released many solo albums some of which were classical music and jazz-based. In 2002, he created a new Focus line-up, which has since released the albums Focus 8 and Focus 9 / New Skin. A British tour was undertaken in spring 2006. He also appeared as a guest musician on the album, Into the Electric Castle, by Arjen Anthony Lucassen's musical project Ayreon.
* * * * * * *
WOOLLY WOLSTENHOLME

English keyboardist, born Stuart John Wolstenholme, in Chadderton, Lancashire he met John Lees at Oldham School of Art and Woolly played tambourine and sang with John in The Sorcerers, then The Keepers, where he played whatever instrument was required, such as harmonica and twelve-string guitar. The pair then founded Barclay James Harvest, together with Les Holroyd and Mel Pritchard, in 1967. Woolly taught himself keyboards, first the Mellotron and then adapting to organ, piano and synthesisers. His musical influences range from Love and Vanilla Fudge through Mahler to UK and Radiohead. Woolly remained with Barclay James Harvest until 1979. He recorded a solo album, Mæstoso, in 1980, and toured as support to Judie Tzuke and Saga, as well as writing film and TV music. in 1998 after meeting John Lees again, and this resulted in the Eagle Records album Nexus credited to Barclay James Harvest Through The Eyes Of John Lees. The album was followed by live shows in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Greece and the UK, the first English concerts by any members of Barclay James Harvest for nine years.
* * * * * * *
DAVE SINCLAIR

English keyboardist, organist, pianist, synthesizer has been part of the progressive rock Canterbury Scene since the mid 60s. He started his musical career in 1966 with the Wilde Flowers, before founding Caravan in 1968 with his cousin Richard Sinclair, Pye Hastings, and Richard Coughlan, and has been in and out of that band for 35 years .. 1968-71, 1973-75, 1979-82, 1990-2002. On Caravan's first three albums, he developed his organ playing enormously, showcased on their famous album In the Land of Grey and Pink. He also penned some of their classic tracks including "For Richard", "Nine Feet Underground", "The Dabsong Conshirtoe", "Proper Job/Back To Front". In between his Caravan gigs he was a member of Matching Mole from 1971-72, Hatfield and the North from 1972-73, Polite Force from 1976-77, and Camel in 1978, for their Breathless tour. More recently he has concerntrated on his solo career, including concerts in Japan and two solo albums, Full Circle and Into the Sun, and working on his 2010 release.
* * * * * * *
JEFF KAZEE

Raised in Lima, Ohio, Jeff Kazee rock keyboard player, Hammond B3 organist, and singer-songwriter has been a longtime member of the legendary Rock/Soul band "Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes", and has also worked extensively with "Bon Jovi" and "Jon Bon Jovi" Other artists he has worked with include Chocolate Genius, Dar Williams, The Blues Brothers, G.E. Smith, Gavin DeGraw, and has occasionally filled in for Paul Shaffer on The Late Show with David Letterman. His presence as a keyboardist/vocalist/arranger has been seen and heard in "house bands" for many Special Events, backing such stars as James Taylor, The Band's Levon Helm, Bruce Springsteen, John Mayer and Snoop Dog. Jeff also hosts a concert series at The Cutting Room in New York City under the name of kazeedigs. In 2009, he joined Fab Faux drummer Rich Pagano and Asbury Juke bassist John Conte in an ongoing side project performing music selected from Elton John's Trio Years entitled: Early Elton.
* * * * * * *
EDDIE JOBSON

English keyboardist and violinist Eddie Jobson is also noted for his use of synthesizers. He has been a member of several progressive rock bands, including Curved Air, Roxy Music, 801, U.K., and Jethro Tull and was also part of Frank Zappa's band. He began playing the piano at age 7 and violin at age 8. At 16 he joined the band Fat Grapple, playing locally in venues such as Redcar Jazz Club. It was at this venue that they played in support of Curved Air, which Jobson joined the following year. In 1973 he replaced Brian Eno in Roxy Music, and in In 1976, he recorded an obscure solo single, "Yesterday Boulevard" / On a Still Night", playing all instruments himself with the exception of drummer, Simon Phillips. That same year he became a member of Zappa's band before forming the super group UK in 1977, and 1980 saw him with in Jethro Tull. Throughout the '80s and '90s he also built a successful career as a composer of TV and film soundtracks. Eddie continues on his many projects around the world
* * * * * * *
TIMOTHY DRURY

American keyboardist Timothy Drury is currently playing keyboards in British rock band Whitesnake, got his big break-through when he was asked to play keyboards on Don Henley's 'End of the Innocence' tour in 1989. Since that time he has been touring with famous musicians and bands as the Eagles, Bryan Adams, Melissa Etheridge and Stevie Nicks. He co-wrote Don Henley's last single, "Everything is Different Now" and co-wrote a song on Stevie Nicks last record, "That Made Me Stronger", which was produced by his Henley touring mate, Sheryl Crow. Tim toured as a member of Whitesnake on their extensive world tour to promote their new record, "Good To Be Bad". His other projects include film and television music composing and the collaborative creation of an opera with Jon Anderson, lead singer of the band Yes. His latest instrumental record, to date is "The Crossing".
* * * * * * *
STAN SZELEST

American piano/keyboard player Stan Szelest from Buffalo, formed the band Stan and the Ravens in 1958, which he played with for over 30 years, taking time out for many other musical projects. At aged seventeen years in early 1960, Ronnie Hawkins hired him to to play in the Hawks. At this point the Hawks were Levon Helm, Robbie Robertson, Fred Carter Jr, with Stan and Will Jones doubling on piano and keyboards. When Rick Danko became bassist in 1961, he became Danko's musical teacher. In the summer of 1984, Stan and Levon Helm played together again as members of the short-lived septet The Woodstock All-Stars. By the end of 1990 he became a member of the reunited Band, as they were getting ready to record for CBS, writing songs, recording, and rehearsing with Garth Hudson in Woodstock Stan died of a heart attack. Some of his electric piano work can be heard on the Band album Jericho, where he also co-wrote the Richard Manuel tribute "Too Soon Gone". Stan also recorded with Roy Buchanan, Lonnie Mack, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jesse Ed Davis, Delbert McClinton and Northern Lights.
* * * * * * *
GREGG GIUFFRIA

American keyboardist Gregg Giuffria was an early member of the glam rock / heavy metal band from Washington, D.C., Angel, formed in 1975. Along with Punky Meadows, Mickie Jones, Frank Dimino and Barry Brandt they bought their debut album "Angel" out that same year. This was followed by albums 'Helluva Band' in 1976, 'On Earth as It Is in Heaven' and 'White Hot' in 1977, 'Sinful' in 1979 and 'Live Without a Net' in 1980. Leaving Angel in 1981 Gregg put his own band together, the rock band 'Giuffria', releasing a self-titled debut album in 1984, peaking at No.26. The album produced two hit singles, "Call to the Heart" and "Lonely In Love". Gregg, with his band Giuffria toured with acts such as Deep Purple and Foreigner. They released a second hit album 'Silk and Steel' in 1986 giving them another hit single with "I Must Be Dreaming". Gregg formed a 2nd hard rock band 'The House Of Lords', in 1988, signing with Simmons Records they had a successful tour of Japan; toured with Cheap Trick; opened for Scorpions, and released three albums, House Of Lords in 1989, followed by 1990's Sahara and Demons Down in 1992. After which Gregg retired from the music business. Although he has worked on some unreleased solo material and he guested on The House Of Lords 2006 album 'World Upside Down'. He is currently a co-owner of the Biloxi Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
* * * * * * *
TOMMY ZVONCHECK

Tommy Zvoncheck, born in Long Island, schooled in Illinois, moved and lived in New Jersey and is now based in Tampa, Florida. Tommy specializes on the keyboards, but he is also a master on the guitar and bass. Maybe to most he is more famous for touring and recording with Blue Oyster Cult, but this busy keyboardist has also toured with The Coasters, Chad Brock, Ghost Riders, Moogy Klingman Band, Scarlet Rivera, Suzanne Fellini, The Dream Syndicate, Spencer Davis, Fernando Saunders, Thommy Price, Rochelle D, Public Image Ltd, Aldo Nova-Portrait, Flo & Eddie, Clarence Clemmons & Red Bank Rockers, Kasim Sulton Band and Musique. Tommy has also performed and/or recorded with Yossi Fine, Jon Paris, Bruce Springsteen, Pat Travers, Ronnie Montrose, Alex Lifeson, John Phillips, Steven Tyler, Patti Smyth, Tom Morrongiello, Tommy Price, JT Lewis, Ellen Foley, Tom Nielson, Eric Johnson, Kenny Aaronsen, Robby Krieger, Harvey Brooks, Richie Canata, and Tommy Mandel. For the last 3 years, 2007 to 2009, he was the musical director for the All Star Jam at the Winter NAMM convention held in January in Anaheim California, and for the last 2 years he has been performing with the John Entwistle Foundation Band. As well as all the above Tommy also has a solo career with his own band ZKG which he formed in 2001.
* * * * * * *
CHESTER THOMPSON

Chester Thompson started playing the piano at age five, soon he was playing both piano and organ for the choir at his church. At 13, he had discovered jazz, and by the age of 16, he was playing in high school rock bands, almost exclusively on the Hammond organ. At 19, he spent three years touring with the Rudy Johnson Trio. 1969 sees him move to San Francisco where he still lives todayhe joined up with Jules Broussard, this evolved into Chester leading his own band. It was during this time that he released his first album, a solo project titled, "Power House". He spend the following 10 years playing, touring and composing material for the band Tower of Power. It was in 1983, when he made his debut with Santana on "Beyond Appearances" . Chester co-wrote, with Carlos, the songs on the instrumental album, "Blues for Salvador", he also provided an inspirational spark during the recording of it's Grammy Award-winning title track. In addition, Chester also collaborated with Carlos on nine songs that were included on "Spirits Dancing In the Flesh". Since joining Santana, he's had opportunities to play with some of the other great musicians and groups, including Wayne Shorter, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Temptations and many others, but he continues playing an important part , recording, writing, performing, with Santana, and has become an integral part of "the Santana sound".
* * * * * * *
LEE MICHAELS


Although American Lee Michaels, is a talented multi-instrumentalist, the organ dominates his recordings. One of the first to play hard rock on a keyboard instead of guitar, he started out playing the organ for surf groups The Sentinals, and The Strangers. By 1965 he had moved to San Francisco where he played with a Beatle influenced band "Family Tree" before setting out on his solo career. He was usually accompanied by just a drummer, B.E. "Frosty" Smith or Joel Larson. With his unusual Hammond playing technique -- hard, aggressive and loudly amplified he soon attracted a following and bought out his debut album "Carnival of Life" in 1968, followed by "Recital" later that year. It was in 1971 with his 5th album "Fifth" which brought him a breakthrough with the hit track "Do You Know What I Mean" reaching No.6 in the charts. This lead to his signing with Columbia Records and a further two albums with Columbia. He went on to record a further 2 albums "Saturn Rings" and "Absolute Lee by Lee Michaels" eventually released in 1996. Lee also known as Mike Olsen now semi-retired from the music business, owns a chain of restaurants, named "Killer Shrimp", around Southern California.
* * * * * *
MORGAN FISHER

Photo courtesy of Morgan Fisher
British keybaord player Morgan Fisher, born in London, started his musical journey in 1966 playing the organ with the band The Soul Survivors, who soon renamed to The Love Affair, having a No.1 hit in 1968 with "Everlasting Love". In the early 70's Morgan, along with Tim Staffell formed the rock band Morgan. After a short stint with Third Ear Band, in 1976 he joined the legendary British rock band, "Mott the Hoople". In 1980 Morgan conceived and produced the unique "Miniatures" album, 51 one-minute tracks by Robert Fripp, Gavin Bryars, Michael Nyman, The Pretenders, XTC, Penguin Cafe Orchestra, Robert Wyatt, The Damned and many more. 1982 sees Morgan with rock band Queen, on their European tour. By 1985 Morgan had moved to Japan, where he has become one of the leading TV commercial music writers, including songs written or arranged for Cat Power, Karin Krog, Jose Feliciano and Zap Mama. Japanese artists include Yoko Ono, Dip in the Pool, The Boom, Heat Wave, Kina Shoukichi, Haruomi Hosono, Kokoo among others. He continues his busy and varied career as organist, keyboard player, producer, composer, film scorer, artist and photographer.
* * * * * * *
MARK KELLY

Keyboardist Mark Kelly born in Dublin, influenced by bands Yes, Genesis, Pink Floyd and the likes started his professional career with the progressive/psychedelic band Chemical Alice, based in Essex, UK. Mark stayed with the band a year, recording the EP Curioser and Curioser in July 1981, before leaving to join the progressive rock band, Marillion, replacing keyboardist Brian Jelliman, in November 1981. Mark has been with Marillion throughout their touring and recording history of 20 albums, the latest to date being "TBA - Working Title - M15" in 2008, 35 singles, 28 racket record recordings, 20 videos, as well as releasing 14 compilations and several Christmas albums. Mark also appeared on on John Wesley's album 'Under the Red and White Sky' in 1994 and on Jump's album 'Myth of Independence' in 1995. In 2005 he played keyboards with Travis for their headlining set at the Isle of Wight Festival and at the Live8 set in Edinburgh. He continues his work with Marillion.
* * * * * * *
DOUG JOHNSON

Keyboardist Doug Johnson from Calgary, Canada together with Paul Dean, Mike Reno founded the rock band Loverboy in 1980. Their self-titled debut album sold over 700,000 in Canada alone, and went on to sell over 2 million in America. The band have released 13 billboard hit singles and 12 albums, the latest to date "Just Getting Started" was released in 2007. As well as his busy band career, Doug is also a published classical music composer. He wrote the classical quintet "The Crescent Suite" which uses piano, violin, cello, flute, and viola. His commercial composition work includes the soundtrack for the syndicated shows "The Shopping Bags" and "You, Me, and the Kids". He was nominated for a Jessie award for his work on the Vancouver Aquarium TV commercial. He also co-wrote music for Broadway-style musicals "Front Page News" and "A Time To Remember". Doug continues touring, recording and composing for his band Loverboy and work on his many side projects.
* * * * * * *
GEORGIE FAME

Georgie Fame was born Clive Powell in Leigh, Lancashire, UK, he was inspired and influenced by American musicians especially Fats Domino, Mose Allison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Booker T & the MG's, and Louis Jordan. As a teenager he played with several groups around Manchester, before the family moved to London in 1959, were he was discovered by Lionel Bart. Talent manager Larry Parnes signed him up and changed his name. Georgie started his proffessional career by backing the likes of Vince Eager, Billy Fury and Marty Wilde, before becoming a full-time member of Billy Fury's backing band, The Blue Flames. Later Georgie took over the band, here, he could make his own music with a recognizable blend of R&B, jazz, pop, and ska. Over the years he has played with many artists including Alan Price, Van Morrison, and more recently bassist Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings. He is one of the few jazz artists left to take an interest in the vanishing art of setting words to established jazz instrumentals, which has earned him much respect & admiration from jazz critics on both sides of the Atlantic.
* * * * * *
BRIAN AUGER

Bandleader, session man, jazz pianist, Hammond B3 player, Brian Auger born in London, went on the road with Long John Baldry, Julie Driscoll and Rod Stewart in 1965 as the group Steampacket. Then after a few years with with "This Wheel's on Fire" Driscoll & the band Trinity, he went on to form Brian Auger's Oblivion Express producing 8 chart hitting albums over the next decade. In 1989, Brian was Musical Director for the thirteen-part film retrospective series "Villa Fantastica", made for German TV. In 1990 the live recording of the series, "Super Jam", featured Brian Auger on piano. Throughout his career he has sessioned with too many legends to mention, toured with Tony Williams, Jimi Hendrix, Sonny Boy Williamson, Led Zeppelin, Eric Burdon and many more. Brian reformed Oblivion Express in the late 90's which today features his son Karma Auger on drums, his daughter Savannah Auger on vocals, and Derek Frank on bass.
* * * * * *
JERRY CORBETTA

Jerry Corbetta, founder, keyboardist, and former lead singer of the melodically and lyrically-oriented rock band Sugarloaf. Besides the often heard and much-praised "Green-Eyed Lady", the group found gold with "Don't Call Us, We'll Call You " in February 1975. Life after Sugarloaf was just as artistically lucrative for Jerry when he released a solo album for Warner Bros. In 1979, Jerry joined Fankie Vali & The Four Seasons and he still found time to write hit songs for Grace Jones, Belinda Carlisle and Roberto Flack / Peabo Bryson duo who recorded the love-song classic " You're Lookin' Like Love to Me" which went gold and climbed right to the top of the charts. Jerry has thrived as a performed/writer and record producer in the '80s, and since 1992 has performed world-wide with "The Rare Earth, Iron Butterfly, Sugarloaf All stars. He currently performs with The Classic Rock All-Stars, a touring supergroup of hitmakers from the 1960s and 1970s.
* * * * * *
DAVID PAICH

David Paich is a session musician from the 1980s, keyboard player, vocalist and main composer of the Los Angeles based rock/pop band Toto. David is one of the most prolific songwriters of the 1980's. He wrote "Rosanna," "99," "Hold the Line," and most of Toto's hits over the years, including several 70's hits by pop artists such as Cheryl Lynn's hit, "Got to be Real". David played on the Bryan Adams song "Please Forgive Me", just one of his many session works David co-wrote the 1982 hit, "Africa," along with Toto's drummer Jeff Porcaro. David also sung lead vocals on the song. He has co-writing credits with Boz Scaggs on the song "Lowdown," and occasionally still sits in on keyboards with Boz Scagg's band. He is still writing and performing with Toto, although he has opted to remain closer to the L.A. area and not tour extensively with the band. Session Keyboardist Greg Phillinganes joined Toto in 2005 as an additional keyboardist for both studio projects and tour dates.
* * * * * *
JOHN "JoJo" HERMANN

John Herman or JoJo, as he is known by the 1000's of Widespread Panic fans throughout the world, started his career in a Doors cover band at the age of 15, then moved on to Professor Longhair. Multi musician John joined Widespread Panic as keyboardist in 1992. The band plays as many as 250 shows a year, true road warriors, and have ranked among the top 50 grossing touring acts for eight years running, even without the multi-media attention of other bands. In 2003 John formed the Mojo Mardi Gras Band after his band, Widespread Panic, decided to take a year and a half off from their rigorous touring schedule, his band focuses on the sound of New Orleans . John released 3 solo albums in the 18 months break and recorded 16 of the 18 Widespread Panic CDs. Their latest to date being Widespread ~ Earth to America, 2006. (update Free Somehow - 2008)
* * * * * *
BRETT TUGGLE

Brett's career took off when invited to join Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, after which he moved to LA and joined up with Rick Springfield for 5 years. Next he joined David Lee Roth, Roth's band at the time was amazing, it included Steve Vai on guitar, Billy Sheehan on bass and Gregg Bissonette on drums. Bret wrote their top 10 hit with "Just Like Paradise" in 1988. The 80's till the present day has seen him with Belinda Carlisle, Fleetwood Mac, David Coverdale & Robert Plant, Whitesnake, Stevie Nicks, Chris Isaac. These are just a few this top keyboardist has worked with.
* * * * * *
TOMMY EYRE

Very versatile and prolific British keyboardist, he played with many top bands. His name should be included in any hall of fame for keyboardists, and although his musical contributions are very extensive, he'll always be remembered by two of his most famous works: The playing in Joe Cocker's original version of 'With a little help from my friends'. Tommy's organ arrangements gave the song such classy style. The playing in the famous 'Baker Street' by singer Gerry Rafferty. Another eternal song....
FULLER STORY
* * * * * *
CHRIS McVIE

Photo courtesy of Chris Walters
Chris was influenced at an early age by her grandfather who played the organ a Westminster Abbey. While at college she began playing in blues bands with other students, one being a young Spencer Davies. She was working as a window dresser when she met up and joined Andy Sylvester and Stan Webb as keyboards and sing backing vocals in their new band, Chicken Shack. 5 nightly gigs and 3 years later she joined Fleetwood Mac. She stayed with Fleetwood Mac writing much of their music till 1998 when she retired and returned her family in the UK.
* * * * * *
PAUL KALLESTAD

Paul Kallestad has toured exstensively in many countries around the world and recorded with many bands. Well repected in "the biz", he is best known for playing with Bubba and the Big Bad Blues Band, Chris and his 100% Blues Band, Ronnie "The Iceman" Shumake and with Walter Trout's different line ups.
* * * * * *
GARY BROOKER M.B.E.

photo with courtesy of Hans Arne Nakrem
Pianist/keyboards/singer/songwriter, Gary Booker, career started with the Paramounts 1961, forming Procol Harum in April 67. playing until their breakup in May 1977. Brooker went on to play piano in Eric Clapton's band for a few years. David Gilmour, George Harrison, Rory Gallagher, Elton John, John Bonham, Katie Kissoon, Laurence Cottle, Allan Clarke, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Ringo Starr are just a few on the vast list of who Gary Brooker has played with in his ongoing career. For many years Brooker has combined his solo recordings, guesting with rock band and reformed Procol Harum life with extensive pioneering work mixing rock music with classical music, producing some outstanding works.
* * * * * *
GREAT ORGAN - KEYBOARD SITE
BY
OZZY_TOM

* * * * * *