New Rye Room Session with country singer Jessie Leigh performing her brand new song “Storm In May”. Thanks to Nord Keyboards and ProAudioStar in Brooklyn for the Nord Electro 5D. The piano is on point in this one, getting a warm and soft touch out of it.
Much thanks to Vortex Music Magazine for the premier and AEA Ribbon Mics and Preamps for providing microphones for the session!
Read more about the Jessie Leigh and her song Storm in May, featured in Vortex Music Magazine.
Packing up the Nord Electro 5d and hitting the road this month with Jessie Leigh.
Custom, programmable set lists that store my drawbar presets for B3 and split settings have helped lighten the prep work needed to nail the piano and organ parts on a western tour with Jessie Leigh.
In addition to her debut album on Spotify, Jessie Leigh has some brand new material. Being able to quickly navigate my settings based on the set list really makes things a breeze.
Besides joining artists like Brooke Eden, Jackson Michelson and LOCASH for these shows, I’m excited to explore theses towns, capturing the sights and sounds on Instagram.
Follow me on Instagram @bkakeys
A look of what’s inside the Korg SV-1
Years ago, I was able to get my hands on a limited edition Korg SV-1 73-key vintage stage piano with reverse keys. I wanted a go-to keyboard for vintage pianos, Rhodes, etc. and it sure delivered. In fact, it continues to do so without any problems.
A group of Korg artists recently published the chart you see in this article, which displays the editable effects available on the SV-1. Something we forget to realize is that we get such an amazing, tube driven sound without having to carry around 4+ different amps every night. The chart also helps SV-1 owners realize that their professional piano is much more valuable than just the price tag. It’s a timeless collection of all the gear you see, combined into an intuitive interface that continues to deliver unmatched sound and sexy retro stage appeal for musicians of all levels.
On stage at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Last weekend took me down the beautiful Oregon coast to play a show with Jessie Leigh at Blue Bills in the Three Rivers Casino & Resort. Blue Bills is a great spot in country singer Amy Clawson’s current hometown–great sound, great people, great response. Amy is such a wonderful person, and she kicks some serious butt with her band.
The Nord Electro 5D makes it so easy to dial in on B3 and piano parts no matter if you’re in a club-type venue or stadium. Lately, the set list feature and editing features have been key in playing the right notes “right.” Believe me, you can play the right notes “wrong.” Hammond players know what I’m talking about. It comes down to learning about your gear, knowing your drawbars and getting a feel for your instrument.
I’m still playing the Hammond XK-1 plenty, but with a lot more piano parts to play along with the organ, and a lot of traveling, the Nord Electro 5D has been a blessing.
Hailey Verhaalen’s new music video for Girls Night Out. I had a good time recording keys on this song and the EP.
Brendan Keith 