Fronting his own band Tank Dilemma, Richard’s keyboard style borrows from the very best in soul, blues, swing and funk. ‘Tank’ as he’s known is also a highly sought after session guy . Check out Tank Dilemma’s current album ‘Having Said That, Let Me Say This’ for a taste of an authentic and quality roots, blues and soul sound … with a Warnambool twist!
What was your first keyboard?
Roland JX-3P
What do you use on stage now?
Nord Stage Compact, sometimes Nord Stage 88.
Is it the same gear for recoding in general?
Generally, yes. Of course, if they’ve got a piano/Wurli/Hammond (etc) in studio, I’d tend to use those.
What’s your latest recording and when will you be back in the studio?
‘Having Said That, Let Me Say This’ with my project ‘Tank Dilemma’ (tankdilemma.com).
Also just finished Damian Howard’s ‘Once in A While’ record, launched at Port Fairy Folk Fest.
Will record with Broderick Smith later this year.
What gigs have you been playing lately?
Tank Dilemma plays in our area at the Stump Port Fairy & The Hotel Warrnambool. Also PO Hotel Coburg, Lomond, Elsternwick Hotel, Spotted Mallard and others. Some solo piano gigs, the odd party. Also, shows with Talei Wolfgramm, Broderick, and Geoff Achison & the Souldiggers at venues and festivals. And a long running local fortnightly jazz night I run at the Hotel Warrnambool
Most memorable gig?
Probably being Albert Lee’s keyboard player for a week in 2010.
Worst stage nightmare?
Possibly coming back from a break to find a round of half spilt beers sitting on the keys (and the drums knocked over), though recently I broke and fell off the main act’s stool mid solo.
What gigs are coming up in the next few months?
April 24, 2014 Damian Howard CD launch Thornbury Theatre Velvet Room.
May 22-25 Broderick Smith gigs around Melbourne (support to Mick Pealing)
A keyboard tip for the kids?
Play an actual piano between gigs wherever possible, great for the fingers.
Back your memory and ditch the charts (especially jazz). This in turn improves your memory further, and makes things more musical.
Tank Dilemma play the Lomond, East Brunswick on Sat Jun 21 (free entry) as well as The Stump, Port Fairy July 19 and Hotel Warrnambool July 20.
www.tankdilemma.com
www.tankdilemma.bandcamp.com (full album stream)
www.facebook.com/tankdilemma
www.itunes.com/tankdilemma
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tankdilemma