Tom Lardat - Progressive Voyages Interview

This is the short interview I did with French Progressive Pianist Tom Lardat ahead of the release of his new EP

1/ Who are your piano playing heroes

Thank you very much. I really love the Romanticism of Robert Schumann because I think he achieved a superb blend between the expression of intimate, inward feelings and the expression of raw passion — a cry from the heart addressed to the rest of the world. I drew inspiration from this for the opening theme of “Regrets,” as well as in many other passages of my project. I also find inspiration in other composers such as Frédéric Chopin and Sergei Rachmaninoff, whose works I have played extensively and whose music speaks to me in a very personal way. As a child, I dreamed of one day being able to play Chopin, long before I had the level required to do so. I have always been fascinated by the image of the Romantic pianist alone with his instrument.

2/ Who would you like to work with in a progressive keyboard role givenn5he opportunity?

I would be happy to record a progressive metal album with a band if I find one. Since this style remains a niche, it is not that easy to find bands in need of a keyboardist here in Switzerland. However, I am already writing my next compositions, in which the influence of progressive metal will be stronger, with a greater emphasis on rhythm and perhaps less traditionally classical harmonies. We’ll see how things unfold 🙂

When it comes to rock keyboard players, I greatly admire Jordan Rudess for his virtuosity, Mike Garson on the album Aladdin Sane by David Bowie for the integration of piano into pop/rock, and Kevin Codfert (formerly of Adagio, now with Myrath) for his use of classical music in progressive metal, which had a strong impact on me at the time

8nf9 here: .Music | Tom Lardat https://share.google/m18xZrUbOk5B3hZKC