Julian Colbeck

Julian Colbeck
Born1952 (age 71–72)
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • songwriter
  • producer
  • entrepreneur
  • author
  • journalist
Instruments
  • Keyboards
  • backing vocals
Years active1973–present

Julian Colbeck (born 1952) is an English businessman, musician and journalist. He is CEO of the multi-media music company Keyfax NewMedia[1] and partner with Alan Parsons in "Alan Parsons' The Art & Science of Sound Recording".[2] Formerly a professional keyboard player for over 25 years, Colbeck is also the author of numerous music-related books, the creator of Twiddly.Bits MIDI loops, the concept designer for the PhatBoy MIDI controller, and producer of many music technology videos and websites.

As a keyboardist, Colbeck played with Greep, The New Seekers, Charlie, John Miles, Yes offshoot Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe, and ex-Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett, amongst others. He also worked as a session player on numerous recordings, including with Charlie, Yes co-founder Jon Anderson, Steve Hackett, and Vitamin Z, whose debut album was produced by Alan Parsons.

Colbeck continues to work creatively as a studio session musician, songwriter, arranger and producer. He co-wrote "Give 'Em My Love",[3] a song included on Alan Parsons's studio release From the New World (2022). Colbeck was principal arranger, keyboardist and co-producer along with Armand Ruby on the pre-release soundtrack for "Equinox the Musical",[4] and served in similar roles for other releases from Karmic Neighborhood, including "I Don’t Want to Walk Away".[5]

Colbeck's work with Keyfax involves analysis of the music technology industry and MIDI recording, past, present, and future, while striving to champion musicians and musicality in the face of music tech.[6]

  1. ^ "Keyfax NewMedia". Retrieved 20 February 2023.
  2. ^ "Alan Parsons' The Art & Science of Sound Recording". Retrieved 20 February 2023.
  3. ^ "Give 'Em My Love". . [Credits in Spotify listing] Spotify.com. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
  4. ^ "Equinox the Musical – A feature film now in development". Retrieved 20 February 2023.
  5. ^ ""I Don't Want to Walk Away", by Karmic Neighborhood featuring James Durbin with Julian Colbeck – Alan Parsons Mix". Retrieved 20 February 2023 – via YouTube.
  6. ^ "The Art & Science of Survival-Part 4 of Julian Colbeck's reflection on the twists and turns of life in music tech". Retrieved 20 February 2023.