Some people really seem to have the gift of pure music and skill in their genes. Tony Silvestri has been playing since he was a kid but his abilities and aspirations to play prog rock and the like led him to playing at a very high level. He was the keyboard player for The Glorious Sons and now plays alongside Tom Savage in Dead Root Revival. Details and reservations here: web link

His newest endeavour is to play as a keys and drums duo as a super-explosive interactive group. Tony is next-level, and always impresses the listener. Here we go on Thursday, July 17 from 5-8pm on The Cove patio with Tony and drums!

Seamus Cowan: I have been enthralled with your playing since I first heard you play with Tom Savage in his rock and roll band. Playing keys the way you do, did you have some formal training or mentor under someone?

Tony Silvestri: For sure! Laura Forrest, Heather Ross, Francis Rose and Rob Phillips.

Q: Recording with you on Tom Savage's record Everything Intertwined a few years ago was so fun! Loved North of Princess Studio. Do you find that recording in the studio improves your performance ability in terms of getting it right on the first time? Do you have a certain philosophy on how you prepare and play in the studio?

Tony: Everything Intertwined was such a fun recording session and Zane Whitfield does such a great job. Not to mention, playing with fantastic musicians such as yourself makes it that much easier to play music over! To prepare, usually there's a demo and I work out what I think sounds ok. If there isn't a demo there's really no preparation possible.

Q: You are a core member of Dead Root Revival and you just went to Georgia to record the latest album with the band. Can you tell us about that experience and can you tell us what it is like to be in this trailblazing rock and roll band right now?

Tony: Tom is an incredible musician, and I love the DRR process/experience. Very proud to be a part of it. It's been cool to watch the band grow and keep winning the crowd over with anything but pop music. It gives me a little hope for the future. Cutting music to tape is a uniquely live experience I had never gotten to do before. Not to mention having a genius like Dave Barbie behind the Neve console was a dream come true.

Q: I'm truly sure you have seen some of the great on keys and/or have sat for hours in front of a record player, cramming the best sounds. Who are some of your most important influences in your playing?

Tony: I wouldn't even know where to start, too many to count. Randy Newman is really all that matters.

Q: I know that you are somewhat of a purist with music, like me. Amidst an ever growing electronic and potentially AI dominated world, what do you think is the future of how we listen to music and where do you think that our successive generations are going with the art of songwriting? I feel there is hope but will it be on the fringes?

Tony: Oh, well we're definitely living in a scary simulation or something. Can't wait for the next system update! Posted: Jul 17, 2025 Originally Published: Jul 16, 2025