Brian Kehew

Brian Kehew is an American musician, record producer, and author best known for his extensive work documenting the history of electronic keyboards and recording technology. He co-authored the definitive book "Recording The Beatles" (2006), which provides detailed technical analysis of the recording methods used at Abbey Road Studios. As a musician and producer, Kehew has worked with The Who as their keyboard technician and live keyboard player. He has also collaborated with Air, Fiona Apple, and Hole, contributing both as a producer and performing musician. Kehew's expertise in vintage electronic instruments has made him a respected authority in the field. He is a co-founder of Analogue Haven, a company specializing in analog synthesizers, and has served as a consultant for keyboard manufacturers and museums. His research work extends beyond The Beatles, encompassing the broader history of recording technology and electronic music production. Kehew maintains an archive of historical recording equipment and continues to document the evolution of music technology through various writing and archival projects.

Readers consistently praise Kehew's technical knowledge and research depth, particularly in "Recording The Beatles." Multiple reviewers note the book's meticulous documentation and photography of Abbey Road equipment. What readers liked: - Exhaustive technical details about recording equipment and processes - High-quality studio photographs and diagrams - Clear explanations of complex recording techniques - Comprehensive session documentation What readers disliked: - High price point ($100+) - Book's large physical size makes it cumbersome - Some find the technical detail overwhelming - Limited availability/out of print status Ratings across platforms: Amazon: 4.9/5 (89 reviews) Goodreads: 4.8/5 (41 reviews) One reader on Amazon stated: "The level of detail is staggering - down to mic placement and mixing board settings." A Goodreads reviewer noted: "This isn't light reading, but an encyclopedic reference that answered questions I didn't even know to ask."

Recording The Beatles (2006) - A comprehensive technical analysis documenting the recording equipment, techniques, and methods used to create The Beatles' music at Abbey Road Studios, with detailed photographs and diagrams of authentic period equipment.

Mark Lewisohn documents Beatles history through exhaustively researched books like "The Beatles Recording Sessions" and "Tune In." His access to EMI/Abbey Road archives and focus on technical recording details aligns with Kehew's analytical approach.

Howard Massey authored "Behind The Glass" and "The Great British Recording Studios," covering recording techniques and studio history. His technical deep-dives into recording methodology and engineer interviews parallel Kehew's focus on documenting audio production practices.

Ted Fletcher writes about audio engineering history and vintage recording equipment development through books and technical papers. His firsthand experience developing audio gear and documenting British recording studios connects with Kehew's emphasis on equipment documentation.

Trevor Pinch explores synthesizer history and electronic music development in "Analog Days" and related works. His research into the technical evolution of electronic instruments matches Kehew's expertise in vintage keyboards and synthesis.

Richard Buskin writes detailed accounts of classic recording sessions and studio techniques in books like "Inside Tracks" and "Classic Tracks." His focus on the technical aspects of iconic recordings mirrors Kehew's analytical documentation of Beatles recording methods.