Jeffrey Howell on SoundBetter

I want to be your KEY component to recording

After you get the foundation of your song recorded with drums & bass, and add the guitars, the next step is to add some keys. That is where I come in. Whether it will be a Hammond organ pad, a piano melody, or some cool electric piano lines I can help. I am able to record here at my home or travel to your studio within the greater Los Angeles area.

Send me a note through the contact button above.

4 Reviews

Endorse Jeffrey Howell

by Alexander K.
Verified
Ten song's keyboard parts perfectly has been done by Jeffrey. Jeffrey is a brilliant musician and a great communicator too.
by Alexander K.
Jeffrey recorded the organ parts for my third song "Cat's Eye". I received high-quality tracks
needed minimum of editing. Jeffrey is a brilliant misician subtly feeling music. Thanks a lot for taking part in my projects!
by Alexander K.
A very nice organ part for the song "Lion's Blues" has been recorded by Jeffrey. Jeffrey is the very accurate musician. I can only recommend him.
by Alexander K.
Jeffrey Howell is a professional musician. Up to now he has been done Organ arrangement for one of my song. I want to say that song "I am happy" become fully completed with his part and I am happy). Thank you Jeffrey!

Interview with Jeffrey Howell

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: The list of influential organ and piano players is quite long and diverse. I would be equally happy to sit and talk with them in place of working with them. Some bands or musicians I would like to work with (that are still alive) would be: Eric Clapton, Dead & Company, Drive By Truckers, Sturgill Simpson, Bonnie Raitt, and Tedeschi Trucks Band.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Laid back and professional
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Keep it simple.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I usually work on music that is categorized as rock: Americana, Country, Blues, and Hard rock.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I think my strongest skill is that I take direction well. When a client has an idea for a keyboard part or certain tone for a song I do my best to create what they request.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: When I am hired for a project I bring
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Before adding to someone's music I typically like to listen to the song a couple times and get the overall vibe to listen for areas where I can contribute. I will take direction from the client and add whatever they need.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My home studio consists of (among other things) a Hammond A100 with a Leslie 147, Wurlitzer 200A, Rhodes Mark II, and a spinet piano.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I have always been inspired by musicians who are masters at their craft; knowing when to play out and when to keep it simple for the song.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: The most common type of work I do is record Hammond Organ tracks from my home studio.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Are we talking literal desert island with no power? If so, I would need an upright piano, acoustic guitar, accordion, a tuner and a piano tuning wrench.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I always knew I wanted to pursue music which is why I have never worked in an office. No matter what job I had when I was younger I always made sure I could still play music. Now, at 39 years old, I play with several different types of bands, record different styles of music and teach music lessons to all ages.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Analog. But it has to make sense. If a song sounds too polished or shiny, then it would probably make sense to go digital. I believe analog nuances are highlighted better through certain types of music. Too much control with digital tools takes away the human element of recording. Digital does make sense for certain songs though. If the songs are modern pop or have a synthesizer, or something like that then digital makes more sense.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I recently asked people on FaceBook for input for instrumental songs. They responded with the key, tempo, genre, and main instrument for me to play. Once all parameters were met, I gave myself 24 hours to write, perform, record, mix, master and post the song. It has been a great exercise for me to think outside of my comfort zone and to create something with none of my own input.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: If you're not happy, I'm not happy.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Getting to learn new songs and meeting new people.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: The biggest misconception about me is probably that I party a lot. The truth is that I haven't drank in over 8 years and I go to bed relatively early.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What decade has the best music? What keyboard players do you like?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: When I book a gig, I treat all parties involved with respect and decency. Whether I am hired for just one song or a full record I treat the process like I am a member of the band; we all want it to sound the best it can.