Session Keyboard Player

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: "Defective Disk - Lewis Daniel" is a project that I am particularly proud of, as it provided a poignant and intimate look into the daily struggles and triumphs of a young musician growing up in inner-city London. As someone who has experienced similar challenges firsthand, this project was especially meaningful to me. Through my work, I was able to capture the raw emotion and energy of Lewis's story and translate it into a powerful and inspiring musical piece. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to bring this project to life and to share Lewis's story with the world. The album is due for release later in 2023

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: A gospel album for a church in the south east London area. My roles were to produce the album as well as recording keyboards and writing horns and strings arrangements

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both, each have their advantages and disadvantages

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: To complete the work with love

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love the job in and of itself. It's like loving a child, you first love the child then the unique personality features specific to them will always be noticed but always secondary

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: Customer: How much do you charge? Me: What do you need me to do?

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: There is none. Your perception is unique to you.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What does music mean to you?

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: My advice to any prospective customer is: don't hesitate. As a professional, I am committed to delivering high-quality work and ensuring that my clients are satisfied with the final product. To help me better understand your needs, it's important to have a clear idea of what you want and to communicate it to me in simple terms. Remember the famous quote by Dr. Richard Feynman: "If you can't explain it to a six-year-old, you don't really understand it yourself."

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: Laptop Phone Nord Stage 3 Portable Record Player My Dad's record collection (since it's far superior to mine)

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I am an experienced music professional with over 18 years of industry experience. As a versatile musician, I have performed and recorded with a wide range of talented artists and ensembles. Some of my notable credits include performing with The House & Garage Orchestra, Jazz Jamaica, and Chineke Orchestra, as well as working with acclaimed musicians such as Mo Pleasure, Ben Marc, and Zara McFarlane. I have also worked extensively with gospel choirs, including House Gospel Choir, CK Gospel Choir, and ACM Gospel Choir. As a session musician, I have collaborated with popular artists like Shola Ama, Kele Le Roc, and Tinchy Stryder, and contributed to chart-topping tracks by Sweet Female Attitude, Shelley Nelson, and DJ Spooney. Additionally, I have worked with established musicians such as Jesse J, Omar, and Yolanda Brown, as well as up-and-coming talents like Zalon Thompson and Gavin Holligan.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My musical style is truly eclectic, drawing from a wide range of genres, rhythms, and harmonies. I am constantly inspired by the work of artists and composers from across the musical spectrum, and strive to bring their influences into my own unique sound. One aspect of my style is blending the driving rhythms of bands like Earth Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, and Jamiroquai with the complex, emotive harmonies of groups like Take 6 and composers like Claude Debussy. This creates a dynamic and powerful sound that is both groovy and soulful. As a jazz pianist, I am also heavily influenced by a wide range of pianistic styles, from the classic bebop sound of Bud Powell to the contemporary jazz sound of Corey Henry. These influences can be heard in my approach to melody, harmony, and rhythm, and give my music a unique blend of classic and modern elements. If I had to sum up my style in two musicians, I would choose Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock. Like Stevie, I am drawn to the powerful combination of soulful grooves and emotive harmonies. And like Herbie, I am constantly experimenting with new sounds and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music. Overall, my style is a true reflection of my diverse influences and my deep love for music in all its forms. Whether I am creating contemporary gospel or modern jazz, I strive to bring something fresh, dynamic, and deeply meaningful to each and every project I work on.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: While there are countless practical production tips and techniques that can help us create great music, my single greatest tip is one that transcends the technical aspects of production. Simply put, it is to always remember that when we create music, we are serving something greater than ourselves. Whether we are writing, recording, or producing, our work is not just about us - it is about connecting with our listeners, conveying emotions and ideas, and ultimately contributing to the wider world of music. In order to do this effectively, we must check our egos at the door and approach our work with humility and a sense of purpose. When we approach music in this way, we are able to connect with our listeners on a deeper level, creating music that resonates with them on an emotional and spiritual level. We are able to tap into the universal language of music and create something that transcends boundaries and speaks to people from all walks of life. In practical terms, this means being open to feedback and collaboration, focusing on the needs of the song rather than our own desires, and always striving to create music that is meaningful, authentic, and true to ourselves. By keeping this perspective in mind, we can create music that not only sounds great, but also has the power to touch the hearts and souls of listeners around the world.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: My single greatest production tip rests outside of the conventional practical music advice. That is to say, my best tip is to always remember that when we create anything musical, we are serving something greater than ourselves. Therefore, check the ego at the door before entering the house of creativity

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: As a musician, my repertoire encompasses a diverse range of musical styles and genres, allowing me to explore and experiment with various sounds and approaches. While I have recorded and produced music in several different genres, I have found particular inspiration in the contemporary gospel and modern jazz styles. In the contemporary gospel genre, I am drawn to the emotional power and spiritual depth of the music. I believe that gospel music has the ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level, inspiring and uplifting them through its messages of hope, faith, and love. Through my work in this genre, I strive to create music that not only celebrates the traditions of gospel music, but also pushes the boundaries of the genre, incorporating new sounds and approaches to keep the music fresh and relevant. In the modern jazz style, I am drawn to the genre's emphasis on improvisation, virtuosity, and creative expression. I believe that jazz offers an unparalleled freedom of expression, allowing musicians to explore new sonic territories and push the boundaries of what is possible in music. Through my work in this genre, I seek to honor the rich history and traditions of jazz while also incorporating new ideas and sounds to create music that is both innovative and exciting. Whether in the gospel or jazz style, my ultimate goal is to create music that speaks to listeners on a deep, emotional level, touching their hearts and inspiring their souls.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: When it comes to remote recording, my strongest skill is undoubtedly my impressive turnaround time. Depending on the specifics of the track and what is required of me, I can typically record 3-5 takes of a song - having heard it just once - within an hour. This level of speed and efficiency allows me to complete projects quickly and with a high degree of accuracy, ensuring that my clients receive top-notch recordings that meet their needs and exceed their expectations. In addition to my speed and efficiency, I also possess a broad listening library that enables me to tap into what a client is looking for from a keyboard player. I have an extensive knowledge of various genres and styles, and I am always exploring new sounds and ideas to incorporate into my work. This allows me to offer a level of versatility and flexibility that is unmatched in the industry, and ensures that I am always able to deliver the sound that a client is looking for. Furthermore, my aforementioned sophistication in rhythm and harmony allows me to produce high-quality work in a short space of time. I am able to craft complex and nuanced arrangements that elevate the sound of any project, while also ensuring that my recordings are polished and professional. My commitment to excellence is reflected in every aspect of my work, and I am dedicated to delivering the best possible results for my clients.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: As a musician, my area of specialization lies in crafting rich and sophisticated harmonies and chords, heavily influenced by the arranging styles of legendary figures such as Mervyn Warren, Mark Kibble, Bill Evans, and Stevie Wonder, among many others. To me, harmony is the backbone of music, and I take great care to ensure that every note and chord progression I create is both musically satisfying and emotionally evocative. Along with my emphasis on harmony, I also place a high importance on rhythm, recognizing that it is a crucial component in bringing my musical ideas to life. I believe that rhythm has the power to enhance the sound of melodic lines and chords, giving them a sense of motion and urgency that propels the music forward. However, above all else, I place a strong emphasis on 'feeling' and the emotional connection that music can create with its listeners. I believe that music has the ability to transport people to new emotional and psychological spaces, and I am always striving to create sounds and harmonies that are both technically proficient and deeply moving. My ultimate goal is to create music that draws listeners in, allowing them to experience a range of emotions and moods through the sounds they hear.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My passion for music production is fueled by the incredible tools I have at my fingertips. At my home studio, I am fortunate enough to have access to top-of-the-line equipment, including a Nord Stage 3, a Yamaha Moxf6, and a Novation Mini Nova synth which allow me to create rich and nuanced sounds. Additionally, my Mac Pro is stocked with the industry's high-end VST's, such as Omnisphere 2, Keyscape, Trillian, and Native Instruments. These powerful software tools allow me to create a vast array of sounds and textures that help bring my musical ideas to life. In terms of digital audio workstations (DAWs), I work with both PreSonus and Logic Pro, depending on the project at hand. These versatile and powerful tools enable me to record, mix, and master my tracks with precision and control.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a home studio complete with a Nord Stage 3 and a Yamaha Moxf6 and a Mac Pro stocked with the industry's high end VST's: Omnisphere 2, Keyscape, Trillian, Native Instruments I work with both Pre Sonus and Logic Pro D.A.Ws

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: As a musician, I find inspiration from a diverse array of musical disciplines. Within the realm of jazz, the bebop sensibilities of Charlie Parker, Bud Powell, and Dizzy Gillespie captivate me, as well as the modal compositional style of Wayne Shorter and the era-adaptability of Miles Davis. I also admire the technical dexterity and 'session mentality' of the Brecker Brothers and the modernity of Gerald Clayton. In the classical world, I am drawn to the harmonic complexities of the later romantics, such as Tchaikovsky and Debussy, as well as the rhythmic intricacies of J.S Bach. From the world of hip hop, I am particularly inspired by the innovative style of J Dilla. In the realm of gospel a capella, the complex harmonies of Take 6 and the writing style of producers like Cedric Dent and Mervyn Warren resonate with me deeply. Other artists and groups such as Smokie Norful, The Aeolians, and Fred Hammond also inspire me. Within pop music, I am particularly drawn to the late 70's - 80's era, which I consider my golden sound. Figures like Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan, Prince, Tears for Fears, Earth Wind & Fire, Phil Collins and Toto are among my favorites. Finally, in the soul/funk genre, I look to artists such as Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, and Jamiroquai for inspiration.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: I record keyboard parts [piano, electric piano, synthesisers] remotely for various clients seeking to have the feel of a live pianist/keyboard player in their music. My goal is to bring a dynamic and authentic sound to the music, and my vast experience in music production enables me to deliver top-quality recordings that capture the essence of your vision. With my keen ear for detail and commitment to excellence, you can rest assured that your project is in good hands.