Paul Kempf on SoundBetter

I am Hammond organ, piano and keyboard player with 20 years of experience of playing in bands and recording in studios for various artists in my country and region.

Coming from the musical family where music was cherised through several generations it was inevitably that it became my profession. I started to play piano at the age of 3, than formal education came at 8, and since 20 I'm professional musician.
I played in many bands, and last 12 years in one of the most significant and popular bands from ex Yugoslavian teritory. As well, I often play in other music formations (duo, trio).
For many other music performers I've played on studio recordings of various genres (rock, pop, jazz, blues, world music).
I even participated in creation of soundtrack for the movie Nafaka (2006).
For many years I've been working as accompanist to jazz and blues singers and I teach piano lessons.

I'm experienced and enjoy to record:
- Hammond organ A100 through Leslie 760 (tube in preamp)
- Weinbach upright piano
- Hammond organ or Vox organ using Nord Electro 5D 73
- Rhodes and Clavinet D6 using Nord Electro 5D 73
- piano sounds using Roland RD700GX
- all other keyboard sounds using Korg M3 73

Since I'm active in playing and recording for years, I believe that I will add specific touch to your musical piece playing those unique instruments.
Feel free to contact me, even if your music is of different genre than ones I named in my profile.
I'm looking forward to work with you.

Send me a note through the contact button above.

Credits

Reviews (7)

Endorse Paul Kempf

by Bryan A.
Verified
This guy is gifted. I asked Paul for a blues organ part on two slow blues songs. The guy knocked it out of the park. He stuck to the bit of guidance I gave but also added a lot of flare and creativity I couldn't have dreamed of. Given his incredible play on my tracks I'd be comfortable hiring Paul for any style of music.
by Lidija Bajuk
Inherent talent and acquired education often lull us, so we begin to believe that serious work is no longer necessary. But the power of Paul's musical personality is in his serious preparatory exercises, focusing and reliability. Nevertheless, the subtlety of his musical improvisation surpasses these rational traits.
by Laka
Just realised that Hammond is too fuckin heavy instrument when I carried it by hand with Paul Kempf also that Paul is very professional and great musician.
by Denyken
As a music producer, I've been working with Paul for more than ten years on countless projects ... for a reason!
Paul is all I'm looking for from session musicians: real sense of the song and arrangement, great playing skills,speed,
a top-of-the-line collection of equipment with some rare vintage keyboards..
It is a real pleasure to work with him !
by Trak - drummer for "Zabranjeno pusenje"
Was my musical and personal buddy for ten years in popular rock band. Together we played in front of a crowds as many as 100.000 people. Incredibly precise and devoted to music, adding that professional, jazzy touch to rough rock music. Very creative and able to refine and add beauty to any genre and arrangement.
by Tomislav Goluban
Awesome musician! He understand song story and he plays in that manner. Very confidential and reasonable.
by Elma Burnić
Very talanted musican and very professional in performing his duties. With his musical ideas contributes to each arrangement.

Interview with Paul Kempf

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Yes, two friends and colleagues - Tony Lovic and David Duvnjak, both very good in music production as well as great musicians.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Analog, of course, but nowadys it is impossible to avoid digital. So, my answer is both. But, for listening music - LP, of course :-)
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I will do my best, using all my knowledge and experience and dedicating needed time.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Creativity, freedom of expression, using my knowledge and skills.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Although it is heavy to carry it would be Hammond B3, Leslie 147, Bösendorfer grand piano, Fender Rhodes & Vox Continental.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I bring original instrument line/part with feeling.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: It is quite wide range - from etno music to blues, light jazz, rock music and fusion of all named styles.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Unique sound of "real" instruments (hammond organ, upright piano) as well as my wide experience and skill. I'm quite critic to myself but people who listen to my performing and who I work with like and value my way of playing and my work.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: First I listen to the music piece few times, than write it down. After that I sing the idea of instument line. Than I play it with instrument in few versions untill one version sounds the best for me. I leave it for two days without listening, and if it yet sounds equally good - the process is done.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: For hammond I use Leslie 760 with tube in preamp recorded with two AKGs C414 and AKG D112 (for bass part of Leslie). For upright piano I record with same AKGs. All those recordings go through soundcard M-audio 2626 Firewire as well as all for other digital key instruments.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I'm inspired by many genres of music from different periods. There are The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Weather Report. Also there are many jazz musicians such as Oscar Peterson, Jimmy Smith, Joe DeFrancesco, Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, Carlos Jobim, Horace Silver, etc.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I record almost all music instruments with keys (piano, rhodes, clavinet, hammond organ, vox organ, etc.).

I was the in this production

Hammond A100 + Leslie 760, dry

I was the Hammond player in this production

Keyboards SynthsAverage price - $100 per song
PianoAverage price - $100 per song

Typical turnaround time: 2-5 days depending of the project. One revision included. Price per song: 80$ (Nord Electro 5D 73, Roland RD-700GX, Korg M3 73) & 120$ (Hammond A100/Leslie 760, upright piano)