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)
- Yamaha U3 upright acoustic piano
- Hammond organ using Viscount Legend
- Rhodes MK2 73 piano
- piano, Rhodes, Clavi sounds using Yamaha CP4
And, I'm happy to present my new instrument, vintage baby grand piano C. Bechstein "L" 1937.
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 an email through 'Contact' button above and I'll get back to you asap.
Credits
111 Reviews - 24 Repeat Clients
Endorse Paul Kempf
check_circleVerifiedPaul is a truly incredible piano player. I’m honored to have been able to work with him. Thank you!!
check_circleVerifiedPaul is a fantastic person and an incredible musician. He immediately understood what I needed and I am very satisfied with the work he sent me. I hope I can work with him again. Highly recommended!
check_circleVerifiedPaul is always very responsive and attentive to details. Great feel of the song and interesting ideas!
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Truly incredible pianist. My third time working with him. Thank you Paul!
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Piano king. Never disappoints
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This is my second time working with Paul. He is a truly gifted piano player and is able to bring whatever you envision to life. The very best of the best! I hope to work with him again in the future. Thank you!
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My third time working with Paul, always a pleasure. Paul is a great player and very careful to deliver exactly what the song needs.
check_circleVerifiedCan't count how many times Paul has properly delivered //
check_circleVerifiedPaul did an amazing recording a piano track for one of my songs. Thank you for your talent and time. I hope to work with you again in the future.
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Yet another great job with Paul - Fast and professional, and everything sounds so beautiful. My go-to guy for keys.
check_circleVerifiedexcellent
fully recommended- check_circleVerified
Great sound and playing!
check_circleVerifiedPaul laid into the space nicely with polished playing and clean tracks. Delivery was on time and communication A+.
Appreciate you man.
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Paul doesn't miss.
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It's always a pleasure to work with Paul. He consistently provides 5 star work.
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Paul doesn't miss.
check_circleVerifiedPaul delivered exactly what was asked in a perfect quality and fast turnaround time.
Excellent musician!- check_circleVerified
I always love working with Paul. He's fast, reliable and incredibly talented. I give him the hardest piano parts and they always come back better than I could have hoped. My go-to guy for keys.
check_circleVerifiedWe had a good experience with Paul, good piano sessionman, good touch and feeling, gentle guy, professional and punctual.
Thank you so much Paul!!!- check_circleVerified
I worked with Paul on many projects already and every single one of them was an amazing experience. Paul is a fantastic musician and communicator, knows what and how to deliver the absolute best results and also is very fast with the delivery of files. Absolutely recommended and can't wait to start our next project!
Interview with Paul Kempf
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: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: For Hammond organ I use Leslie 760 with tube in preamp recorded with two Rode NT55 matched pair and AKG D112 (for bass part of Leslie). For upright piano I record with same Rode mics. All those recordings go through soundcard Audient iD44 as well as all for other digital key instruments.
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: 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 do you like most about your job?
A: Creativity, freedom of expression, using my knowledge and skills.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: It is quite wide range - from etno music to blues, jazz, rock music and fusion of all named styles.
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'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: 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 piano player in this production
- C. Bechstein "L" - no fx or eq
- Yamaha U3 damped
- Yamaha U3 clean
- Hammond A100 + Leslie 760, dry
- Keyboards - SynthContact for pricing
- PianoContact for pricing
Typical turnaround time: 5-7 days depending on the project. One revision included. Contact for pricing.
- Hammond A100
- Leslie 760 (with tube in preamp)
- C. Bechstein acoustic grand piano
- Yamaha U3 acoustic upright piano
- Yamaha CP4
- Rhodes 73 mk2 piano
- Viscount Legend
- Rode NT55 matched pair
- AKG D112
- Audient iD44
- Cubase Pro 12
