Paul Kempf on SoundBetter

I am Hammond organ, piano and keyboard player with over 25 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
- Nord Electro 5D

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 a note through the contact button above.

Credits

146 Reviews - 33 Repeat Clients

Endorse Paul Kempf

by Teddy
Verified
Great to work with Paul's amazing performance again! I will definitely reach out if I have more new tracks!
by Andy Scott
Verified
Paul is a total pro, the Hammond part he recorded sounds incredible, he was so patient with my revisions and requests, the final recording is amazing, beautifully played and recorded I can't recommend him highly enough!
by tara c.
Verified
Lovely playing, fast turnaround, recordings sounded great. Thanks so much, would definitely recommend
by seppl
Verified
Amazingly talented player and delivered well before what he promised, which helped me a lot.
by Devin L.
Verified
Paul is a great musician, and a consummate professional. I can say personally that it's a privilege to have worked with him.
by Ilan Bell
Verified
Worked with Paul a couple of times for piano tracks. He always does a tremendous job with very quick turnarounds!
by Ilan Bell
Verified
Paul was amazing! He was really easy to work with and the piano tracks sounded incredible. Would absolutely recommend :)
by Ricky Alvarez
Verified
It was a real pleasure working with Paul! Attention to detail, followed my guidance, provided options, and very organized with his takes. Also, great sound!! Will definitely work with him again.
by Kyle R.
Verified
Exactly what I needed in a very short period of time; I wish everyone were as easy to work with as Paul is.
by Sivert
Verified
Exactly what we needed! Paul was professional and fast. Will use again.
by Catherine Y.
Verified
Paul is very professional and kind. I feel respected throughout the process and he’s been so patient with me and my requests. It’s my first time on Soundbetter and I’m glad I picked Paul.
by Alex
Verified
Absolutely phenomenal work! Paul delivered an extraordinary performance on the Bechstein, bringing my track to life with his incredible talent and creativity. His piano ideas were not only brilliantly executed but also added a profound depth to the composition. Highly recommended! And looking forward to the next one.
by Gustavo P.
Verified
Working with Paul has been an amazing experience.
His approach to each chord and the sound he brings really take the song to the next level.
100% recommended.
by Nathan H.
Verified
I've now had Paul track for me on his Yamaha upright and baby grand. Both sound stellar and his feel is spot on!
by Nathan H.
Verified
First time working Paul was an amazing experience. Very timely and proficient. Will be coming back for more keys work
by Jennifer B.
Verified
Amazing work, as always. Thank you, Paul!
by Giselle
Verified
Paul did some beautiful Rhodes recordings for me. He's very musical, punctual and easy to work with, Highly recommend.
by Cael
Verified
Paul is the best keyboardist/organ player I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Coming across him on this site has been a blessing. Any time I hire him my tracks are instantly elevated, more sophisticated, more musical, and more colorful. His compositions and playing feel effortlessly perfect and always give that extra needed body. My go-to!
by Branden S.
Verified
Excellent work. Very prompt completion of project with helpful communication along the way. Highly recommend.
by Randy H.
Verified
Paul is a total professional. I hired him to lay down Hammond tracks on a blues tune and he really came up with outstanding parts that were just right for the song. Also communicated well. Highly recommended.

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.).