Keyboardist and Producer

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

A: As a session musician, I would say the multitudes of projects I've played on over the years - from Grammy-winning (John Denver) to the independent recording artist, to the up and comer singer-songwriter. As a recording artist, to date I've recorded seven solo albums and I am really thrilled with the response I've received from them. More on the way!

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

A: I've been session musician, music producer, songwriter, and touring professional for around 30 years.

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

A: Being one myself, I am a big fan of the Independent recording artist. I think if we stay true to our creative vision and put the hard work in, we can have a successful career connecting directly to our listeners and fans.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I currently have three album projects in the works and an accordion single song overdub - but this is likely to change by the time you read this : )

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

A: how much do you charge?! ...let's chat about what your working on and how I might be able to help

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: making music and my collaborators happy

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

A: A recording artist (and songwriter) must put the time and skill into their musical creations...the most amazing overdub can not fix or save a song that hasn't been written or recorded well.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: are your tracks well arranged and ready for overdubs? did you record to a click?

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: not yet - I just got on here!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital - very accessible with endless options. Without digital, most people could not afford to be creative.

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

A: I will use my experience and skills to help make your recording better

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

A: Have confidence in your own music production while allowing other professional musicians/producers to add to your creative vision.

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

A: Probably some cooking utensils.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My productions style would be commercial and creative. My playing has been described many different ways - but if I had to pick one, I'd go with...soulful.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Listen!

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

A: Singer-songwriter/Americana/Pop/Blues

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Bringing a commercial sensibility to an arrangement, piano part, or overall sound while being creative.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Wow - sometimes a catchy intro or a solo, sometimes just a fuller rhythm throughout the track, or sometimes just a little sparkle. Every song is completely different and usually needs it's own magic.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: A prospective client emails me an MP3 rough mix of the song they want keyboards added on. I listen and consult with them about what keyboard sounds and styles would be appropriate for this particular track. If we move forward, I request a stereo mix to record my keyboards to. I might ask for a mix with the vocals lowered a bit so I can better lock in the the band (bass and drums...or whatever is most appropriate). I always ask if the tracks were recorded to the project tempo grid and what the bpm for the song is. If the tracks were recorded off the tempo grid, then I will request a separate mono mix of the click used (if there was one). I will then record a take of the overdub instrument(s) and email an MP3 proof mix of my keyboard work back to the client. 80% of the time I get a thumbs up on my work (the other 20% might require a tweak here or there). When we both love the keyboard part(s), and after I receive payment - I then export the WAV files for the instruments I've recorded, upload them, and send the client download links for the WAV files to import their recording project and mix.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I use Nuendo 5.5 with top of the line pre-amps and microphones. Most of my keyboard overdubs these days are high end plug-ins (samples). This really speeds up the turn around time - and the sampled instruments available now are very impressive.

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

A: Creativity and attention to detail definitely inspires me.

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

A: I usually get asked to add a piano track to an existing musical production. Organ overdubs, synth, and strings are also a common request.