Hammond B3 & Vintage EPs

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

A: Every project holds a special place in my heart, but I am particularly proud of my classical organ production from the 2000s. In 2010, I had the opportunity to be a session musician for a fusion jazz album, where I was given the chance to play a very old Hammond. It was a truly memorable experience, and one that I will always cherish.

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

A: With 28 years of experience in the music industry, I have been involved in every aspect of production, from assisting and editing to performing and producing. I have recorded numerous albums and tracks, giving me the knowledge and insight to know when things just fit. I have seamlessly moved between producing and performing many times, always learning and growing in both fields. Every session is a learning opportunity for me, and I believe that one can always discover something new. Let my expertise and passion for growth enhance your next project.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I define my style as clean, jazzy, and mostly crossover. I am always open to going off the beaten track and trying new things for a fresh and exciting sound.

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

A: From soul and gospel to hip hop and country, I have a diverse range of musical styles that I love to work with. Fusion styles are always tempting as well, adding an exciting twist to my projects.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is harmony. I have a passion for attention to detail that allows me to bring a unique touch to every project I work on.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Bringing soul and groove to every track, I am all about delivering that special something that makes a song truly stand out. Whether it's a solo, bebop, progressive, or gospel sound you're after, I have the versatility and dynamic touch to bring your music to life. Trust me to bring discretion and a unique feel to every song I work on.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical work process involves carefully listening to the tracks and allowing them to inspire ideas for lines and comping on the keys or organ. Whether it's jazz, soul, or funk, I always aim to fit the instrumentation in as naturally as possible. It's a simple process of listen, think, and play.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a variety of top-notch gear at my disposal, including a 1959 Hammond B3, Leslie 122 and 147 speakers, a Yamaha CS60 and DX7, a Roland Juno 106, a Minimoog D, a Farfisa Compact de Luxe, a Clavinet Duo E7, a Crumar Mojo, a Nord D5, a Korg Polysix, a Roland Echo 201, and more. In addition, I have access to recording studios with a Steinway D and Yamaha CFIII-S piano. When it comes to software, I primarily use ProTools, though other options are available. Let's bring my technical skills and top-quality equipment to your next project.

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

A: From Quincy Jones to Herbie Hancock and beyond, I am a fan of all types of productions. While I am always up for discovering new organists, I can't help but keep returning to the classics. Don Patterson, Lonnie Smith, Ronnie Foster, and more are among my all-time favorites, and the list truly goes on and on. Let's bring some of that classic organ magic to your next project.

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

A: As a musician with a background in classical music, I am skilled in playing the organ, keys, and vintage gear. My broad understanding of harmony allows me to easily identify what works and what doesn't, enabling me to seamlessly switch between instruments to find the perfect sound for your project. Let my expertise guide your music in the right direction.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Besides my session projects, I'm recording a jazz organ album with my band, to be released soon! Stay tuned!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Do you have the chord chart? Do you have the lyrics? Do you have any references for a similar sound?

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

A: Herbie Hancock, Cory, and a few classic ones. Do I have to choose just one?

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

A: I always look for quality, so samples provide a fairly good idea of what you can expect. Be clear and precise about what you want. Keyboard players have a lot of gear. ;-)

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

A: My MBP, an Apogee Sound card and a Kontakt keyboard, a Minimoog D and my API.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Think mono. We have just one brain, not two. DAWs have none.

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

A: Arthur Pingrey

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital nowadays. I can always switch the Studer on though ;-)

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

A: Satisfaction and feedback. They are key indeed.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Creativity and freedom. When you are hired to play what you feel or what a track suggests you.

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

A: Most of the time, people as for a RAW Hammond track with no Leslie effect on it, so they can tweak it after. Depending on the instrument sometimes used it is possible, but sometimes it is not, as the Organ routes the signal right into the Leslie Speaker.

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

A: There's no MIDI in a Hammond Organ. Also, Leslies have no line out.