We were lucky to catch up with Paul Kreibich recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Paul, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
Both my parents were immigrants and neither had a college degree. They worked hard in their fields to succeed and take care of their family. My father was a builder and my mother a journalist. This may have rubbed off on me and my work as a musician and music teacher. I see plenty of people who work harder and achieve more than myself. But I do believe that the work I’ve done has helped me to survive in the music business.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a professional drummer, percussionist, and music teacher. I’ve made my living touring and recording with artists like Ray Charles, Gene Harris, Ernestine Anderson and Maceo Parker. I’ve also recorded with many of the “unsung heroes” of jazz on the West Coast like Bill Perkins, Bob Cooper, Frank Strazzeri, Claude Williamson, Herb Geller, Dave Mackay, and Andy Simpkins. These were great players who were given short shrift by the jazz critics, who have mostly focused on the New York scene.
Teaching has always been a part of my life. I’ve taught Drum Set and Jazz Combo at Cal State Fullerton for over 20 years. This year I’m also teaching at Santa Monica College, Windward School, and Boulevard Music in Culver City.
Teaching has become a bigger part of life now and I enjoy working with beginners all the way up to graduate students.
Pianist Karen Hammack and I co-lead and compose for a group called the Lonesome Tree Quartet. We recently performed at the Mint and Sam First Jazz Club in Los Angeles.
Composer-arranger David Angel leads a 13 piece jazz ensemble that I’m proud to be a part of. We recorded a 3 CD set of the music that was released last year.
I enjoy composing and many of my tunes have been recorded and released. Many are featured on my latest recording. Thank You Elvin, recorded live at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach
I’ve developed a bass drum Muffler product for drummers called the Muffbone. Its available on my website
I’m a practicing Nichiren Buddhist and lead a group in Mar Vista. We chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. We’re members of the Soka Gakkai, a value creating organization that focuses on overcoming obstacles in life and creating unshakeable happiness for oneself and others.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Inspiration. Follow y0ur heart in finding a path that you really love.
2. Work hard at it. Get educated and find mentors who can help you learn what you need to succeed in your chosen field. Listen to criticism and try to improve and grow always. Try to find people to work with that are better than you and come up their level.
3. Help others. Be gracious about your achievements and give back. Don’t forget about those who helped you on the way. You can never stop learning. Learn something from everyone you meet.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My wife Merle and I just celebrated out 30th wedding anniversary. She has helped me a lot to focus and believe in myself. She also is a hard worker and that has helped me when I get lazy!
She also has been a jazz promoter and produced many concert series at hotels and clubs over the years.
As a couple, we’ve been instrumental in providing work for many of the fine musicians and bands in the Los Angeles area and touring players as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: paulkreibich.com
- Instagram: Paul Kreibich
- Facebook: Paul Kreibich
- Youtube: Paul Kreibich
- Other: Paul Kreibicjh at HearN0w.com
Image Credits
Bob Barry Merle Kreibich Markus Berger
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