Steve Raybine

"Vibraphonist Steve Raybine sets out here on his latest release, In the Driver's Seat, with the intention of showcasing how all-encompassing vibes can be, especially in the jazz, blues, and even Latin arenas. The album is an attractive collection of grooves, containing both original compositions and well-interpreted covers. Raybine, for thoe who may not know, has been respected in many circles as an accomplished vibist who's worked with artists ranging from Dizzy Gillespie to Rick Braun. He's released two other releases since 2000 (Balance Act and Bad Kat Karma), and if this latest is any indication, the man's well-rounded in his tastes." - smoothvibes.com

That "Bad" vibes "Kat" is back, with his best album yet! Steve Raybine's created a killer set with IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT, giving jazz vibes fans (And I'm totally there!) something really impressive to sink their musical teeth into. Make no mistake about it, this is World-class jazz-from contemporary to straight-ahead, from solo ballads to funk ala T.O.P., complete with horn section. - smoothjazz.com

Could you take us through the creative process that has yielded your lastest release, "In the Driver's Seat."

I began rehearsals for the music eighteen months ago. For some of my songs, I specifically tried to write 'shorter,' more concise pieces with a catchy melody--this was definately true of Step it Up; Hummingbird and Strut Your Stuff. Step it Up features Michael Paulo on sax, who was recommended to me by Rick Braun. Hummingbird was ultimately the perfect song for flute and vibes--my keyboardist, Dan Cerveny brought this to my attention. As you can hear, only flutist, Steve Kujala (my old Auracle bandmate) could have played that multi-dimensional and virtuosic flute solo. Strut Your Stuff is an archtypical shuffle tune with a little extra flair within the arrangement.

After the 'live' rhythm tracks were recorded on the various tunes, I decided that You've Got it All would work best as a duet between vibes and muted trumpet (with flugelhorn in the bridge section).

Importantly, I knew that I wanted to incorporate more 'horn-section' parts (tenor and/or baritone sax; trumpet and trombone) into the arrangement of the songs. Doyle Tipler, my co-producer, primary recording engineer and mixer, wrote the horn parts for the various songs. From my perspective, the horn parts have added a tremendous musical dimension to the overall sound of the songs. Vibrafunk and Coffee Break were songs that I had written years ago, but had never recorded. Coffee Break is probably more indicative of the Jazz Funk/Fusion genre--I wanted this song to reflect the best of the horn-style dominated charts of days gone by, albeit with vibes as a co-lead instrument (it even includes a modulation near the end of the song) with saxophone. Vibrafunk is more stylistically grounded within the Urban Funk musical realm. You Don't Love Me Anymore is a song that I've also waited for the right moment to record. Jenny Hill sang it with my band years ago, but it finally came together with a stunning counterpoint provided by Nelson Rangell on alto sax. I've always wanted to showcase my solo vibraphone playing on records (I perform it often in live shows), so that was the genesis behind including that on the CD--it is a specific vibraphonic 'art form' that I've worked on throughout my entire career. Finally, Jim Mertz did a great arrangement of Bobby Caldwell's, What You Won't Do For Love, which works well as a vibe feature.

Doyle Tipler, Chris Acker (executive producer) and myself, worked endlessly on tweaking the arrangements and achieving the best mix sound for the songs--also complemented by Doug Van Slouns' mastering. Simply put, it was an exhausting and all-consuming project, but the most rewarding musical experience I've ever been involved with.

What aspects of "In the Driver's Seat" have you found to be the most satisfying for you personally so far?

Thus far, I can confidently say that I believe this is my finest recorded work to date. I know how hard I worked on this project for the last eighteen months as a producer, performer and composer. It is personally fulfilling to create a work that you're very proud of and to make it available to your audience(s).

You've performed and been involved with a diverse range of musicians so far in your career. Can you give us a bit of perspective as to how those experiences have led you to where you are today with your music?

I've always said that to a certain degree, you are influenced by all of the significant people that you've come into contact with during your lifetime. From my early musical years as the percussion section leader in high school in Oshkosh, Wi., working with the internationally-acclaimed wind ensemble director and educator, Dr. James Croft, to later performing for one of my early jazz influences, the great Dave Brubeck, I've learned from some phenomenal musicians and educators. Vibist, Gary Burton, taught me the value of understanding and applying jazz theory and harmony when improvising and the dedication involved in becoming a jazz virtuoso on your instrument; Ray Wright (Eastman School of Music) taught me how to arrange music for a Big Band and a studio orchestra; Bill Dobbins (Eastman School of Music) taught me how to write jazz music in various styles; Teo Macero (Miles' producer) taught me how to 'edit' my compostions; vocalists Jack Jones and Michael Feinstein showed me how to relate to an audience, as they both have a tremendous rapport with their audiences; Rick Braun showed me the value of being a meticulous producer in the studio; Auracle (jazz fusion band in the 1970's) was where I initially honed my craft as a jazz performer and composer; etc. These individuals and/or bands...and numerous others, have shaped my musical evolution, in addition to my own creative voice as a jazz performer, composer and educator. Your own distinct musical journey is an ongoing evolutionary process that continues throughout your lifetime.

What's the most challen - smoothindiestar.com

Vibes, feelings or sensations a person experiences or feels, can be good or bad but when it relates to ‘Master of the Mallets’, Steve Raybine, the vibes are not just good but rather first-class, superior, or simply stated, sensational. When your play list can not stand the idea of yet another smooth jazz CD, playing Raybine's music can shift your musical paradigm and elevate your musical spirit. Raybine is not just another smooth jazz artist, but rather a talented musician in today's genre of contemporary jazz. An accomplished vibraphonist, percussionist, composer, arranger, author, instructor, educator and clinician, Raybine is extraordinarily unique, unlike any other in the industry, talented in jazz, urban funk, blues, pop, Latin and R & B.

In the Driver’s Seat (BAD KAT Records), the third solo CD for Raybine, exemplifies all of the above characteristics and notably 7 of the 11 cuts were written by Raybine. The album is very enjoyable and has no boundaries when it comes to listening pleasure or preference. Overall, In the Driver’s Seat is hip and groovy, has a nice underlying jazz tone and is very captivating, with memorable and catchy melodies. - Elaine K. Miller

English Translation:

"Steve Raybine is without doubt one of the most renowned musicians in the United States...One of the most striking notes of this excellent disc is a brilliant production which is done by Steve Raybine with musician and composer Doyle Tipler...The new album of the vibraphone virtuoso consists of a total of eleven subjects and among those who include four versions or "covers" that are worthy of mention and review." - No Solo Smooth Jazz/Madrid, Spain

" Raybine is a nationally known virtuoso vibraphonist who has earned a reputation for his exciting live performances and melodically-appealing and rhythmically-compelling original contemporary jazz compostions. Raybine’s unique and refreshing musical sound and style is captivating jazz audiences throughout the United States and Europe. Labeling Raybine as a jazz-only artist would be a huge mistake. He is equally talented at Funk, R&B, Pop and Latin sounds. You’ll only have to listen to his music once to understand why the Independent Artist Registry (www.independentartistregistry.com/steveraybine) selected Raybine over thousands of other artists." - RadioIndy.com

"...Steve Raybine is known as 'Master of the Mallets.' BKK (Bad Kat Karma) has a nice groove with intoxicating, hypnotic and catching melodies." - smoothnotesandnews.com

" Raybine is a nationally known virtuoso vibraphonist who has earned a reputation for his exciting live performances and melodically-appealing and rhythmically-compelling original contemporary jazz compostions. Raybine’s unique and refreshing musical sound and style is captivating jazz audiences throughout the United States and Europe. Labeling Raybine as a jazz-only artist would be a huge mistake. He is equally talented at Funk, R&B, Pop and Latin sounds. You’ll only have to listen to his music once to understand why the Independent Artist Registry (www.independentartistregistry.com/steveraybine) selected Raybine over thousands of other artists." - RadioIndy.com

"Steve Raybine is a truly gifted composer and dynamic live performer. Bad Kat Karma is currently our favorite CD!" - Talent Buyer/Festival Director, Genuine Jazz Festival, Breckenridge, Colorado

"In the Driver's Seat is a gigantic step forward for Steve Raybine within the Smooth Jazz genre. The CD is masterfully done. The production, the rhythmic drive and the musicianship is all top level and takes Raybine to a much higher level as a performer, composer and producer. The CD features some killer tracks with brilliant horn sections, exciting rhythmic grooves and great melodic hooks. We really like this record." - All That Jazz, Inc.

"Steve Raybine is a truly gifted composer and dynamic live performer. Bad Kat Karma is currently our favorite CD!" - Talent Buyer/Festival Director, Genuine Jazz Festival, Breckenridge, Colorado

"Everybody talks about good vibes, but Steve Raybine actually plays them.

When the thought of yet another sax, guitar, or piano CD kind of grinds on you, spinning Raybine's tunes can do wonders for your musical mood. The track that stands out on Bad Kat Karma (that cool cat on the cover could be the friendlier brother of the Rippingtons' Jazz Cat) is George Benson's iconic "Breezin," produced by Raybine's college chum and smooth jazz superstar Rick Braun." - Brian Soergel

"When we refer to Steve Raybine as an accomplished musician, it's an understatement. Steve is not only a virtuoso vibraphonist, percussionist, and composer/arranger, he is also an instructor and clinician.... BAD KAT KARMA is the 2nd solo release for this talented recording artist. This new collection of mostly original Smooth Jazz adeptly incorporates urban funk, R&B, pop and Latin influences. Steve's infectious melodies are sure to get you groovin'." - Sandy Shore, President, Smoothjazz.com

"Everybody talks about good vibes, but Steve Raybine actually plays them.

When the thought of yet another sax, guitar, or piano CD kind of grinds on you, spinning Raybine's tunes can do wonders for your musical mood. The track that stands out on Bad Kat Karma (that cool cat on the cover could be the friendlier brother of the Rippingtons' Jazz Cat) is George Benson's iconic "Breezin," produced by Raybine's college chum and smooth jazz superstar Rick Braun." - Brian Soergel

"...A really remarkable, beautiful remake of George Benson's classic "Breezin"...listen to the "Master of the Mallets" at his best!"

- Patrick Van de Wiele/www.keysandchords.com

"...A really remarkable, beautiful remake of George Benson's classic "Breezin"...listen to the "Master of the Mallets" at his best!"

- Patrick Van de Wiele/www.keysandchords.com

Dr. Steve Raybine is a vibraphonist, percussionist, composer/arranger, instructor, conductor, and clinician. And we're not done…He received his degrees from the prestigious Eastman's School of Music, University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Iowa. But wait; there's more..Raybine taught jazz and percussion at universities for over ten years. Fusion fans may recall Steve Raybine from the critically acclaimed Jazz Ensemble Auracle, which also featured trumpeter Rick Braun. While we're certainly impressed with this artist's accomplishments, the one thing that we find to be most impressive is Steve's ability to transform his musical prowess and his cool electro-acoustic instrumental hybrid concoctions into effortless and highly enjoyable melodies, as is evidenced by his latest solo recording, Balance Act. Once this CD starts spinning on the player, you start to feel like you're on an island, sitting at a cabana bar, wearing a Panama hat and slowly sipping a Mojito. Hence, we play the CD a lot in this office. Smoothjazz.com really enjoys San Diego Surf, Tree of Life, Taliesin & I Told You So. - smoothjazz.com

Dr. Steve Raybine is a vibraphonist, percussionist, composer/arranger, instructor, conductor, and clinician. And we're not done…He received his degrees from the prestigious Eastman's School of Music, University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Iowa. But wait; there's more..Raybine taught jazz and percussion at universities for over ten years. Fusion fans may recall Steve Raybine from the critically acclaimed Jazz Ensemble Auracle, which also featured trumpeter Rick Braun. While we're certainly impressed with this artist's accomplishments, the one thing that we find to be most impressive is Steve's ability to transform his musical prowess and his cool electro-acoustic instrumental hybrid concoctions into effortless and highly enjoyable melodies, as is evidenced by his latest solo recording, Balance Act. Once this CD starts spinning on the player, you start to feel like you're on an island, sitting at a cabana bar, wearing a Panama hat and slowly sipping a Mojito. Hence, we play the CD a lot in this office. Smoothjazz.com really enjoys San Diego Surf, Tree of Life, Taliesin & I Told You So. - smoothjazz.com

The spotlight is on Steve Raybine throughout a straight forward jam on Stanley Turrentine's “Sugar” and on a pair of unaccompanied performances of standards (“Night And Day” and “Summertime”). Not too many vibraphonists other than Gary Burton and Jay Hoggard have performed completely solo but Raybine succeeds in both outlining the melodies and infusing the music with his own personality; nothing is missing. And on “Sugar” he shows how strong a player he can be when playing straight ahead jazz. - Scott Yanow

The spotlight is on Steve Raybine throughout a straight forward jam on Stanley Turrentine's “Sugar” and on a pair of unaccompanied performances of standards (“Night And Day” and “Summertime”). Not too many vibraphonists other than Gary Burton and Jay Hoggard have performed completely solo but Raybine succeeds in both outlining the melodies and infusing the music with his own personality; nothing is missing. And on “Sugar” he shows how strong a player he can be when playing straight ahead jazz. - Scott Yanow