Steve Raybine

Artist Information

Biography

Steve 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 compositions. 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 selected Raybine over thousands of other artists.
As the co-founder, co-musical director, and performer/composer of the critically-acclaimed progressive jazz ensemble AURACLE, he toured the United States and Europe and recorded two albums (Glider and City Slickers) on Chrysalis Records. During his eight-year tenure with Auracle, Raybine performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland; Frankfurt Jazz Festival in Frankfurt, Germany; the Sopot Jazz Festival in Sopot, Poland and numerous jazz venues in Los Angeles. Raybine’s freelance performance credits include Ed Shaughnessy, Dizzy Gillespie, Rick Braun, Ndugu Chancler, Michael Feinstein, Jack Jones, Roger Williams, Karrin Allyson, Dave Brubeck and as an opening act for Stanley Jordan. Raybine is a Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) composer, an artist and clinician with Ludwig/Musser, endorses Mike Balter Mallets, and is the owner of SAR Music, LLC and BAD KAT Records, LLC. Raybine’s music has been featured on over 150 national and international radio stations. In addition, his music has been showcased on the nation's #1 smooth jazz online radio station, www.smoothjazz.com, and XM satellite radio. His first CD release was entitled “Steve Raybine: Balance Act.” His second CD, “Bad Kat Karma,” was released in late June, 2005, on BAD KAT Records, LLC. It was listed as one of the top 50 jazz CD’s in the U.K. for 2005 on the radio show, Fusion Flavors. His new critically-acclaimed CD release is entitled “In The Driver’s Seat,”also on BAD KAT Records. Steve and his band have played jazz festivals and venues throughout the United States. For further information about Raybine’s music and performing dates, please visit his website at www.steveraybine.com.

Instrumentation

Steve Raybine on vibes with a wide variety of regional and national jazz musicians.

Discography

LPs Released:
Balance Act;
Bad Kat Karma;
In The Driver's Seat

Steve Raybine’s
Smooth Jazz Radio Campaign
Bad Kat Karma and In the Driver's Seat CD's
Updated: 4/26/10

The following songs have been played on over 150 terrestrial and internet radio stations:
· Bad Kat Karma
· Breezin’
· Breckenridge Blue
· Step it Up
· Sunny
· You’ve Got it All
· What You Won’t Do For Love

Terrestrial Radio

1. WVSU: Birmingham, Alabama; 91.1 FM (Andy Parrish)
2. WJAB: Huntsville, Alabama
3. WDLT: Mobile, Alabama; (Carmen Brown): (Sunday Jazz show on Urban A/C station)
4. WHIL: Mobile, Alabama
5. WVAS: Montgomery, Alabama (1 hour radio interview, 11/3/05); 90.7 FM (Sonya Clark/Eugenia Ricks)
6. WBFZ: Selma, Alabama; (Terry Chestnut); WHBB: Selma, Alabama
7. KWMT: 92.9-2 FM: Tucson, Arizona:
8. KHLR: 94.9-2 FM: Little Rock, Arkansas
9. KOKY: Little Rock, Arkansas; 102.1 FM
10. KUAP: Little Rock, Arkansas; 89.7 FM (Michael Nellums)
11. KSOF: 98.9-2 FM: Fresno, California:
12. Jazz Beat Radio/KECG: Oakland, California; (Prentiss Woods/Jean Woods)
13. KISQ: 98.1-2 FM: San Francisco, California
14. KKLI: 106.3-2 FM: Colorado Springs, Colorado
15. KKHI: Denver, Colorado
16. Smooth Jazz Excursion: Parker, Colorado; (John Sutton)
17. WVOF: Fairfield, Connecticut (Upper Room with Joe Kelly show)
18. WQTQ: Hartford, Connecticut
19. WRTC: Hartford, Connecticut
20. WCNI: New London, Connecticut
21. WQQQ: Sharon, Connecticut
22. WASH: 97.1-2 FM: District of Columbia
23. WSBZ: Fort Walton Beach, Florida
24. WCNK: Key West, Florida.
25. WGVR: Melbourne, Florida; 93.1FM (Randy Bennett)
26. WLRQ: 99.3-2 FM: Melbourne, Florida
27. WLVE: 93.9-2 FM: Miami, Florida
28. Jazz Lynx and Cafe Jazz: Oldsmar, Florida--Syndicated in Canada (Ted Hasiuk)
29. WLOQ: Orlando, Florida
30. Music Choice/Satellite & Cable TV: Tallahassee, Florida; (Will Kinnally)
31. WCLK: Atlanta, Georgia
32. WBCX: Gainesville, Georgia (Atlanta market); (Scott Fugate)
33. KIPO: Honolulu, Hawaii
34. KSHK: Kauai, Hawaii(Jazz Show
35. WXRJ: Bloomington, Illinois
36. WBCP: Champagne-Urbana, Illinois; 1580 am (Tracy Thomas)
37. WLFM: 87.7 Chicago Smooth Jazz (Illinois)
38. VH1.com—Oasis Channel, Internet: Troy, Illinois; (Terry Fox)
39. WICR: Indianapolis, Indiana (Saturday night Jazz show—AAA station)
40. WTPI: Indianapolis, Indiana (Sunday Jazz Show on A/C station); (Chuck Workman)
41. KCCK: Cedar Rapids, Iowa; (Bob Stewart)
42. KMXG: Davenport, Iowa
43. KPTL: 106.3-2 FM: Des Moines, Iowa
44. KPVL: Postville, Iowa
45. KRBB: Wichita, Kansas (Sunday Jazz show on A/C station)
46. WTLO: Somerset, Kentucky; 1480 AM (Brooke Cary)
47. WEAA: Baltimore, Maryland
48. WQSR: 102.7-2 FM: Baltimore, Maryland
49. Choice 102.9: Boston, Massachusetts
50. Touch 106.1: Boston, Massachusetts ("Ivory Coast Smooth Jazz Show")
51. WLRQ: Dalton, Massachusetts; (Roland Guilarte)
52. WSMU: Dartmouth, Massachusetts
53. WUMD: Dartmouth, Massachusetts
54. WEIB: North Hampton, Massachusetts; 106.3 FM (Carol Moore Cutting)
55. WMWM: Salem, Massachusetts
56. WTCC: Springfield, Massachusetts; 90.7 FM (James Lewis)
57. WOOD: 105.7-2 FM: Grand Rapids, Michigan
58. WTLZ: Saginaw, Michigan; (Sunday jazz show on Urban A/C station)
59. KJLU: Jefferson City, Missouri
60. KCOZ: Springfield, Missouri
61. KMJM: 104.9-2 FM: St. Louis, Missouri
62. Velvet 96.3: St. Louis, Missouri (HD-3) Channel
63. JTcoffeeshop.com: Internet--Lincoln, Nebraska
64. KIOS: Omaha, Nebraska; (Chris Cooke) Features on Bad Kat Karma CD and In the Driver's Seat CD
65. KUNV: Las Vegas, Nevada
66. KXPT: Las Vegas, Nevada; 97.1 FM (Ric Gould): Sunday Jazz Show on Classic Hits station
67. WSCA: Portsmouth, New Hampshire
68. WLFR: Atlantic City, New Jersey
69. WBZC: Burlington, New Jersey; 88.9 FM (Will Chill)
70. WQAR: Albany, New York (Sunday Jazz Show on A/C station
71. WRVE: 99.5-2 FM: Albany, New York
72. WCHR 90.3 FM, New York City, New York: Harlem After Midnight
73. WQCD (Groove Boutique): New York City, New York and others
74. WPHR: 106.9-2 FM: Syracuse, New York
75. WSGE: Charlotte, North Carolina
76. WFSS: Fayetteville, North Carolina
77. WUKS: Fayetteville, North Carolina
78. WMAG: 99.5-2 FM: Greensboro, North Carolina
79. WVOD: Manteo, North Carolina
80. WSNC: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
81. WLQT: 99.9-2 FM: Dayton, Ohio
82. WONB: Lima, Ohio
83. WCWA: Toledo, Ohio (The Mike Scott Jazz Show)
84. WMXY: 98.9-2 FM: Youngstown, Ohio
85. WRBP: Youngstown, Ohio. (Sunday jazz show on Urban A/C station)
86. Jazz Tulsa: Tulsa, Oklahoma; 107.9 FM KRSC
87. KJZT: Tulsa, Oklahoma
88. KYSJ: Coos Bay, Oregon
89. KYTE: Newport, Oregon (Sunday Jazz show on Hot A/C station)
90. KKCW: 103.3-2 FM: Portland, Oregon
91. KUR: Kutztown, Pennsylvania
92. Rhythms n' Motion Club: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
93. WPGB: 104.7-2 FM: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
94. WURP: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Jazz show)
95. WSNE: 93.3-2 FM: Providence, Rhode Island
96. WSCC: 94.3-2 FM: Charleston, South Carolina
97. WLXC: Columbia, South Carolina
98. WMYI: 102.5-2 FM: Greenville, South Carolina
99. WAZS: North Charleston, South Carolina; 980 am (Sam Dennis)
100. The Jazz Artists Network: Sumter, South Carolina; (Steven Sanders)
101. WOEZ: Knoxville, Tennessee; (Sam Truan)
102. KJMS: 101.1-2 FM: Memphis, Tennessee
103. WQOX: Memphis, Tennessee
104. WFSK, Nashville, Tennessee
105. WUBT: 101.1-2 FM: Nashville, Tennessee
106. TM Century/Music Service, Dallas, Texas: Used for retail (Wal-Mart, Kroger) in store radio; Armed Forces Radio, (Dave Foster)
107. KODA: 99.1-2 FM: Houston, Texas
108. KPVU: Houston, Texas
109. KTSU: Houston, Texas; 90.9 FM (Jeff Kelley)
110. KQXT: San Antonio, Texas. Sunday Jazz show on A/C station
111. KBGO: 95.7-2 FM: Waco, Texas
112. KJMY: 99.5-2 FM: Salt Lake City, Utah
113. WCHG—Lights Out Jazz: Hot Springs, Virginia; (Pete Pitard)
114. WTVR: 98.1-2 FM: Richmond, Virginia
115. WZBL: 106.1-2 FM: Roanoke, Virginia
116. KWOK: Aberdeen, Washington; (Jimmy Powers)
117. KISC: 98.1-2 FM: Spokane, Washington
118. WAPL: Appleton, Wisconsin; (Scott Stevens, (radio interview, 10/19/05)
119. WRST: Oshkosh, Wisconsin
120. WWSP: Stevens Point, Wisconsin; (Russ Haines)
121. KUWS: Superior, Wisconsin
Internet Radio
122. BoomerRadio.com/Internet
123. CitySoundsRadio.com
124. Cool Jazz: Smoothtraxfm.com
125. Cool Jazz Cafe/Internet: www.cooltraxfm.com
126. Cool Jazz Cafe/Internet: www.cooltraxfm.com
127. DMX Cable Radio/Smooth Jazz Channel
128. E-radiobiz.com/Internet
129. GHPradio.com
130. Gloucester FM/United Kingdom: SmoothGrooves.com
131. Jazzradio.net: Jazz Radio in Berlin, Germany
132. Jazz Spot: WSGE: 91.7
133. Radioio.com
134. Rhythmandjazz.com
135. Sirius Satellite Radio/"Jazz Cafe" channel (New music feature)
136. Smoothjazz.com: (Sandy Shore/Jamie Trent)
137. Smoothjazz.com: (Sandy Shore/Jamie Trent)
138. SmoothJazz.com Chart: SPINcreased Top 10 List (+38 spins)
139. SmoothJazzandMore.com
140. SmoothJazz4u.com: Mason, Ohio (Gregory Brown)
141. SmoothJazzExpressions
142. Smoothmix.com:
143. Smoothvox.com/Internet
144. SmoothSoulOnline.com/Internet
145. The Jazz Corner
146. TheSource.com
147. UrRadio.com/Internet
148. WITD: Live365.com
149. XM Satellite Radio: “Watercolors Channel”



European Radio Stations


1. CIWV: Hamilton-Toronto, Canada (The Wave);

2. Wes Gillespie: Producer and Host; JazzNet247 Radio Europe

3. James Lewis: radio show—on demand & podcasted show http://www.cewlticaradio.com “The VYBE”
Address:
2, LLYS Aneuirn
Garden Village
Gorseinon,
Swansea
SA4 4HW
Wales, UK
Reviews:
www.smooth-jazz.de
www.thesoulofamsterdam.com
Requested CD to play: 10/25/05

4. Harry Melchior: swissgroove webradio (Bossa N’More…quality tunes and grooves)
http://www.swissgroove.ch
http://www.smoothvibes.com
Address:
Bungestr. 75
4055 Basel, Switzerland
Added tracks to database/playlist effective 10/12/05

5. Steve Quirk, Fusion Flavors, U.K. Made list of top 50 CD’s for Smooth Jazz in 2005. 2009 played What You Won't Do for Love from In the Driver's Seat.

6. Patrick Van de Wiele: reviewer for: http://www.keysandchords.com
Reviewed In the Driver's Seat 2009 for smoothjazz europe.
Address:
Witgerstraat 3
B-9310 Herdersem-aalst
Belgium
He reviewed my CD and liked it—published circa 11/01/05

Links

• Steve Raybine Website
• Steve Raybine Smooth Jazz Europe Page
• Steve Raybine Musser Page
• Steve Raybine: Master of the Mallets Blog
• Facebook

Audio

• Bad Kat Karma
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• Step It Up
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• You've Got It All
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• Hummingbird
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• Coffee Break
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• Cha Cha Cool
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• Breckenridge Blue
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• Bop City
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• Indigo Night
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• America, I Love You
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Lyrics

• America, I Love You

Video

Steve Raybine Band performing Bad Kat Karma at The Genuine Jazz Festival in Breckenridge, CO.

Steve Raybine Band performing Tree of Life at The Genuine Jazz Festival in Breckenridge, CO.

Photo Gallery

Press

• In The Driver's Seat review by Javier Garcia Escamez, editor, nosolosmoothjazz.com [+ Show ]
  

  English Translation: "Steve Raybine is without doubt one of the most renowned musicians in the U...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."

• In The Driver's Seat review by Scott O'Brien [+ Show ]
  

  That "Bad" vibes "Kat" is back, with his best album yet! Steve Raybine's created a killer set with ...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.

• In The Driver's Seat review by Ronald Jackson [+ Show ]
  

  "Vibraphonist Steve Raybine sets out here on his latest release, In the Driver's Seat, with the inte..."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."

• In the Driver's Seat review by smoothindiestar.com [+ Show ]
  

  Could you take us through the creative process that has yielded your lastest release, "In the Driver...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 challenging aspect of all you do in your career...from being a professional musician to being an educator...and thus generates the most personal growth for you?
  
  I've jokingly referred to my career as the AAA School of Music: All things, to All people, at All times. The coordination of every aspect associated with my teaching studio (students' schedules; music; communications; mentoring; etc., ) combined with the creation, promotion/organization and performances of my band, can be exhausting and somewhat overwhelming at times. It's not uncommon for me to run from one appointment to another and arrive with five minutes or less to spare--multiple times each day.
  
  In my career, most people would consider me a perfectionist, because I have extremely high standards for what I expect from myself in order to be the best possible teacher, performer and composer that I can be. Therefore, I suppose another challenging aspect of my career, would be meeting my own standards for excellence involving all of the people and circumstances that I'm ultimately involved with and accountable to. Most importantly, however, I always factor my family responsiblitites (which takes precedence over all other things) into the career equation, so the totality of all these dimensions working in conjunction with one another ultimately makes for a challenging life. In summation, I'm proud of the fact that I do reasonably well at balancing all of these personal and career issues and this creates the most personal growth for me.
  If you were to choose to learn a new instrument that you've never played before, what instrument might that be, and why?
  
  I've always enjoyed the 'sound' of the saxophone within the jazz idiom, so I suppose that would be the instrument that I'd try to learn how to play--I'd probably start on alto. When the saxophone is played by a gifted performer, the range of expression that the player can achieve is truly remarkable and eminently appealing. Furthermore, it is much easier to transport than a vibraphone, which would be really refreshing.
  
  What are some of the most important goals you have for yourself in the next five to ten years?
  
  1.) I've been pursuing my musical version of the Smooth Jazz 'dream' for FOURTEEN years now, which began with the first song I composed for the genre in 1995 and has continued throughout my first CD, Balance Act; second CD, Bad Kat Karma; and now, In the Driver's Seat. I suppose my primary career goal comes down to the word opportunity. I'd like to have the opportunity of showcasing my vibraphone playing and my music at prominent jazz festivals and jazz venues around the United States. I'd also like to take my family along (sons David and Sam and my wife, Beth) if these opportunities presented themselves to me and if it was possible to coordinate these events with their schedules.
  
  2.) There have been numerous people that have believed in me and my music over the many years (band members; music business folks; friends and family) that I would like to be able to offer opportunities to if greater musical success were to ever come my way. I think it's always more meaningful to share any success you may achieve with the people who you care about the most in life and to let them know how much you appreciate them.
  
  3.) I'd like to maintain my teaching studio, continue being a positive role model to younger musicians and to mentor my students, regardless of the career path(s) they've chosen. Students need people who truly believe in them and their special abilities. If I can be of assistance to them, then I'd like to be able to do so.
  
  4.) I'd like to become more involved in charitable events and to help others. My wife works as a genetic counselor at a Medical Center and she is a positive role model for me. You enrich your own life when you give selflessly to others.
  
  5.) Like most musical performers, I'd like to record more in the future, but that again comes down to opportunities and probably to finances.
  
  6.) If possible, it would be nice to not have to teach until 9 pm most days and five hours on Sunday. I'd also like to be able to take more vacations with my family. On a purely practical level, I would also appreciate not having to move so much heavy musical equipment by myself in the future.

• Bad Kat Karma review by Patrick Van de Wiele/www.keysandchords.com [+ Show ]
  

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

• In The Driver's Seat review by RadioIndy.com [+ Show ]
  

  " Raybine is a nationally known virtuoso vibraphonist who has earned a reputation for his exciting l..." 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."

• In The Driver's Seat review by Elaine K. Miller [+ Show ]
  

  Vibes, feelings or sensations a person experiences or feels, can be good or bad but when it relates ...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.

• Bad Kat Karma review by Brian Soergel [+ Show ]
  

  "Everybody talks about good vibes, but Steve Raybine actually plays them. When the thought of ye..."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."

• Bad Kat Karma review by Sandy Shore [+ Show ]
  

  "When we refer to Steve Raybine as an accomplished musician, it's an understatement. Steve is not on..."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'."

• Balance Act review by smoothjazz.com [+ Show ]
  

  Dr. Steve Raybine is a vibraphonist, percussionist, composer/arranger, instructor, conductor, and cl...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.

• Bad Kat Karma review by Elaine Miller [+ Show ]
  

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

• Testimonial, Mike O'Brien [+ Show ]
  

  "Steve Raybine is a truly gifted composer and dynamic live performer. Bad Kat Karma is currently ou..."Steve Raybine is a truly gifted composer and dynamic live performer. Bad Kat Karma is currently our favorite CD!"

• In The Driver's Seat review by Cliff Gorov [+ Show ]
  

  "In the Driver's Seat is a gigantic step forward for Steve Raybine within the Smooth Jazz genre. Th..."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."

• In The Driver's Seat review by Scott Yanow [+ Show ]
  

  The spotlight is on Steve Raybine throughout a straight forward jam on Stanley Turrentine's “Sugar” ...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.

Setlist

Set 1:
1.) Bad Kat Karma (original)
2.) Cha Cha Cool (original)
3.) You've Got it All (original)
4.) Sugar (S. Turrentine/non-original))
5.) Indigo Night (original)
6.) Tree of Life (original)
7.) Sunny (non-original
8.) Strut Your Stuff (original)
9.) Bop City (original)

Set 2:
1.) San Diego Surf (original)
2.) Hummingbird (original)
3.) Step it Up (original)
4.) Breckenridge Blue (original)
5.) Spooky (non-original)
6.) What You Won't Do For Love (Bobby Caldwell/non-original)
7.) Dr. Blues (original)
8.) Freddie the Freeloader (Miles Davis/non-original)
9.) Querido David (original)

Set 3:
1.) Coffee Break (original)
2.) Night and Day (Cole Porter/non-original)
3.) Breezin' (George Benson/non-original)
4.) You Don't Love Me Anymore (original)
5.) Cold Duck Time (Eddie Harris/non-original)
6.) Stormy (non-original)
7.) Like Someone in Love (Jimmy Van Heusen/non-original)
8.) Jonathan's Dream (original)
9.) Vibrafunk (original)


I typically play (3) 50-55minute sets or (2) 1 hour and 30 minute sets.


Non-Original Repertoire (Cover Tunes) that can be used 20 sample tunes:
1.) A Train: Ellington/Strayhorn
2.) Satin Doll: Ellington
3.) Sugar: Stanley Turrentine
4.) Like Someone in Love: Jimmy Van Heusen
5.) Georgia: Hoagy Carmichael
6.) I Could Write a Book: Richard Rodgers
7.) Green Dolphin Street: Ned Washington
8.) Mr. Magic: Grover Washington, Jn.
9.) Cold Duck Time: Eddie Harris
10.) You Are the Sunshine of My Life: Stevie Wonder
11.) Summertime: George Gershwin
12.) My Romance: Richard Rodgers
13.) Blue Bossa: Kenny Dorham
14.) Blue Mink: Thelonious Monk
15.) All Blues: Miles Davis
16.) Autumn Leaves: Joseph Kosma
17.) Lady Bird: Tadd Dameron
18.) Girl From Ipanema: A. C. Jobim
19.) Black Orpheus: Luiz Bonfa
20.) My Funny Valentine

Basic Requirements

Calendar