“…interesting display of some true modern jazz masters at work.” This is a strong and vibrant pairing of American vibraphonist Mainieri with three European musicians for a meeting that brings together a modern impressionistic sensibility with good old fashioned bebop. The date begins with the simply titled “Piece.” This intrepid tune is fueled by a deceptively simple bass hook that… Read more »
“…its substantial growth and inevitable rewards the result of touring in the two years since Twelve Pieces’s 2006 recording.” Looking more like a man in his fifties than his 72 years, vibraphonist Mike Mainieri has been stepping up the pace, with three fine but stylistically different albums in the last year: Crescent (NYC, 2010), an elegant and moving John Coltrane… Read more »
“…listener can sense they are in the presence of greatness.” Poring over vibraphonist Mike Mainieri’s musical resume and the people that he’s either collaborated or guested with over the past fifty years certainly reads like a who’s who of both early and contemporary jazz. In 50’s and 60’s the Bronx born musician had the dubious honor of sharing the stage… Read more »
“… to create a unique and poignant mutually artistic statement …” The Mike Mainieri / Marnix Busstra Quartet CD Trinary Motion represents a sterling musical landscape combining the elements of composition, improvisation, and musicality to create a unique and poignant mutually artistic statement, a challenging scenario at any point in time. The interplay and virtuosity of each individual player is a… Read more »
“Delicate touches morph into heated runs with relative ease. The underlying harmonics are always present.” Mike Mainieri has been integrating the vibraphone into various settings. As a jazz sideman, he has worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Coleman Hawkins, Buddy Rich and Wes Montgomery. He is most recognized as the leader of the jazz fusion group, Steps Ahead. An eclectic resume includes… Read more »
“…so much variety and virtuosity that the time moves by quickly.” Jazz vibraphonist Mike Mainieri’s wide-ranging career as a recording and performing artist since 1960 includes appearances with George Benson and Pat Martino, as well as some surprising turns, like his work on Dire Straits’ Love over Gold (1982). His fusion group, Steps Ahead, included at various points Michael Brecker,… Read more »
“The virtuosic performances, the open approach, the undeniable focus, and the thrall of invention all combine for an absorbing, entertaining and captivating program…” Vibraphonist Mike Mainieri and guitarist Marnix Busstra demonstrated a kinetic relationship on their 2009 recording, Twelve Pieces (NYC Records); a compelling portrait of the musicians playing with and off each other. Its success spurred a tour and,… Read more »
