Mike Mainieri
American vibraphonist

Mike Mainieri

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American vibraphonist
Gender:
Male
Places:
United States of America
Is:
MusicianComposerConductorJazz musicianBandmaster
Work field:
Music
Birth:
4 July 1938(New York City)
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Biography

Introduction

Michael T. Mainieri, Jr. (born July 4, 1938, the Bronx, New York City) is an American vibraphonist known for his work with the jazz fusion group Steps Ahead.

Biography

Mainieri was a pioneer in introducing an electronic vibraphone, known as a synth-vibe, and has recorded with such musicians as Buddy Rich, Wes Montgomery and Jeremy Steig. He performed for a live album by Laura Nyro and was featured on several tracks from the Dire Straits album Love Over Gold as well as on "Ride Across the River" on the album Brothers in Arms. He performed on the albums Heads by Bob James, Heart to Heart by David Sanborn, and Tiger in the Rain by Michael Franks.

He has also released numerous albums and videos as a leader for a variety of labels, most notably his 1980 album for Warner Bros. entitled Wanderlust, which featured Michael Brecker and other members of Steps Ahead. He produced three albums for Carly Simon. Mainieri married singer-songwriter/harpist Dee Carstensen in 1993.

Discography

Mike Mainieri with Bendik Hofseth, Cosmopolite Scene, Oslo, 2016

As leader

  • Wanderlust (Warner Bros., 1980)
  • Love Play (Arista, 1977)
  • Free Smiles: Live at Montreux 1978 (Novus)
  • Blues on the Other Side (Argo, 1963)
  • Journey Thru an Electric Tube (Solid State, 1968)
  • Insight (Solid State)
  • Crescent, (NYC, 2010)

With Steps Ahead

  • Step by Step, 1980
  • Steps Ahead, (Elektra Musician, 1983)
  • Modern Times, (Elektra Musician, 1984)
  • Magnetic, (Elektra, 1986)
  • N.Y.C., (Capitol, 1989)
  • Yin-Yang, (NYC, 1992)
  • Vibe, (NYC, 1994)
  • Smokin' in the Pit, (NYC, 1980)
  • Paradox, (1982)
  • Live in Tokyo 1986, (NYC, 1986)
  • Holding Together, (NYC, 1999)

As sideman

With Manny Albam

  • The Soul of the City (Solid State, 1966)

With Kenny Burrell

  • A Generation Ago Today (Verve, 1967)

With Paul Desmond

  • Summertime (A&M/CTI, 1968)

With Art Farmer

  • Big Blues with Jim Hall (CTI, 1978)
  • Yama with Joe Henderson (CTI, 1979)

With Urbie Green

  • The Fox (CTI, 1976)

With Pat Martino

  • Starbright (Warner Bros., 1976)

With Buddy Rich

  • Playtime (Argo, 1960)
  • Blues Caravan (Verve, 1962)

With Sonny Stitt

  • What's New!!! (Roulette, 1966)
  • I Keep Comin' Back! (Roulette, 1966)