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Steve Hobbs

Steve Hobbs studied at the Berklee College of Music from 1974-78. Shortly after graduation, he spent two years on the road, and then received a Master's in Jazz Performance from The University of Miami in 1982. He worked on his doctorate in music composition at the University of Northern Colorado in 1983-84.

Steve stays busy recording and touring with various artists including Randy Johnston and Tom Harrell, Phil Urso, Spike Robinson, Joe Bonner, Gary Bartz, and has done considerable touring with Art Van Damme. He has been featured at jazz festivals with Giacomo Gates, Bruce Forman, James Spaulding, Don Friedman, Yuron Israel, Kevin Mahogany, and many others.

Steve has participated on nearly thirty recordings, seven as a leader. All recordings have received radio play and critical acclaim internationally. His last release, SpringCycle reached #3 on the JazzWeek radio chart. As a sideman, Steve has performed with Kenny Barron, Peter Washington, and Victor Lewis. He has also recorded with Tom Harrell, Randy Johnston, Bob Malach, Dave Valentin, Joe LaBarbera, and John Patitucci.

Gear

Steve Hobbs endorses Yamaha Vibes K&K vibraphone transducer pic ups Innovative Percussion Mallets Q-Lighting Maestro Music Stand Lights


Tags

2
Album Review

Steve Hobbs: Tribute to Bobby

Read "Tribute to Bobby" reviewed by Roger Farbey


Steve Hobbs's third CD featuring this quartet is studded with lively compositions, mostly written by him. The paradoxically breezy opener (considering the dark derivation of its title) “The Craving Phenomenon" is an example of this lightness of touch. Hobbs is heard here on marimba as he is on the next track “Into The Storm," a labyrinthine piece played at a helter skelter speed, mostly in 5/4. The standard “Besame Mucho" brings the pace down a little and there's a gripping ...

265
Album Review

Steve Hobbs: Spring Cycle

Read "Spring Cycle" reviewed by George Harris


Who says universities create an ivory tower mentality? Educator and vibes master Steve Hobbs has put out a delectably enjoyable CD of accessible, yet thought-provoking music. Employing a front line of Tom Harrell (trumpet, flugelhorn), Dave Valentin (flute), and Bob Malach (tenor), his lighter than air thematic statements serve as a perfect foil to the percussive underpinnings of Hobbs and pianist Bill O'Connell.

All of Hobbs' compositions are catchy, memorable, and thoroughly enjoyable. The modal “Blued Swings," with ...

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"Steve Hobbs has long been one of the most talented, if underrated vibraphonists around." Scott Yanow, All Music Guide, 2007

"Hobbs, Baron, Washington and Lewis are at the absolute top of their game." Phil Freeman, Jazziz, 2004

"With Steve Hobbs, there are no gimmicks or bizarre hybrids, just world-class jazz playing. He plays vibraphone and marimba with great panache and his improvisations are full of delightfully unpredictable curves and angles." Dave Gelly, The London Observer, 2001

"Spring Cycle is a CD filled with well-played music by first rate, dedicated musicians." Harvey Siders, JazzTimes, June 2005

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Primary Instrument

Vibraphone

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Clinic/Workshop Information

Yamaha Performing Artist I have taught improvisation clinics at major universities in Europe, United States and Canada. I work with small groups, and big bands. I specialize with small groups and can teach improvisation theory or to help small groups interpret and perform specific arrangements. Some universities I have taught are Yale University, Duke University, Virginia Tech, Cincinnati Conservatory, University of Louisville, Radford University, North Carolina State University, Cleveland State University, Corinish Institute, Eastern Washington University, Whittman College, Virginia Commonwealth and many more.

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Tribute to Bobby

Challenge Records
2017

buy

Spring Cycle

Random Chance Records
2005

buy

SpringCycle

Random Chance Records
2005

buy

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