Christos Rafalides Manhattan Vibes CD

Christos Rafalides's debut as a leader boasts a fat studio sound, showcasing the powerful chops of his versatile rhythm team, bassist John Benitez and drummer Steve Hass. A talented vibraphonist, Rafalides builds upon this sturdy foundation with imaginative solos and clever orchestrational detail (on vibes, marimba, and occasionally synth pads). Guest appearances by trumpeter Randy Brecker, guitarist Vinny Valentino, percussionist Luisito Quintero, and vocalist Mary Wormworth widen the palette even further. Rafalides and crew tangle with Latin grooves on a fairly straightforward acoustic reading of "Estate," a brisk 7/8 take of "All the Things You Are" (cf. Brad Mehldau's version on Art of the Trio 4: Back at the Vanguard), C. Curet Alonso's "La Esencia Del Guanguanco" and Vincent Bourgeyx's "Tango Fantasy in C." But the group has an electric, rock-oriented side as well, and it emerges most strongly on the unabashedly fusiony "Pocket" and the upbeat, complex "C.R.@S.H.," co-written by Rafalides and Hass. Joe Locke's arrangement of "Fool on the Hill" sneaks in an undercurrent of hip-hop aesthetics at one point, and Ellington's "Caravan" begins with a bit of polyrhythmic drum-n-bass before reverting to flat-out funk, then swing, during the soloing. The whole affair begins with the African-tinged 12/8 original "Flamingo Strut" and winds down with "Sweet," an unaccompanied vibes piece. A promising debut by a vibist/arranger/composer capable of moving in any of a number of directions in the future. ~ David R. Adler

On his first CD release as a leader, vibraphonist Christos Rafalides' MANHATTAN VIBES have recorded one of the most astonishingly creative, versatile and virtuosic debut albums in recent memory. Starting with the deep groove of tribal African rhythms on the Rafalides original 'Flamingo Strut', the 'Vibes' take the listener on a spectacular musical journey. From the contemporary Jazz sounds of 'Pocket' through the relentless Latin swing of 'La Esencia del Guanguanco', to his stunning takes on 'Fool on the Hill', Caravan', and 'All the Things You Are' â€Â" all tracks feature razor-sharp, tightly interlocking multinational grooves of immense power. With 'Manhattan Vibes', Christos Rafalides stakes his claim as the most important new international performer / composer on the vibraphone. Born in Greece, but now a resident of the U.S., Christos completed his studies at Berklee College of Music, and the Manhattan School of Music. Christos founded Manhattan Vibes in 1999. With Latin powerhouse bassist John Benitez and the extraordinary young jazz / rock drummer Steve Hass, they immediately became a hit with the downtown Manhattan Jazz and Latin club audience. Featured guest artist Randy Brecker's stellar career includes membership in the pioneering jazz-rock group Blood, Sweat & Tears, and the Brecker Brothers. •'This is the strongest vibe-based trio I've ever heard! Whether playing latin, funk or jazz, these guys are burning…In a very short time, Christos has grown into a leading new voice on his instrument. This CD is a great beginning. I can't wait to see what's ahead." -Joe Locke, acclaimed vibraphonist / recording artist, New York City

Recorded at the Carraige House, Stamford, Connecticut in July 2001.

Personnel: Christos Rafalides (vibraphone, marimba); John Benítez (vocals, acoustic bass, electric bass, percussion); Steve Hass (vocals, drums, percussion); Mary Wormworth (vocals); Vinny Valentino (guitar); Randy Brecker (trumpet); Luisito Quintero (percussion).

Liner Note Author: Joe Locke.

Recording information: Carriage House, Stamford, CT (07/28/2001-07/31/2001).

Photographer: Alex Giannakis.

Arrangers: Christos Rafalides; Joe Locke; John Benítez.

Personnel: Christos Rafalides (vibroaphone, marimba); John Benitez (vocals, bass, percussion); Steve Hass (vocals, drums, percussion); Mary Wormworth (vocals); Randy Brecke