Mike Mainieri

Photo by Tom Beetz

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

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. He has also released numerous albums and videos as a leader for a variety of labels.

As a producer, he produced three albums for Carly Simon.

Mainieri married singer-songwriter/harpist Dee Carstensen in 1993. They have a daughter, Ruby Anna.

Persondata
Name	Mainieri, Mike
Alternative names
Short description	An american vibraphonist. He first played vibes professionally when he was 14, touring with Paul Whiteman in a jazz trio called Two Kings & a Queen. He later played with Buddy Rich's bands for a long period(1956-1963). He is best known for his work with the band Steps (later Steps ahead) that he formed in 1979 as an all-star jazz-oriented R&B/fusion band. He worked with many artists in the studio, such as Warren Bernhardt, Eliane Elias, Rachel Z, Mike Stern, Tony Levin, Victor Bailey, Peter Erskine, and Steve Smith.[1]
Date of birth	July 4, 1938
Place of birth	New York, NY
Date of death
Place of death

References

1. ^ Yanow, Scott. "Mike Mainieri". AllMusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/mike-mainieri-p101049/biography. Retrieved May 1, 2011. 

External links

• Official Web Site
• Allmusic
• Mike's featured page on the Party Of The Century international music project
• Mike Mainieri interview at allaboutjazz.com