Born: April 17, 1956 Primary Instrument: Vibraphone
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.
Last Updated: May 6, 2008
”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
“Steve Hobbs does not sound derivative of his predecessors (Milt Jackson, Bobby Hutcherson, or Gary Burton); he has carved out his own identity on vibes and marimba.” Scott Yanow, Jazziz, July 1996
Steve Hobbs/Escape
Cexton
1990
with Bruce Forman/Guitar, Rufus Reid/bass, Eddie Marshall/drums
Steve Hobbs/Cultural Diversity
Timeless
1991
with Bob Sheppard/tenor and flute, Alan Broadbent/piano, John Patitucci/bass, Joe LaBarbera/drums, Luis Conte/percussion
Steve Hobbs/On The Lower East Side
Candid
1993
with Kenny Barron/piano, Peter Washington/bass, Victor Lewis/drums
Steve Hobbs/Second Encounter
Candid
2003
with Kenny Barron/piano, Peter Washington/bass, Victor Lewis/drums
Steve Hobbs/Spring Cycle
Random Chance
2005
with Tom Harrell/trumpet,flugelhorn, Bob Malach/tenor, Dave Valentin/flute, Bill O'Connell/piano, Peter Washington/bass, John Riley/drums, Steve Berrios/drums
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Primary Instrument:
Vibraphone
Location:
Raleigh, NC
Willing to teach:
Beginners
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.
Steve Hobbs endorses
Yamaha Vibes
K&K vibraphone transducer pic ups
Innovative Percussion Mallets
Q-Lighting Maestro Music Stand Lights
