Not Just Another Blues Tune

Steve Raybine:

Blog #64:

Not Just Another Blues Tune

 

Throughout the years, I've written my share of blues tunes. Moreover, I've co-written blues tunes with many of my students, which I also found rewarding. But, the blues tune written tonight (1/30/10) was the best one of all--it was written by my son, David Raybine.

 

David, who is 18 years old, plays alto saxophone in my band. From the time he was a young boy, he already possessed a strong affinity for music. David could shape a melody like a seasoned veteran by the time he was in sixth grade, much to his mother's and my delight. During 7th grade, he already played lead alto in the top middle school jazz band and was a very poised and talented performer. David's natural musical progression continued throughout 8th grade and by the time he was in 9th grade, he was voted the top freshman musician within a very talented high school music program.

As the high school years went by, he won innumerable awards for his jazz improvisation skills on both tenor and alto sax at many jazz festivals. He was featured often and he never disappointed--talented; consistent; poised and exceedingly musical. Dave has a remarkable 'ear' for music--essentially perfect pitch and almost total recall for anything he plays. He can memorize a difficult lead alto part after reading it through one time--amazing!

Dave made his professional debut with me at the Genuine Jazz Festival in Breckenridge, CO., on his 14th birthday--June 24th, 1995. He was fantastic--already a young star-in-the-making. He returned with me two other times and always played extremely well. Dave also played with me at the Omaha Riverfront Jazz and Blues Festival several years ago--he was trading licks with trumpeter Rick Braun. Most recently, he and I played together at the 25th Anniversary of Omaha's Jazz on the Green concert series.

Currently, David is a freshman in college at the University of Lincoln, NE., where he is majoring in biology. He still plays in my band and also plays lead alto sax in one of the University of Nebraska Jazz Ensembles. Although Dave has had many remarkable musical experiences during his 18 years young, tonight was a special one for me. David wrote his first song this evening--a really good blues tune, which we'll play in my band together.

I've spent thousand of hours composing music, but watching my son write his first blues tune was a remarkable experience for me. David has been a natural at music his entire life, and tonight was no different. As a composer this time, he knew how to put the notes together and to make them sing and swing! Tonight was not just another blues-tune-kind-of-night, it was different because the composer was my son, David Raybine. I'm proud of you, Dave! I love you and I have always marveled at your many talents.

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