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Hometown: Watsonville, CA
Label: Corralitos Creek Music
Website: www.rayburnbrothers.com
Sounds Like: Eagles, Jackson Browne, Crosby, Stills & Nash
Genre: Singer Songwriter
The Rayburn Brother’s Band, with their rough-hewn folk-rock sound, is comprised of gifted singer songwriter Craig Rayburn, a well-seasoned musician with a powerful voice and lyrics, and brother Keith Rayburn, also a talented singer songwriter, who brings his stellar dobro and slide guitar playing to the mix. The Rayburn Brothers voices blend and intertwine as only brothers can, with graceful harmonies and poignant singing. Deftly combining acoustic and electric instruments, they play songs ranging from heart-rending ballads to foot stomping rockers. They each bring their particular style to the mix, creating a soulful and eclectic mix of music; from folk, to rock to alternative country.
The Rayburn Brothers Band new album, "Back to California" is a compelling collection of songs ranging from the honest portrayal of long-term relationships in "Go Down Easy" to the hopeful, upbeat "Back To California". "Ordinary Love" tells of finding extraordinary love, while "Lonely Train" speaks of love lost. "Te Propongo" and "Hole In My Heart" mix Spanish and English lyrics in a way that reflects the brother's California heritage.
The entire collection of songs is infused with elements of rock, folk, country, reggae and jazzy blues that channel the musical influences the brothers gained growing up in the Golden State. All songs feature the effortless blood harmony of Craig and Keith, augmented by the dulcet voice of Eliza James that give the vocals texture and intimacy. Long time lead guitar player Nick Heinz adds fluid guitar lines evoking classic rock greats, while the driving drum beat is provided by Ryan Sills. Kito Rayburn provides sturdy basslines, and keyboard player Kevin Taylor weaves in and out of the songs with grace and harmony.
This powerful and moving CD is full of surprises and unexpected twists. Eliciting comparisons to bands such as The Eagles, Neil Young, Los Lobos and Jackson.
Craig Rayburn's first CD, "Coyote" was very well received on the local music scene and was featured on various radio stations, most notable KPIG as well as KKUP and KZSC. This record showcases Rayburn’s diversity, including folk-rock, country, ballads and Americana. Joining him on this collaboration is talent Jim Norris with amazing “right on” drumming, Paul Olguin with his driving bass, the rich melodies of Keith Greeninger and Tamala Brown, multi-instrumentalist Dayan Kai, pianist extraordinaire, John R, fiddling pro Chojo Jacques, hot licks by guitarist Randy Mitchell, lush organ by Gianni Staino and stellar dobro and slide leads by brother Keith Rayburn.
“Rayburn Brothers Band won the Best Americana Album Award for "Back to California" for April 2016 from the Akademia Music Awards.”
Akademia Music Awards
“Craig has played music his whole life, but hadn’t until recently attempted a professionally recorded solo album—and it came out great, a nice blend of Americana, rock, and that ’70s California sound (Eagles, Jackson Browne). It even got the attention of KPIG.”
Aaron Carnes - Good Times of Santa Cruz
“The Rayburn Brothers deliver a...vibe reminiscent of the 70's-think New Riders of the Purple Sage and Neil Young. It's both poignant and joyful, and ultimately deeply heartfelt.”
AV - Monterey County Weekly
“The next time you want to hear an album with pristine production just pop in Back To California by Rayburn Brothers Band. Everything from the guitars to the drums to the vocals fit perfectly in their own pocket. Production and recording quality are important factors when assessing an album but above all else it needs to have substantial songs, which have some sort of emotional impact. I’m happy to say that Back To California also succeeds in that department as well. The songs often combine elements of rock, country and pop in an accessible - dare I say -commercial appeal.”
Ted Rogen - The Equal Ground
“Who isn't a fan of brothers singing and playing together since childhood? Craig and Keith continue to
thrive with prolific songwriting, backing from a solid band and beautifully woven harmonies. They bring
to their audience a lasting listening experience. Hats off to their new release "Back to California"...
Sharon Allen”
Sharon Allen - Henhouse
“The Rayburn Brothers Band takes the art of great songwriting, mixes it with tasteful musicianship, and delivers it with a fun and buoyant energy that’s equal parts Americana, rock, folk and country. The spirit in their music is fun, infectious and genuine — and it’s delivered with a heartfelt respect to the timeless songwriters in California’s rich history.”
Andy Zenczak - Producer, Gadgetbox Studios, Santa Cruz, winner of the Gail Rich Award
"Te Propongo" was voted one of the Best Americana songs of 2013 by Shotgun Majors, DJ at KRVM Radio in Eugene, Oregon
Shotgun Majors - KRVM Radio
"This local folk cowboy's majestic voice is a reminder of the rugged beauty of the mountains"
GT - Santa Cruz Good Times
"His new release, titled 'Coyote', is Rayburn's first, featuring a rough-hewn folk rock sound that evokes the wild vistas of the West"
Wallace Bain - Santa Cruz Sentinel
“With Coyote, Craig Rayburn has created a deep and comprehensive homage to classic country music. Setting out to create an album that is reflective of American folk and rock, the touching nostalgia will resonate with country music fans who truly admire the roots of where the genre has stemmed from.”
Rukshan Thenuwara - Muzik Reviews
“Americana singer-songwriter Craig Rayburn has been making waves in the local music scene in various incarnations for many years, but he recently decided to team up with his brother, Keith. Together with a band of Santa Cruz musicians—Jimmy Norris (drums), Nick Heinz (lead guitar), Kevin Taylor (keys), Richard Tackland (bass), and Eliza James (vocals)—the Rayburn Brothers serve up a soothing blend of evocative vocals and adroit instrumentation that effortlessly flows from folk to blues to country to rock.”
JB - Santa Cruz Good Times
“Americana singer-songwriter Craig Rayburn has been making waves in the local music scene in various incarnations for many years, but he recently decided to team up with his brother, Keith. Together with a band of Santa Cruz musicians—Jimmy Norris (drums), Nick Heinz (lead guitar), Kevin Taylor (keys), Richard Tackland (bass), and Eliza James (vocals)—the Rayburn Brothers serve up a soothing blend of evocative vocals and adroit instrumentation that effortlessly flows from folk to blues to country to rock.”
JB - Santa Cruz Good Times
“Americana singer-songwriter Craig Rayburn has been making waves in the local music scene in various incarnations for many years, but he recently decided to team up with his brother, Keith. Together with a band of Santa Cruz musicians—Jimmy Norris (drums), Nick Heinz (lead guitar), Kevin Taylor (keys), Richard Tackland (bass), and Eliza James (vocals)—the Rayburn Brothers serve up a soothing blend of evocative vocals and adroit instrumentation that effortlessly flows from folk to blues to country to rock.”
JB - Good Times Santa Cruz
