Rare Blend is where rock, jazz, fusion, and world music collide! This statement definitively sums up the instrumental music group, home based in Cleveland Ohio, and now in their 14th year. Theirs is a journey that started during the independent music revolution, and that has no intention of slowing down.

Pulling from a variety of influences and musical styles to write unique instrumental arrangements, Rare Blend’s music appeals to purists as well as those who embrace a progressive multi-genre approach to original music. They continue to receive favorable press reviews, radio airplay, perform at a variety of concerts and outdoor festivals, and have been invited to be included on regional and national compilation discs. Because of their diversity and growing catalog of music, Rare Blend can be found performing on bills that range from Jazz to jam band, fusion to progressive rock. They have shared bills or have opened for the likes of David Sanborn, Special EFX, Tunnels, Dark Star Orchestra, Kevin Eubanks, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Spyro Gyra, Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius, Los Lobos, and others...

Rare Blend's latest Disc "Stops Along The Way" took the band on the road metaphorically, with the disc chronicling their travels in 13 compositions. Each piece is rich in personality and instrumentation. Many are structured pieces but the disc also introduces 3 “live” improvisation tracks, and 2 vocal tracks that echo our universal connection.

Santana, Vital Information, Weather report, Tribal Tech, Pink Floyd, Yes, Led Zeppelin, Tangerine Dream, Phish, Ozric Tentacles, Jeff Beck, The police, Genesis, etc..

Everywhere

Rare Blend is a very seasoned group from the Cleveland, Ohio area. "Stops Along The Way" is what I would call a jazz/fusion jam band album. I have heard a lot of mixed feelings about jam bands but when it sounds good you can’t deny that the players know what they are doing. (Jimmy Caterine / Guitarnoise.com - Canada)


"Stops Along the Way" is for those who prefer to take their time and sightsee. It’s meant for those who stop to smell the roses each time and also appreciate every detail. The performance of these musicians is extremely patient, giving the listener a chance to process each piece and suck it all in. (Joshua Turner / Upbeat and More - Milwaukee, WI)

Wonderful compilation of tracks. I have been waiting for this release (SATW) since the announcement of a new project was in the works. Get this one, and then you're hooked. You'll get the other three, like I did. (Larry Thomas - Rare Blend Fan)


Rare Blend's "Evolution Theory", is a solid, impressive effort that highlights its diversity and musical precision...(Mick Skidmore / Relix Magazine - New York, NY)



A more apropos name would be hard to find for this Cleveland-based (mostly) instrumental quartet that blends rock, jazz, fusion and world music into a rare concoction of tight, colorful and unpretentious arrangements. If only all instrumental albums could sound this appealing...(Michael Popke - Sea Of Tranquility / Monroe, NY)

It's really astonishing what brilliant bands you can discover if you dig deeper and don't rely on the crap being published by most of big major companies. "Evolution Theory" should appeal to everyone who likes a good rocking mixture of Jazz Rock / Fusion with a light Latin and Funk touch. (Kristian Selm / Progressive Newsletter - Leonberg, Germany)



I was amazed how well the musicians mesh together in sharing the creative vision.. (JAZZREVIEW.COM -Milwaukee, WI)


I recently took a trip to Cleveland and happened upon a radio station( 89.3 ) I believe, and heard some of your music. I was blown away, mostly because I too was a professional musician in the late 70s early 80s and enjoyed this style of music. It is refreshing to hear that it is still as alive as it was then! (Jimmy Valentine - RB Fan)


This album (Infinity) was well performed and is a great find for the avid jazz fan. You will discover a great talent here and will be anxious for more.. I know I am (NEFARIOUS ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE - Milan, IL)