Christos Rafalides

Independent

Christos was born and raised in Greece, where he completed his studies in classical percussion. After receiving a scholarship from Berklee College of Music, he moved to Boston, attaining a BA in Jazz Vibraphone Performance and later moved to New York, where he graduated from Manhattan School of Music earning his MA in Jazz Vibraphone Performance. 

Christos found his personal voice when he established 'Manhattan Vibes’, a band that has appeared at numerous New York's cutting edge venues including the Blue Note, the Jazz Standard, Smoke Jazz Club and Dizzy's Club Coca Cola. Highlights of his career include performances with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis, a US tour with the Charles Mingus ‘Epitaph' Band featuring bassist Christian McBride and conductor Gunther Schuller, a recording with the Harmony Ensemble of NY of Henry Mancini’s 'Peter Gunn' featuring Lew Soloff, Ronnie Cuber and Victor Lewis, recordings with vocalist Chaka Khan and a duo performance at Carnegie Hall with pianist Sergio Salvatore.

For several years, Christos was a guest faculty member at the 'Zeltsman Marimba Festival’. His original works for mallets are published from Emarel Music and are being played in concerts around the world. 

Christos’ new works include: ‘Silver Lining’ - a piano/vibraphone duo project with acclaimed pianist Giovanni Mirabassi, released in May 2022 ‘Sonic Convergence’ - a duo with bassist Petros Klampanis meeting a string quartet, performing music by renowned composer and educator Christos Hatzis, presented at the Athens Epidaurus Festival, 2022 SOLO - a unique project combining acoustic vibraphone with electronics, featuring Pearl’s MalletStation HOME - a collaborative project that was recorded during Covid lockdown, featuring guests from around the globe, released in June 2023

Christos is endorsed by Ludwig-Musser Vibraphones, Pearl MalletStation and is playing his signature Vic Firth M37 mallets. He makes his home in New York City.

Christos
Rafalides's
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Christos Rafalides's
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  • WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

    Appearing at the Rose Theater in New York City with the "Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra" with Wynton Marsalis, performing “Sketches of Gil Evans,” a concert tribute to the acclaimed composer-arranger.

  • WORDS OF WISDOM FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF DRUMMERS

    My creativity is triggered by the challenge that exists between what is and what can be. I find myself constantly curious to look beyond the status quo and imagine the possibilities: How can I hear music differently? How can I add dimensions to my sound? How can I touch my audience on a new level? There is a unique creative tension in the space where knowledge, curiosity and passion co-exist and I find myself enjoying the excitement of being in that space and looking for “another chance to get it right”, as I heard someone say when I first moved to the US.

  • FAVORITE ZILDJIAN CYMBAL/COMBO

    Vic Firth has been a prominent name in my career. I have been using VF mallets since I started playing vibes and they never let me down, no matter what the circumstance. They are meticulously crafted with attention to detail, ensuring consistent performance and durability, but most importantly excellent sound for live concerts or studio recordings. Synonymous to impeccable quality and design, I have always felt that it is a company that creates music products with the musician in mind.

Christos Rafalides’S GO-TO’S

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