Michael Raynor met Von Freeman fifteen years ago at the famous New Apartment Lounge jam session. After hearing him play, Freeman asked for his number and three days later they were in the studio recording Walkin' Tuff. He has been a regular member of Freeman's quartet ever since.

Raynor recorded and toured extensively with vocalist Kurt Elling from 1996 through 2000 and can be heard on four of his Blue Note recordings, two of which were grammy nominated .

Over the course of his career, Raynor has worked with Freddie Hubbard, Roy Hargrove, Jon Faddis, Arturo Sandavol, Jon Hendricks, Steve Coleman, Sam Rivers, Jason Moran, Ira Sullivan, Eric Alexander, Bob Sheppard, Bobby Broom, Fareed Haque, Charles Earland, Kahil El' Zabar, and Jack DeJohnette.

He has toured North America, Europe, and Australia and performed at world renowned jazz festivals including the North Sea in Holland, Montreaux in Switzerland, and several appearances at the Chicago Jazz Festival.

Raynor is an adjunct professor at Roosevelt University,
has directed the graduate jazz combo, and
teaches privately as well.


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