MAX RIBNER, premier Artist Flugelhorn performer in Portland, Oregon was born in 1985 in Westerly, Rhode Island. Later on, after his family relocated to Connecticut, he started his musical career in 4th grade in Stonington, Connecticut. He was fortunate to have a brother, Tim, who played Piano and together they found a perfect working relationship playing together for many years.
Max attended Berklee College of Music where he earned his BA degree. He also was awarded Top Brass Scholarship at Berklee in 2005. While at Berklee, he closely followed his favorite artists: Roy Hargrove, Erykah Badu, D’angelo, Freddie Hubbard & Chet Baker. Teachers who influenced him during those years were: Tiger Okashi, Joe Lovano, Gary Burton and members of the Buddy Rich band.
He’s traveled extensively in Canada, Hawaii, Northeast Funk Bands and numerous tours in the Northwest with prominent local bands. To his credit, Max performed with The Yellow Jackets, Patrick Lamb, Tower of Power members, Prince, Rihanna and the Buddy Rich Orchestra. Liv Warfield of Prince once wrote a glowing review of Max in “Here in Spirit”.
Outside of the music industry, Max was hired by Emeril Lagasse to perform and write for his new show, “Emeril’s Table”. Recently, he organized and produced his first CD, “HERE IN SPIRIT” with The Max Ribner Band. Max also stepped out of the his performing career with high regards for Nahko Bear of “Medicine for People” who promotes music as a tool for healing among indigenous people under the aegis of www.medicine4thepeople.org.
Max is a deeply committed person in his life style personal philosophy. He feels strongly about using music as a binding tool to bring all cultures together and come together as one. As a good role model, he espouses good health, community participation in his musical journey on and off the stage.
He supports community groups with activities like “Harpers Playground” promotion to outfit their facility in Portland with disability gear for handicapped people. He and his band raised money to aid in this program. Max’s personal goals are to “plant seeds of inspiration with young people in the arts so they can carry their creativity in the next generation…and to be the first musician to bring Native American “Tribe & Gospel” choir on stage….performing with his own group.
Max performs and endorses the Phaeton PHF-2500 Flugelhorn at all public venues and events.