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Fresh Air

Mike Raines

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Well, it's that time for some Fresh Air Fresh Air is the joyful result of that long-awaited leap. Rather than serving as a showcase for virtuosity alone, the collection reflects Raines' lifelong philosophy that music Read more

Well, it's that time for some Fresh Air

Fresh Air is the joyful result of that long-awaited leap. Rather than serving as a showcase for virtuosity alone, the collection reflects Raines' lifelong philosophy that music should first create a feeling before it impresses with technique. He often describes himself not simply as a musician but as a "soundsmith" - someone who shapes frequencies, textures and atmosphere into emotional experiences that encourage listeners to pause, breathe and reconnect with themselves. Blending contemporary jazz with touches of funk, soul, blues, ambient music and pop without ever feeling confined by genre, Fresh Air creates what Raines calls a "sonic sanctuary" - a welcoming musical landscape offering optimism, movement and peace amid life's constant noise.

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Thanks for taking this part of the journey with me. Peace - MR

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    A Soul's Vibe 4:19
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    Fresh Air 4:00
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    Lakeshore Dr (Night Mix) 4:58
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    Spring Equinox 4:29
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    FreeFall 4:56
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    Summa Sauce 4:50
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    Soul Moombah 5:19
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    Leave Room for Carlos 4:33
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    Lakeshore Drive Day Mix 4:59
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    Hope Abounds 4:36
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    The Journey 5:09
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    Happier Trails 4:58
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Mike Raines

Fresh Air

"Fresh Air" is more than just a CD project; it is an audio sanctuary meticulously crafted for the modern soul seeking its center. This comprehensive collection of Contemporary smooth jazz tracks is designed with one core purpose: to create a safe, sonic space where you can completely detach, recalibrate, and recharge your inner self. 

Each composition in this collection flows seamlessly, utilizing carefully selected melodies, rhythms, and instrumentation to induce a recharging vibe. The music provides a smooth, yet firm, barrier against the relentless noise and pressure of a chaotic world. 

The lead single, "Spring Equinox," beautifully captures the spirit of both the album and the pivotal season of life that inspired it. Rather than marking a date on the calendar, the title represents Raines' personal moment of transition—the point where years of reluctance gave way to embracing his identity as a recording artist. Its remarkably expressive lead "guitar" voice is actually performed on keyboard using a virtual instrument processed through a guitar amplifier, demonstrating the innovative production techniques that have defined his career.

Floating over an easy mid-tempo groove with graceful melodic flow and warm atmospheric textures, the track creates a refreshing sonic sanctuary that embodies the guiding vision behind Fresh Air. A hypnotic bass line and light funk-infused drums establish an infectious rhythmic foundation as the fluid, soulful “guitar” melody glides effortlessly above shimmering keyboard ambiences. Blending crisp improvisational flourishes with an irresistible melodic sensibility, the track evokes the peaceful exhilaration of an open-road night drive while perfectly introducing the album’s spirit of renewal.

The title track "Fresh Air" extends that philosophy with sparkling piano melodies dancing above tight funk rhythms, soulful guitar textures and spacious synthesizer colors that evoke exactly the sense of renewal promised by its title. "A Soul's Vibe" immediately introduces listeners to Raines' signature blend of old-school Rhodes warmth, elegant electric piano and mystical ambience, while "Freefall" celebrates the exhilarating leap of finally trusting instinct over expectation through joyous improvisation and propulsive energy.

The globally inspired "Soul Moombah" layers jazz, blues, funk and world music influences into one vibrant grooving tapestry, reflecting the stylistic openness that has shaped Raines throughout his career, while "Hope Abounds" radiates buoyant optimism through sparkling piano lines, lush textures and uplifting melodic momentum, leaving listeners with exactly the feeling Raines hopes every composition will inspire: renewed perspective, inner balance and room to breathe. Closing the album on an exuberant note, “Happier Trails” feels like a heartfelt farewell infused with optimism and forward momentum. Its bustling pulse, hypnotic blend of acoustic and electric piano textures, and increasingly adventurous melodic flights create the feeling of setting out on a new journey, making it a wonderfully fitting finale to Fresh Air’s celebration of renewal and fresh beginning.


 

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Meet Mike Raines

Meet Mike Raines, a jazz pianist whose musical journey spans more than four decades, seamlessly intertwining the worlds of live and recording sound engineering with music production. His career began in the most unexpected of places—behind the console as a live and recording sound engineer while in Germany—where he first learned to sculpt raw soundscapes into cohesive musical arrangements.

That early fascination evolved into a lifelong pursuit of sonic craftsmanship, as he learned to treat every arrangement as a soundscape to be built layer by layer—balancing tone, space, and texture—refining his ear and approach as he collaborated with a veritable who's who of the entertainment industry.

Raised in New Britain, Connecticut, Mike Raines developed an unusually broad musical perspective from an early age. Growing up in a richly diverse neighborhood, he absorbed every style he encountered—from soul, rock and country to jazz and pop—without ever seeing genre as a limitation. Fascinated as much by the complete entertainment experience as the music itself, he became captivated by everything from television variety shows and silent films to the transformative power of live performance. After beginning his early musical life on bass before eventually embracing keyboards years later, his curiosity about why certain sounds moved people gradually evolved into a lifelong fascination with production, engineering and the science of sound itself.

That curiosity expanded dramatically during six years in the United States Air Force while stationed at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Initially serving as a DJ, host and producer of large-scale variety shows, Raines soon found himself coordinating concert productions, interpreting technical riders and overseeing every aspect of live entertainment. The experience launched a career that would eventually encompass recording engineering at Memphis' famed Ardent Studios and Royal Studios, production management for international touring artists, leadership roles in concert production throughout the United States and abroad, and ultimately the founding of his own Chicago creative hub, Noize Studios, where the music that became Fresh Air quietly accumulated over many years.

Merchandise

Fresh Air Black Glossy Mug
  • Fresh Air Black Glossy Mug
  • Fresh Air Black Glossy Mug

This cupboard essential is sturdy, sleek, and perfect for your morning java or afternoon tea.

• Ceramic
• 11 oz mug dimensions: height 3.85" (9.8 cm), diameter 3.35" (8.5 cm)
• 15 oz mug dimensions: height 4.7" (12 cm), diameter 3.35" (8.5 cm)
• Lead and BPA-free material
• Glossy finish
• Dishwasher and microwave safe

Color

Size

Range:

In cart Not available Out of stock
$15.00
Fresh Air - Unisex Organic Mid-Light Crafter T-Shirt | Stanley/Stella SATU007
  • Fresh Air - Unisex Organic Mid-Light Crafter T-Shirt | Stanley/Stella SATU007
  • Fresh Air - Unisex Organic Mid-Light Crafter T-Shirt | Stanley/Stella SATU007
  • Fresh Air - Unisex Organic Mid-Light Crafter T-Shirt | Stanley/Stella SATU007
  • Fresh Air - Unisex Organic Mid-Light Crafter T-Shirt | Stanley/Stella SATU007
Meet your new favorite tee: it’s eco-friendly, organic, and chic. Made from 100% organic cotton, it’s soft like a cloud but sturdy enough for all your mid-season adventures. Topped with a classic fit, this t-shirt is the Read more

Meet your new favorite tee: it’s eco-friendly, organic, and chic. Made from 100% organic cotton, it’s soft like a cloud but sturdy enough for all your mid-season adventures. Topped with a classic fit, this t-shirt is the perfect choice.

• 100% organic combed ring-spun cotton
• Fabric weight: 4.6 oz./yd.² (155 g/m²)
• Regular fit
• Set-in sleeves
• 1 × 1 rib at collar
• Double-needle topstitch on the sleeves and bottom hems
• Self-fabric neck tape on the inside of the back
• The fabric of this product holds certifications for its organic cotton content under GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and OCS (Organic Content Standard)
• Blank product sourced from Bangladesh

The sizes correspond to a bigger size in the European market, customers from that region should order a size down.

Color

Size

Range:

In cart Not available Out of stock
$22.19
Fresh Air - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Fresh Air - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Fresh Air - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Fresh Air - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Fresh Air - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Fresh Air - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Fresh Air - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Fresh Air - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Fresh Air - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Fresh Air - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Fresh Air - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Fresh Air - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Fresh Air - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Fresh Air - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Fresh Air - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Fresh Air - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Fresh Air - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Fresh Air - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Fresh Air - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Fresh Air - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Fresh Air - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
Made of 100% combed and ring-spun cotton, this t-shirt is ultra soft and smooth against the skin. With its flattering, longline fit and crew neck, this tee will look best paired with high-waisted bottoms. • 100% combed and Read more

Made of 100% combed and ring-spun cotton, this t-shirt is ultra soft and smooth against the skin. With its flattering, longline fit and crew neck, this tee will look best paired with high-waisted bottoms.

• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton
• Fabric weight: 4.3 oz/yd² (145.79 g/m²)
• Yarn thickness: 30 singles
• Longline fit with a crew neck
• Blind stitch on sleeves and hem
• Tightly knit and side-seamed
• Ultra soft hand feel
• Tear-away label
• Blank product sourced from Bangladesh

Color

Size

Range:

In cart Not available Out of stock
$18.19
Spring Equinox - Black Glossy Mug
  • Spring Equinox - Black Glossy Mug
  • Spring Equinox - Black Glossy Mug

This cupboard essential is sturdy, sleek, and perfect for your morning java or afternoon tea.

• Ceramic
• 11 oz mug dimensions: height 3.85" (9.8 cm), diameter 3.35" (8.5 cm)
• 15 oz mug dimensions: height 4.7" (12 cm), diameter 3.35" (8.5 cm)
• Lead and BPA-free material
• Glossy finish
• Dishwasher and microwave safe

Color

Size

Range:

In cart Not available Out of stock
$15.00
Spring Equinox - Men's Premium Heavyweight Tee | Cotton Heritage MC1086
  • Spring Equinox - Men's Premium Heavyweight Tee | Cotton Heritage MC1086
  • Spring Equinox - Men's Premium Heavyweight Tee | Cotton Heritage MC1086
  • Spring Equinox - Men's Premium Heavyweight Tee | Cotton Heritage MC1086
  • Spring Equinox - Men's Premium Heavyweight Tee | Cotton Heritage MC1086
  • Spring Equinox - Men's Premium Heavyweight Tee | Cotton Heritage MC1086
  • Spring Equinox - Men's Premium Heavyweight Tee | Cotton Heritage MC1086
  • Spring Equinox - Men's Premium Heavyweight Tee | Cotton Heritage MC1086
  • Spring Equinox - Men's Premium Heavyweight Tee | Cotton Heritage MC1086
Elevate your outfit with the men’s premium heavyweight tee. The tee has a structured, classy fit and is both durable and soft thanks to its ring-spun cotton material. Layer the t-shirt or wear it on its own and enjoy great Read more

Elevate your outfit with the men’s premium heavyweight tee. The tee has a structured, classy fit and is both durable and soft thanks to its ring-spun cotton material. Layer the t-shirt or wear it on its own and enjoy great looks with little effort!

• 100% combed ring-spun cotton
• Charcoal Heather and Carbon Grey is 60% cotton and 40% polyester
• Fabric weight: 6.5 oz/yd² (220 g/m²)
• 20 singles
• Regular fit
• Side-seamed construction
• 1 × 1 rib at collar
• Single-needle edge stitch 7/8″
• Blank product sourced from Bangladesh

Color

Size

Range:

In cart Not available Out of stock
$25.00
Spring Equinox - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Spring Equinox - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Spring Equinox - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Spring Equinox - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Spring Equinox - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Spring Equinox - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Spring Equinox - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Spring Equinox - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Spring Equinox - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Spring Equinox - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Spring Equinox - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Spring Equinox - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Spring Equinox - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Spring Equinox - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Spring Equinox - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Spring Equinox - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Spring Equinox - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Spring Equinox - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Spring Equinox - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Spring Equinox - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
  • Spring Equinox - Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
Made of 100% combed and ring-spun cotton, this t-shirt is ultra soft and smooth against the skin. With its flattering, longline fit and crew neck, this tee will look best paired with high-waisted bottoms. • 100% combed and Read more

Made of 100% combed and ring-spun cotton, this t-shirt is ultra soft and smooth against the skin. With its flattering, longline fit and crew neck, this tee will look best paired with high-waisted bottoms.

• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton
• Fabric weight: 4.3 oz/yd² (145.79 g/m²)
• Yarn thickness: 30 singles
• Longline fit with a crew neck
• Blind stitch on sleeves and hem
• Tightly knit and side-seamed
• Ultra soft hand feel
• Tear-away label
• Blank product sourced from Bangladesh

Color

Size

Range:

In cart Not available Out of stock
$18.19
Fresh Air - Travel Mug with a Handle
  • Fresh Air - Travel Mug with a Handle
  • Fresh Air - Travel Mug with a Handle
Sip in style and comfort with an elevated travel mug. With its sleek and durable design, you’ll love taking this mug wherever you go. It fits into most car cup holders and has a spill-proof plastic lid. Commute to work or Read more

Sip in style and comfort with an elevated travel mug. With its sleek and durable design, you’ll love taking this mug wherever you go. It fits into most car cup holders and has a spill-proof plastic lid. Commute to work or go on new adventures—this travel mug will keep your beverage safe and at just the right temperature.

• Made with stainless steel
• Hand-wash only
• Blank product sourced from China

25 oz (739 ml) size:

• Height: 7.9″ (20 cm)
• Upper diameter: 3.3″ (8.4 cm)
• Bottom diameter: 2.7″ (7 cm)
• Comes with a plastic press-in lid

40 oz (1183 ml) size:

• Height: 10.4″ (26.5 cm)
• Upper diameter: 3.9″ (9.9 cm)
• Bottom diameter: 2.9″ (7.4 cm)
• Comes with a plastic straw and screw-on lid

Caution! To prevent steam pressure buildup, always open the lid before placing it on a hot drink.

Color

Size

Range:

In cart Not available Out of stock
$24.75
Spring Equinox - Travel Mug with a Handle
  • Spring Equinox - Travel Mug with a Handle
  • Spring Equinox - Travel Mug with a Handle
Sip in style and comfort with an elevated travel mug. With its sleek and durable design, you’ll love taking this mug wherever you go. It fits into most car cup holders and has a spill-proof plastic lid. Commute to work or Read more

Sip in style and comfort with an elevated travel mug. With its sleek and durable design, you’ll love taking this mug wherever you go. It fits into most car cup holders and has a spill-proof plastic lid. Commute to work or go on new adventures—this travel mug will keep your beverage safe and at just the right temperature.

• Made with stainless steel
• Hand-wash only
• Blank product sourced from China

25 oz (739 ml) size:

• Height: 7.9″ (20 cm)
• Upper diameter: 3.3″ (8.4 cm)
• Bottom diameter: 2.7″ (7 cm)
• Comes with a plastic press-in lid

40 oz (1183 ml) size:

• Height: 10.4″ (26.5 cm)
• Upper diameter: 3.9″ (9.9 cm)
• Bottom diameter: 2.9″ (7.4 cm)
• Comes with a plastic straw and screw-on lid

Caution! To prevent steam pressure buildup, always open the lid before placing it on a hot drink.

Color

Size

Range:

In cart Not available Out of stock
$24.75

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New Day New Dawn, no joke, it's getting easier to create music but harder to get heard. If the music you find here inspires you too, please consider supporting me directly from this site. It does take a Village. We really appreciate the support. Thanks MR

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