Contemporary jazz, smooth jazz, funk jazz and groove jazz.

Poppa Steve Mutimer began his musical career at age 8 with his first set of drums. He took lessons from Benny Goodman’s noted big band drummer, Ray Mann, until age 12.

At 15 he formed his first band, The Rhythm Kings, in hometown, Rockford, IL in 1958. The group was the first rock ‘n roll

Contemporary jazz, smooth jazz, funk jazz and groove jazz.

Poppa Steve Mutimer began his musical career at age 8 with his first set of drums. He took lessons from Benny Goodman’s noted big band drummer, Ray Mann, until age 12.

At 15 he formed his first band, The Rhythm Kings, in hometown, Rockford, IL in 1958. The group was the first rock ‘n roll band in the city and became a huge local success for the next 3 years during high school. The Kings cut two records, both of which were regionally successful, with one tune, Maj, reaching the local Top 10 and earning a “bullet” in Billboard Magazine.

After a stint in the US Navy, Steve formed his second band, The Daze & Knights, which became a back up road band for the William Morris Agency, Chicago office, working with their hit vocalists and vocal groups of the time such as The Four Tops, Bobby Goldsboro, The Chiffons, The Crystals, Jimmy Clanton, Brian Highland, Dee Dee Sharp … to name a few. This group lasted from 1965 to 1968.

Leaving the road after 3 years and newly married, Steve went to work in local radio in Rockford and played drums in an immensely popular club band, The Exceptions, in South Beloit, Wisconsin until the mid 70s when he finally hung up his sticks.

For the next 30 years, Steve owned his own advertising agency in Rockford and later San Diego where he wrote and produced hundreds of musical scores for client jingles, AV shows and television programs. During that time he collaborated for the first 15 years with Mike Wolf of Wolftracks Music out of Indianapolis, and the next 15 years with Roger Strather and Stan Bland of A Couple Of Hitmen Music in San Diego. One of his scores won a TV EMMY for best music composition.

Finally Steve retired from the ad biz and moved to Arizona. With the advent of new musical digital technology over the past several years he furthered his musical skills even more by doing his own composing, producing and editing for personal pleasure. After much tinkering, this hobby led to seven CDs produced over the past few years … Dry Heat, Smooth, Grooves & Curves, We’re All In This Together, Emerald Eyes, Still Tryin’ and his latest, Smokin’.

Still getting better (after all these years) combining computer generated tracks, pre-recorded loops, and live instruments (particularly with stepson, DG Mattingley, on guitars), Steve hopes to continue producing “feel good” music for new found fans, friends, and his own enjoyment.

What The Pros Say …

Big ups to Steve Mutimer for "Smokin'". Steve stirs up a tasty eclectic mix of jazz, blues and rock. "Let's Burn One" is such a neat little riff. We love the Hammond B3 and the clean guitar lead. Steve even adds a little dollop of Southwestern sauce on "Tumacacori". What a great CD this would be to take along on any road trip. Kate Martinelli: Ozcat Radio 91.5 – Vallejo CA “Poppa makes top class recordings, the very essence of "funky" and "groovy” music. Eminently listenable Jazz with excellent and refreshingly new tunes, well arranged with quality rhythms and lively tempo. The playing throughout is superb.” John Reid: Community Radio – Scotland

WOW! That was my first reaction as I heard the first track on SMOKIN' and no bad drags at all on this must have CD. Down right Funky, Bad and Smooth as well. If your looking for some great fun, SMOKIN' is for you - the CD that is. Enjoy! Leon Reyes: KVMR – Sacramento CA