Michael Griffin Octet

"One of Australia’s finest saxophonists." - Nik Fotakis, Jazz Australia

"He truly has a gift for expression." - Bobby Watson, USA

Last time I appeared at Annandale Creative Arts Centre was with my Quintet + Dale Barlow. I've been working on a new project 'Michael Griffin Octet" which focuses purely on my original music. Composing and arranging old and new tunes for this ensemble. Featuring tunes such as, "The Griffin, It's Not Right, A Lost Love, Rock Bottom, Shut The Funk Up, Relaxin' At St Vincent's" and many others from the Griffin Reportoire.

Featuring some of the country's best musicians:
Michael Griffin - Alto Saxophone
Eamon Dilworth - Trumpet
Nish Manjunath - Tenor Saxophone/ Clarinet
Dave Panichi - Trombone
Chris O'Dea - Baritone Saxophone
Aaron Blakey - Piano
Jacob Graham - Bass
Tim Geldens - Drums

"Griffin started his own band when he was 18 and began performing at different venues around Sydney. Over the years he's played at many places around Australia including Brisbane (Doo-Bop Jazz Bar), Perth (The Ellington) and Melbourne (The Jazz Lab). He also appears regularly at Sydney's Foundry 616." - Sydney Morning Herald

Regards,
M Griffin
0403 404 840

- Endorsed by D'addario Reeds
- Featured in the Sydney Morning Herald
- Artist in residence with fine music 102.5FM
- 4 time finalist for Generations In Jazz James Morrison Scholarship
- 2013 Thelonious Monk International Saxophone Comp Semifinalist
- Featured in Downbeat Magazine (USA)
- Nominated for 2016 Young Australian Jazz Artist of The Year
- Debut album "Unexpected Greeting" (ABC) 4 stars in "The Australian"
- Performed live on ABC Brisbane, Perth, Sunshine Coast.
- Worked in New York with drummer Billy Kaye (Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Stanley Turrentine)

Have performed at:
Melbourne International Jazz festival, Manly Jazz Festival, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Entertainment Centre, Sydney Town Hall, Foundry 616, The Basement, 505, The Ellington (Perth), The Jazz Lab (Melbourne), Doo Bop Jazz Bar (Brisbane), Smalls Jazz Club (NYC), Smoke Jazz Club (NYC), Fat Cat (NYC), Smithsonian (Washington D.C) and many more.

Have played with:
Joel Frahm (USA), Carl Allen (USA), Rodney Whittaker (USA), Reggie Thomas (USA), Steve Carrington (USA), Stacy Dillard (USA), Dale Barlow, James Morrison, James Muller, Evelyn Duprai, Emma Pask, Judy Bailey, Phil Stack.

"What he has achieved insures an extremely bright future." - Jimmy Heath (USA)

"He flaunts an assertive tone, with an advanced harmonic sensibility and technical fluency that confirm his reverence to Bird and Cannonball Adderley." - Bob Doerschuk (Downbeat Magazine)

"Michael Griffin has his feet firmly rooted in tradition and his ear leaning towards the future. He should have a promising future to accompany his skills and special talent." - Vincent Herring (USA)