Frank Griffith

(Clarinet, Tenor sax) 1959 -

Born in Eugene, Oregon in 1959, Frank lived in New York City from 1980-1995. While there he worked with Ron Carter, Jon Hendricks and Jack McDuff and played lead alto with the Glenn Miller Orchestra for a nationwide tour in 1984. He has also worked with the orchestras of Toshiko Akiyoshi, Mel Lewis, Buddy Rich and Mel Torme.

Frank has recorded with guitarist/singer John Pizzarelli on his CD's "All Of Me" and "Naturally". He produced and arranged for guitarist Dave Stryker's CD "Nomad" and arranged for bandleader, saxophonist Loren Schoenberg's CD "Manhattan Work Song".

As a composer/arranger Frank has contributed music to the Ron Carter Nonet, the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, the Jon Hendricks Explosion and the Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra.

Frank received his Masters Degree from Manhattan School of Music, and a BFA from City College of New York, where he also taught from 1985-1995.

Moving to London in 1996, Frank has arranged for Mark Nightingale, Tony Coe, Norma Winstone and Joe Temperley. He also plays and writes for the Pete Cater Big Band, whose CDs, "Playing With Fire" (Jazzizit) and "Upswing" (Vocalion), feature several Frank Griffith pieces. His current ensemble, The Frank Griffith Nonet performs frequently in the London area, including annually at the Ealing Jazz Festival since 2000. Their first appearance there resulted in the "Frank Griffith Nonet 'Live' Ealing Jazz Festival 2000" CD on HEP (2081). Their most recent CD "The Coventry Suite" was released in 2004 on the 33 label (33JAZZ112).

His debut CD "The Suspect" featuring Tom Harrell on HEP (2077) is also currently available internationally. His clarinet and arrangements for baritone saxophonist Joe Temperley were featured on Joe's 2001 CD "Easy To Remember" (HEP2083).

Frank has had commissions from the Coventry Jazz Festival, Cardinal Vaughan School Big Band and the Midlands Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Currently Frank is a lecturer in music at Brunel University, and teaches annually at the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops. He is a member of the Jazz Services Education Panel and has two compositions published in the Associated Boards "Jazz Works" ensemble series. He is also a consultant for the Associated Boards Jazz Clarinet Syllabus and has composed two pieces for their Jazz Saxophone Syllabus.

Frank's most recent project for his Big band "Holland Park Non Stop" recorded at Phoenix Sound, Pinewood this year has just been released on HepJazz CD 2095. The complete programme of standards and four Griffith originals has been arranged by Griffith and have solo work from the cream of London's jazz scene including Matt Wates on alto sax , Karen Sharp on tenor sax with Freddie Gavita on trumpet. The leader pops up on tenor and a few clarinet solo spots. There are also three vocal specialities showcasing Tina May and opens on a swinging "Oh You Crazy Moon".

< Top

Frank Griffith

FRANK GRIFFITH

FRANK GRIFFITH NONET

THE FRANK GRIFFITH BIG BAND