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| Bass Clarinetist Griffin Woodard puts forth an auspicious debut  The Griffin Woodard Group is a close-knit band of musicians dedicated to deeply connecting with audiences through individual and collaborative artistic expression. The group's fellowship and solidarity faithfully integrate each member's distinctive voice into a radiant tapestry of musical euphony. The deft call and response interplay between the band members denotes the earnest camaraderie and kinship felt by all. Each member breathes life into original compositions and arrangements imbued with resonant spiritual messages. The group evokes a deep emotional response from listeners by offering their whole selves through each note.The majority of bandmates are alumni of the Oberlin Conservatory Jazz Studies Department, founded by Dr. Wendell Logan. Their mentors include illustrious artists such as Gary Bartz, Billy Hart, Jay Ashby, and Dan Wall, among others. Studying with masters of the music and being a part of the historical jazz legacy at Oberlin has ingrained a deep respect for the history and tradition of Black American Music. The group strives to honor the profound contributions of their elders while discovering their own unique voice within the music. The Griffin Woodard Group has performed at The Midway Cafe, Virtuosity, and The Lilypad on the Boston/Cambridge circuit, Carmine's in Elmsford, NY, and Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH. In June 2022, the group held a residency at Avaloch Farms Music Institute in Boscawen, NH. The residency was an important retreat which allowed the group to play together round-the-clock, crystallizing their compelling sound. Composer and bass clarinetist Griffin Woodard's debut album Completion is an uninhibited, autobiographical recount of potent memories and experiences that shaped the course of his life. The 10 original compositions and 1 arrangement chronicle Woodard's formative experiences and lessons in love, isolation, connection, and spirituality. "The Completion album has nothing to do with endings. The word completion means to me, spiritual wholeness, " states Woodard. The journey on the 11 tracks from "Little Angel" to "Completion" captures the prolific virtuosity of the ensemble in a variety of contexts from solo to septet. The resplendent display of each band member's self-expression demands the listener's undivided attention. The Griffin Woodard Group's magnetic sound features vocalist Georgia Heers, vocalist Deneen Jones, saxophonist Coleman Rose, pianist Abe Gold, bassist Miles Gilbert, and drummer Hugh Kline. "Just like a jewelry box, all songs are shining and gorgeous." - Hiroshi Yamazaki Tracks, Composer, Times: 1. Little Angel - Griffin Woodard - 6:41 2. Doxology - Loys Bourgeois, lyrics by Thomas Ken - 2:12 3. Bass Interlude - Griffin Woodard - 1:20 4. Camillus House - Griffin Woodard - 9:22 5. Bridget's Song - Griffin Woodard - 5:40 6. Alchemy - Griffin Woodard - 2:54 7. Marmalade - Griffin Woodard - 5:26 8. Route 1 - Griffin Woodard - 6:25 9. Bridget's Song (Quintet) - Griffin Woodard - 2:25 10. Kyrie - Griffin Woodard - 6:34 11. Completion - Griffin Woodard - 10:18 Players, Instrument (tracks): Georgia Heers - vocals on tracks 1, 7, and 10 Deneen Jones - vocals on track 10 Coleman Rose - soprano saxophone on tracks 2, 4, 9, 10, and 11; tenor saxophone on track 8 Griffin Woodard - bass clarinet and composition Abe Gold - piano Miles Gilbert - bass Hugh Kline – drums write your comments about the article :: © 2022 Jazz News :: home page |