Frank Griffith
Biography
Born in Eugene, Oregon on 21 January 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 taught from 1985-1995.
Moving to London in 1996, Frank has arranged for Mark Nightingale, Tony Coe and Norma Winstone. He also plays and writes for the Peter Cater Big Band, whose debut album, “Playing With Fire” on the Jazzizit label, features several FG pieces. The Frank Griffith 9Net, performs frequently in the London area, including their debut at 1997 Kingston Jazz Festival.
Currently Frank is a full-time lecturer at Brunel University, and teaches annually at the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops. He is very involved in organising workshops and performance forums for developing musicians in the London area.