Cardinal Vaughan Big Band

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In 2002 the Band commissioned American saxophonist Frank Griffith to compose a chart for the Band and he presented us with his jazz waltz Holland Park. The chart was given its first performance by the Band with the composer present at St. John’s, Smith Square in October 2002. It was later recorded by the Band on Moment’s Notice and was also recorded by the Pete Cater Big Band on their third CD The Right Time, where the programme notes stated that the Vaughan’s Band was very impressive to have performed this difficult piece.

Born in Eugene, Oregon in 1959, Frank Griffith 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. 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 FG pieces. His current ensemble, The Frank Griffith Nonet performs frequently in the London area .including annually at the Ealing Jazz Festival since 2000. 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.