Michael Griffin Quintet – May 27, 2018

– we couldn't have written of our experience any better. A spot-on review.

"... there seem to be two Michael Griffins. There’s Michael Griffin who looks like a teenager, tall and long-limbed, with an air of awkwardness about him, enhanced by his cringe-worthy stage banter, his uncertain posture and a striped suit that looked a couple of sizes too big for him. And there’s another Michael Griffin, who seems to enter this realm the moment the first one touches his saxophone. It’s Michael Griffin, the alien jazz warrior, a superhero of the saxophone, who came to this planet to save us from bad music and fight the good fight of keeping be-bop relevant. When Michael Griffin’s lips touch the mouthpiece, he’s transfomed: the awkward teenager gives his place to a jazz master of superb confidence – and his pinstripe suit becomes a perfect fit. It’s uncanny."

A disappointing but very much not disappointed audience. If you missed it, give yourself a slap.
This was a 'big city' jazz-joint performance which would normally have folks involved in punch-ups at the door just to get inside to grab a good vantage point. Better hope he comes back sometime. MB