Steve Griggs - Music
recordings | scores | past productions | work in progress
Past Productions
The inspiration for this evening is music from Rio de Janeiro. Specifically, music written by composers from the "marvelous city" about their home. I have selected works by Heitor Villa-Lobos, Ernesto Nazareth, Pixinguinha, and Jobim. I will also include music written by non-native composers (Darius Milhaud and Horace Siver) that was inspired by visits to Rio.
I set out to reinterpret Spanish guitar music for a small jazz ensemble, inspired by the recording Sketches of Spain by Gil Evans and Miles Davis. I learned that the initial recording date for that historic work was November 17, 1959 so I booked this concert for the 50th anniversary. The concert date is also the second anniversary of my father's death, and I wanted to honor his memory by doing what for me is most joyful.
Eventually I stretched away from my original inspiration and toward something closer to my heart. I found resonance in seresta and the music of Heitor Villa-Lobos. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the 50th anniversary of the Brazilian composer's passing was November 17!
Saudades das Selvas Brasileiras
Bumbershoot 2009
Held on the grounds of Seattle Center over the Labor Day Weekend, Bumbershoot is Seattle's largest music festival. I will be played at 2:30 on Sunday, September 6 at the Northwest Court Stage. I wrote a new set of music to celebrate the talent of the band: Doug Ostgard - woodwinds, Bill Anschell - piano, Phil Sparks - bass, and Milo Petersen - drums.
James Washington
A self-taught painter and sculpter, James Washington also wrote poetry. I arranged three of his poems and performed them with gospel singer Camila Recchi and guitarist Milo Petersen.
Spanish Flamenco
At a concert of guitarist Sharon Isbin I was moved by her performance of the flamenco works of Francisco Tarrega. The melodies and harmonies from the Iberian penninsula reminded me of blues and jazz. I am arranging the melodies of Tarrega and Albeniz for a jazz ensemble.
Elvin Jones
I love the way Elvin Jones played drums. His sense of time and sensitivity in music making is an inspiration to me. I was honored to make music with him. This project involved recording 16 songs with him and 3 Seattle musicians over 2 days.
Billy Higgins
To commemorate the life of drummer Billy Higgins, Steve Korn invited several bands to contribute a set of music for an evening memorial concert at Tula's. I wrote a set of original tunes from my reflection on a life in jazz and the emotion that comes through when listening to the joyful artistry of Billy Higgins.
Becca Duran
Singer Becca Duran commissioned me to arrange 11 of her favorite standards for a jazz sextet performance at the Blue Heron Art Gallery on Vashon Island.
Voice and Vision
Earshot Jazz produced a series at the Seattle Asian Art Museum. The performance space features statues from India. To compose the music for the concert, I meditated on the presence of the statues. The resulting music was for vibes, bass, French Horn, saxophone, drums, and dancer. The concert took place two days after the attack on the World Trade Center. I felt that the peaceful intent of the music was vital to center myself during the reaction to the world events so I insisted on not postponing the event.
Dave Liebman
I attended Dave's Saxophone Masterclass in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. The week-long seminar included solo and ensemble performances. I wrote a four-section solo work for tenor saxophone and quintet arrangement of a song commemorating my respect for Elvin Jones.