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Paul Griffin's Page
Profile
- What is your profession?
- Musician, Songwriter, Singer, Producer, Promoter, Composer, Broadcaster, Manager, Agent, Other Jazz professional, Visual Artist, Writer, Journalist, Author, Poet, Actor, Listener, Educator
- What Instrument Do you Play?
- Trumpet
- Where Are you located?
- New York State
- How did you find out about TGJN?
- Ron Aprea
- About Me:
- I studied trumpet with: my father, Chris Griffin, and also with Bill Clark (NBC) Carl Poole (NBC) Murray Karpilovsky (Symphony Of The Air) I attended the Naval School of Music in Washington, DC where I was also in the honor guard at the White House for the funeral of JFK. I attended Fairleigh Dickenson University. After a couple of tours with Fred Waring as lead trumpet player, musical anrranger, and musical contractor, I moved to the UK in 1970 where I performed with the BBC radio bands.
I’ve Been A Puppet, A Pirate, A Poet, A Pauper, A Pawn, And A King; Music has always been paramount in my life. There were times when it was so all consuming that I could hardly concentrate on anything else. Walk now, chew gum later! I marched to the beat of a different drummer. I was a dreamer, (some would say that I still am) but my existence continues to resonate to the mystical powers of music.
As Homo Sapiens, we are continually amazed when confronted with evidence that we are not the sole purveyors of an intelligence. Gardner, in his book, A State Of Mind, suggests that there are seven different disciplines of measurable intelligence and that one examination for intelligence quotient is inadequate. (I never quite resolved my own issues as to whether I suffered from a seemingly unmitigated IQ, or an apparantly unmedicated A.D.D.) In his book, Adams Ancestors, the archaeologist, L.S.B.Leakey defined Homo Sapiens as tool users. This definition served us well until we explored nature and found otters, birds, chimpanzees and politicians using tools to accomplish one task or another. Many creatures have also confounded researchers by demonstrating a capacity for logical deduction. (Homo "Erectus" Clintonus rarely falls into this category but fools observers by walking upright, when he's not downright. Or left!) However, I take great comfort in the knowledge that those molecules that have coalesced to become Doc Severensen, Chet Baker, Marvin Stamm, Randy Brecker, Malcolm McNab, and Allen Vizzutti (all brilliant trumpet players) will forever resonate in the ether that surrounds us. I have yet to “resonate” to the musical prowess of Lassie, Flicka, Rin Tin Tin, Cheeta, or Flipper. (He might be the Mario Lanza of his Dolphin friends in sonar world, but I'm not getting it.)
Music has many definitions, and most of us can equate with one or another of these. It is most fundamentally structured noise in the 20hz-20khz range. At this raw stage, it is basically "rap-music!" Anybody see an oxymoron here? Once enhanced with elements of harmony, melody, rhythm, and timbre, it becomes something better understood by a higher order of sapien. The longer I survive, the more I come to realize that I need to survive a great deal longer so that I may better orchestrate and integrate these fundamentals into my life... and resonate.
As I write this, with the music from Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade, (composed by John Williams) tweaking my existence, I realize that the music stands alone, conjuring images and moods not aroused by the film. Only the sense of smell can approach music for its ability to carry us to another plane. (hmmm) While the damp moss of a forest floor reminds us of our youth, when we intimately explored the ground upon which we tread, and our grand quest for a 'eureka" experience was barely contained while explosive decompression threatened to overwhelm our existence in one grand mal seizure..., Whew! So too does the music of our youth present us with apparitions, faces and feelings; memories of who we were and realizations of what we have become.
Music has been the primary discipline in my life; the catalyst behind whatever it is that I have become. I’ve been a melodious pirate as I energetically negotiated my trumpet through an exciting, but expositive arrangement of “Can’t Buy Me Love” with Ella Fitzgerald on the “live” Ed Sullivan Show. I’ve been a rhythmic puppet, when I steeled myself to the jeering of a knowing and offended audience at The London Palladium, when the valve on my trumpet experienced its own grand mal seizure during a now infamous opening trumpet cadenza for The Stylistics on “I Can’t Give You Anything.” (And I sure couldn’t!) I’ve been a harmonious poet as I waxed eloquently when a playful gust of wind carried my music aloft during a concert on The Esplanade, in Boston. I covered brilliantly with a few “ad libs” from page two of the Hot Licks For Dummies book. What a shame we were performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto # 2. The look on the myasstro's face was priceless!
I’ve been a humbled pauper when I arrived in the UK as a “child of the universe” (strait from Woodstock) without a plan and $500.00 to my name. But, I had a trumpet! And my love to keep me warm! And the timbre of my tenacity prevailed as I negotiated the depths of parliamentary etiquette in order to remain in the country. A mere ocean hadn't posed an obstacle, keeping me from the woman I intended to marry, and so I approached a member of the British Parliament who had influence, and whose name was Dennis Dover. He answered to the name “Den.” “DEN!” Unfortunately, I heard, “Ben!” “BEN!”…and I addressed my letter to him c/o Parliament: “Mr. Ben Dover, MP. House of Parliament, Westminster, London.” And so… three huge gentlemen from Scotland Yard arrived with little ceremony, and an overwhelming abundance of intimidation to “escort me” to the airport. There followed much posturing, and groveling (on my part…as if that wasn’t understood) and they agreed to allow me to remain in the country through the weekend provided that by Monday morning I held a certificate of marriage to a British subject in my most unworthy hands. Coincidentally, Irene and I were married the very next day.
Thirty eight years hence, I’ve been a reluctant pawn in the chess-like maneuvers of some extremely enigmatic socio-economic and judicial dynamics (whew, again!) when I sought to cash in on my currency, only to find myself in My Current Sea. (www.griffin-house.com/bankruptcyfraud/hmh.html)
Over the years, I have performed with:
– Billy Maxteds' Manhattan Jazz Band-1967
– Jimmie Dorsey Orchestra-1968
Dianna Ross & The Supremes
Syd Caesar & Imogene Coca
Joe Williams
Gregory & Maurice Hines
. CBS Network Television:1966-1969
– Ed Sullivan Show
– Ella Fitzgerald
– Tom Jones
Robert Kennedy Special
– Bill Evans
– Fred Warings' Pennsylvanians:1969-1970
The Blackpool Tower Orchestra Of Sir Lou Grade
The British Broadcasting Corporation-Manchester
The British Broadcasting Corporation-Leeds
The British Broadcasting Corporation-London
The British Broadcasting Corporation-Birmingham
Thames Television
Yorkshire Television
Granada Television
South African Broadcasting Corporation
– Brook Benton
– Tony Christie
– The Clark Brothers
– Lovelace Watkins
– Howard Keele
– Frankie Laine
– Al Martino
– Harold Melvin And The Blue Notes
– Matt Monro
– The Stylistics
– The Four Tops
– Lovelace Watkins
Johannesburg
Petermaritsburg
Durban
Port Elizabeth
East London
Cape Town
Harare-Zimbabwe – Presidential Palace
Returned to USA-1982
– Lew Anderson Canadian Tour (1984)
– Ray Anthony Tour (1983)
– Tommy Dorsey/Warren Covington Tour (1982)
Bob Crosby -Atlantic City (1982)
– Skitch Henderson Tour (1982)
Broadway Shows
– 42nd Street (1983)
– Dream Girls (1984)
– Tap Dance Kid (1984)
– Barnum & Bailey at Madison Square Garden (1983)
– Disney On Ice at Madison Square Garden (1983)
– Frankie Avalon
– Dihann Carroll
– Vic Damone
– Sammy Davis Jr.
– Eddie Fischer
– Sergio Franchi
– Kathy Lee Gifford
– Maurice Hines
– Clint Holmes
– Jack Jones
– Jay Leno
– Jackie Mason
My wife and I own a B&B in the Catskill Mountains, (www.griffin-house.com) and also a small resort. (www griffin-house.com/meadows/meadows.html) After many years in the business/corporate world, I've come to miss the camaraderie of music. Unfortunately, many of our best and our brightest are forced to pack-up their home-grown talent and seek their fortunes elsewhere. There is a bronze plaque in Amsterdam, Holland commemorating Chet Baker. How many Americans even know who Chet Baker is? Jazz...an American art form, is appreciated world wide...but has few niche markets here at home. Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band?...or Rappers? I believe "Pay for Play" has ruled the market place and dictated America's culture.
In 1984, I fell from a stage and seriously injured my neck, and after seeing no fewer than a dozen specialists, I was forced to cease playing the trumpet. (See Article in "Allegro, May, 1989") Oh well! I compiled a few things on cd's (on my web page) "Trumpets & Crumpets" and a jazz-fusion band that I formed called Force Ten "We'll Be Right Back" Irene, my wife still sings, and so we recorded a vocal duet cd "The Two Of Us" I recorded my own attempt at a semi-jazz vocal cd: "My Current Sea" I also created a web page dedicated to my father, Chris Griffin called "Young Man With A Horn" And so... music is still my heart and soul...just not on the trumpet anymore.
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ON TGJN'S MAIN STAGE ~ DEATH OF A BEBOP WIFE by Grange "Lady Haig" Rutan Published by Cadence Jazz Books, Redwood NY
PASSIONATE
JOURNALISTIC
GRIPPING"Death of a BeBop Wife"
By Grange (Lady Haig) Rutan
Published by Cadence Jazz Books, Redwood NY
A review by R Mayfield PhillipsIn a noteworthy book, part jazz history, part mystery, part autobiographical; the tragedy of an innocent’s (Bonnie Gallagher Haig) loss of life is portrayed in a style that informs, while astonishing the reader at the depth and breadth of its historical content. For jazz buffs, readers will find an intimate look into a somewhat disregarded period where jazz as bebop influenced a large segment of urban culture. The author gives us a first hand glimpse of such notables as Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and the central figure, Al Haig. The author, once briefly married to Haig (and also victimized), is able to delve underneath the pleasing artistry of pianist Haig, and reveal a darker character with shadows of misogamy. The ultimate victim’s powerlessness at the hands of Haig reminds one of Charles Baudelaire’s observations in "Flowers of Evil"
The Devil holds the string which moves us,
In repugnant things we discover charms:
Everyday we descend a step further toward Hell,
Without horror, through gloom that stinks.
By today’s standards and given current society’s awareness and prosecution of domestic abuse, Bonnie Haig’s death, the bumbling police work, and flawed legal proceedings (Haig is freed) seem to be hopelessly disconnected to the perceived tranquility and competency to be found in an affluent New York City suburb. Furthermore family members sounded alarm bells that went unheeded: Robert Rutan (father of Grange) found Haig "weird" and stated "He never bought it." Maggi Gallagher (Bonnie’s mother) called Haig "sick, sick, sick" acknowledged being "scared to death" and revealed that "Al had beaten up my beautiful daughter."
What was it about that society that provided an alibi for the deviate behavior of certain artists and musicians? The book provides rather graphic insights of parallel cultures with differing standards living side by side. The author has been courageous in providing detail usually only available in a diary to insure credibility and objectivity. While she digs into the past "for both of us" the objective readers’ emotions move from sympathy to anger given Haig’s actions and final freedom. As Walter Benjamin stated in his "Thesis on the Philosophy of History."
The tradition of the oppressed teaches us that the
‘state of emergency’ in which we live is not the exception,
but the rule.
The author’s unique narrative style is at times from the perspective of an observer-participant dialectic (reminding us of Baudelaire’s flaneur), occasionally as the narrator, but always passionate and intimate journalist who spares no detail or observation as a result of her investigative prowess. The book is written in composition that juxtaposes time events in a non-linear arrangement constantly surprising and pleasing the reader. It is conversation which reaches backward then forward with flashes of anecdotes that charm and reinforce the passion of the author Whether it is the music historian, mystery lover, or biography buff, "BeBop Wife" is a story as unique as its author.
Pianist Gerald Wiggins Dies at 86
Written By: Jeff Tamarkin
Gerald Wiggins, 86, a pianist who led a Los Angeles-based trio, and whose credits included work with Louis Armstrong, Benny Carter, Lou Rawls, Jimmy Witherspoon, Eartha Kitt, Roy Eldridge, Zoot Sims, Lena Horne, Helen Humes, Ella Mae Morse, Kay Starr, Joe Williams and Nat “King” Cole, died July 13 in Los Angeles. The cause was not reported but Wiggins was known to have been in poor health.
Wiggins, who also served as a vocal coach for Marilyn Monroe and who began his career as accompanist for the actor Stepin Fetchit, was born in New York City on May 12, 1922. He first studied classical piano but became interested in jazz while in his teens, after hearing a recording by pianist Art Tatum.
Wiggins joined the big band of Les Hite in 1942 and played with Armstrong and Carter before entering the Army in 1944 for two years. Upon his release he settled in L.A. and became an active accompanist, also launching his own trio. Often called “The Wig,” Wiggins, beginning in 1953, recorded numerous albums as a leader for such labels as Swing, Vogue, Hi-Fi, Discovery, Dig, Challenge, Contemporary and Concord.
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With a voice like yours, you won't be "flying solo" for long. Do you know Ronnie Aldrich, Piano? Or Bill Twyman, Bass? Bob Gillespie, Drums? Ted White, Alto? I worked with them in SA. You should hook-up with Artie Schroek whenever he heads your way.
Do you like Acapella? Check out "Groove For Thought" An amazing vocal group from Seattle, WA. They do wonderful arrangement of Billy Joel's "And So It Goes"
Thanks for the kind comments and encouragement. Let me know if you know any good musicians around here. Im looking for a jazz trio to work with, flying solo at the moment :(
All the best!
I love Fanfare.....what a great piece!
Cheryl
Nice to meet you and all my best wishes to you too!
Keep in touch my friend!
Kisses,
May
This site is the Jim & Andy's and Sonny's Place of cyber space. Pretty cool. Let me know what you think of my Anthropology clip.
Ron