Brilliantly accomplished local alto saxophonist Michael Griffin, whose style is clearly influenced by that of Charlie Parker, has not only shown an affinity with Monk in solo flight when he plays a Monk tune but … assembled and brought along an ensemble – an octet in fact – that not only allowed the Monk feeling to influence their solos but managed to achieve the dynamic, rhythmic and melodic effects of a Monk ensemble and its sometimes spiky, sometimes purely swinging, sometimes humorous effects of a Monk band.

Michael has performed at Melbourne International Jazz festival, Manly Jazz Festival, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Entertainment Centre, Sydney Town Hall, Foundry 616, The Basement, 505, The Ellington (Perth) Smalls Jazz Club (NYC), Smoke Jazz Club (NYC), Fat Cat (NYC), Smithsonian (Washington D.C) and many more.