Composer, Bass Clarinetist, Bandleader
“Meeting Griffin Woodard, a fine gentleman and exciting musician, I'm thrilled to be associated with his music as he continues his climb toward perfection.” - Gene Perla
“Really impressive playing. Today’s language on the bass clarinet.” - Jerry Bergonzi
“Griffin Woodard is one of the most gifted instrumentalists that’s come through my studio in some time. Not only is he a very lyrical and soulful player, but his composition technique is way beyond his years. I look for many great things in years to come for Griffin.” - Dave Darlington, GRAMMY Award Winning Engineer
“Just like a jewelry box, all songs are shining and gorgeous.” - Hiroshi Yamazaki, Pianist
“It is a rare encounter to feel so moved, even touched, by an album. Especially, a debut album.” - Travis Rogers, Jr., The Jazz Owl
“Put Woodard on your short list of new players, as you will want to keep up with this massive bass clarinetist trajectory upwards.” - Nolan Debuke, The Jazz Word
“Clearly Mr. Woodard is a master of creating not simply spiritual music, but by instrumentation alone also evokes the mystical.” - Raul Da Gama, JazzdaGama
Live at the Deer Head Inn
Photography by Tarik Jaawani. Graphic Design by Ryen Valentin.
On Palm Sunday, April 2, 2023, the Griffin Woodard Quartet recorded a live concert album at the legendary Deer Head Inn. LIVE at the DEER HEAD INN is a no-holds-barred performance that gracefully begins and ends with the devotional Palm Sunday hymn “All Glory, Laud, and Honor”. In between these solemn bookends are two powerful volumes of rollicking musical offerings.
Completion
Original artwork by Miyah Byers, 2022.
This album is an uninhibited, autobiographical recount of potent memories and experiences that shaped the course of Woodard’s life. The 10 original compositions and 1 arrangement chronicle Woodard’s formative experiences and lessons in love, isolation, connection, and spirituality.
“The Completion album has nothing to do with endings. The word completion means to me, spiritual wholeness,” states Woodard. Completion features vocalist Georgia Heers, vocalist Deneen Jones, saxophonist Coleman Rose, pianist Abe Gold, bassist Miles Gilbert, and drummer Hugh Kline.
"Hard bopping with energy and expressivity, the track [Route 1] is characterized by a compelling set of changes and Woodard's beautiful tone." - Matt Micucci, JAZZIZ
Interpretation
Interpretation is a deeply personal duo album that pays homage to a handful of legends that helped shape the musicianship of both performers. Ramakrishna and Woodard are lifelong friends who met at Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts. This album includes 10 of their favorite pieces that influenced their shared early musical journey. It was released in the fall of 2023.
Graphic Design by Ryen Valentin, 2023
Precious One
The Griffin Woodard Quartet is a highly skilled band of young musicians connecting with audiences through individual and collaborative artistic expression. The quartet faithfully integrates each member’s distinctive voice into a radiant, melodic tapestry. Precious One is a surprisingly tender expedition into the realm of jazz balladry, elegantly diverging from the leader’s debut album Completion, which featured original compositions and a fiery approach. Precious One presents Woodard on bass clarinet, Cameron Campbell on piano, Miles Gilbert on bass, and Hugh Kline on drums.
Graphic Design by Ryen Valentin, 2023
News
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Griffin Woodard Receives 2022 ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award
Griffin Woodard’s composition, “Kyrie” was awarded the 2022 ASCAP Foundation Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award.
“Kyrie” was composed and conducted by Woodard and performed by the Jazz Composers’ Workshop Orchestra (JCWO) of New England Conservatory, directed by Frank Carlberg. Woodard is deeply grateful for the collaborative experience working with the highly skilled musicians that comprise this ensemble. Listen to Kyrie here.
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Air Drawn Dagger Receives Official Selections in 3 Film Festivals
In 2021, Woodard composed the soundtrack for Air Drawn Dagger, a short film written and directed by Jada Reid, Savannah College of Art and Design alumna.
The film has received official selection for the 2022 Seattle Black Film Festival, the 2022 San Diego Black Film Festival, and the 2021 Queen City Film Festival.
