Griffith Kazmierczak
Trumpet
“I want to make the most intricate, complex music speak directly to the heart.”
Griff grew up listening to the sounds of Chuck Mangione, Doc Severinson, and Arturo Sandoval, and quickly aspired to play the flugelhorn professionally at the age of four. He has widened his career path since then, starting on the violin shortly thereafter (which he continues to play professionally) and eventually starting on the trumpet at seven after the tooth fairy left a Vincent Bach 7c mouthpiece under his pillow.
Griff’s journey accelerated as he began to venture more into the world of jazz and improvisation. He first played in a jazz big band at the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts in 7th grade while studying Chet Baker solos in his free time. A few years later he was playing in the Williamsville East jazz band as they participated in the 2007 Essentially Ellington Competition under the leadership of Dr. Stephan Shewan and Wayne Moose. These final three years of high school were extremely formative as Griff shared his journey with many fine musicians who now enjoy successful musical careers, as well as the keenly-missed Angelo Diloreto and Sara Rogers.
Attending college at the University of Maryland, College Park, Griff studied jazz under the late Chris Vadala, who was Chuck Mangione’s saxophonist for many years. He studied the trumpet under the illustrious Chris Gekker, a true master of the instrument and consummate trumpet guru. While attending and for some years after, Griffith performed on trumpet and violin in the greater DMV area, performing regularly with the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra as well as countless small groups everywhere from the Strathmore Mansion, the Millennium stage of the Kennedy Center, DC Jazz fest, and many other venues and events.
Since moving back to the Buffalo area Griff has become an adjunct professor at SUNY Fredonia. He is an active member of the Buffalo Jazz Composers Collective and plays his original compositions regularly with his quartet. He tours nationally with Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses.