Ryan Griffith: Jazz Guitar, Fostering Community, and Creating Hurstbridge Jazz Club

This week’s special guest is Ryan Griffith, a renowned guitarist, composer and sound artist.  We really cover a lot of ground on this conversation with Ryan, from his beginnings, the ‘creation hall’, bands, jazz, writing, music, education, mentorship - I wish we could have kept speaking for hours. Ryan has an infectious smile and a huge heart, and it really comes across I think through all his different work, most recently highlighted by his creation of the Hurstbridge Jazz Club and album with his music and life partner Kimba - ‘Turn Up The Quiet.’ Ryan even makes me sing along - so it’s lots of fun, really deep, contemplative and exciting all in a quick hour! Ryan is really cultivating some amazing spaces and encouraging young musicians too. Join us for a great chat and insights about music and life from this authentic human and amazing guitarist. Since graduating from The Victorian College of the Arts in 2001, Ryan has captivated audiences across Melbourne with his diverse musical styles, ranging from bebop and big band swing to funk and blues. He has graced stages large and small—from jazz clubs and  the Spiegeltent at the Melbourne International Festival to opening for iconic acts like Silverchair and You Am I.   Ryan’s talents extend beyond performance; he's composed works for theatre, film, and major events such as the 2000 Olympic Games. His compositions have reached international audiences, released through labels in the UK, Australia, and America. He's also a respected music educator, imparting his knowledge to the next generation of musicians.  Recently, Ryan has been making waves with the Hurstbridge Jazz Club, a community initiative born out of the pandemic's impact on live performances. This venue provides a platform for both seasoned jazz musicians and emerging talents, fostering a vibrant local music scene. The conversation is now available on all streaming platforms, YouTube and our website. For more info and links to music, visit our website: aredrummersmusicians.com/conversations/ryangriffith