Michael Mull Octet

Michael Mull Octet

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Barclay's and The Mint

Good morning, I'd like to give you all a quick update on some upcoming gigs. Tomorrow night (Friday, 4/1) I am playing with one of my good friends Nick Grinder and his quintet at a new spot in the San Fernando Valley, Barclay's Coffee and Tea. They recently began having live jazz there, and although this will be my first time, I've been hearing about a great vibe and casual, energetic atmosphere. Details below:


Nick Grinder Group:
Nick Grinder (trombone), Michael Mull (alto sax, bass clarinet), Michael Ragonese (piano), Jak Kyokong (bass), Nick De Ryss (drums)


Friday, April 1st
7:00 PM, two sets
$5 suggested donation goes directly to the band
Barclay's Coffee and Tea
8976 Tampa Ave., Northridge CA 91325
View the event on Facebook


I'll also be joining Thy Oddbirds next Wednesday 4/6 at The Mint in Los Angeles. We're playing one later set amid some other bands, and I'm really excited to sit in with these guys. You should check it out for yourself, but to quote the Mint's site, the music involves "melding cinematic electronic soundscapes with traditional funk and jazz"; there is an open, funky vibe not unlike Miles Davis's classic Bitches Brew recordings, and I think this set is going to be a blast to play and hear.


Thy Oddbirds:
Boyd Peterson (electric bass), Paul Krueger (keyboards), Michael Mull (alto sax, flute), Robert Patrick (guitar), JK Benjamin (drums)


Wednesday, April 6th
11:00 PM
$10 cover ($15 for under 21)
The Mint
6010 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035
Gig info on the Mint's website




In other news, I went out to Vitello's last night to see trombonist Bob McChesney and his quintet. Let me just say one thing about Bob McChesney: if you have not heard him play, you must. Bob is playing the trombone on an unprecedented level, and every time I hear him I still can't believe my ears. His support was incredible as well, with tenor great Bob Mintzer and pianist Andy Langham lending some of the hardest swinging, passionate improvisations of the evening.


I'll do my best to post about Bob McChesney's next show, and we'll all go together. You'll see...


Cheers everyone, I hope to play for you at one of my upcoming gigs.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Orkestar MEZE Bulgarian Spring Party

Long time no post! Life has been incredibly busy but mostly excellent.

This Saturday night, March 19th, Orkestar MEZE will be rocking the Bulgarian Spring Party at the St. George Bulgarian Church! This won't be your usual church party... Bulgarian rakia (delicious) and beer will be available, plus some delectable Bulgarian food. MEZE translates to "food you eat when you are drinking", so what a match-up this is for us! Only five bucks, all ages, and some great peasant-funk to dance to all night! What more could you need on a Saturday night?

Bulgarian Spring Party with Orkestar MEZE
Saturday, March 19
8:00-11:00 PM
$5 admission, no minimum
ALL AGES

St. George Bulgarian Church
150 South Alexandria Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Check it on facebook

Thursday, March 3, 2011

FORMATION Digital Release

I'm pleased to announce the digital release of my first album, "Formation". It is now available on CDbaby, Digstation, and iTunes, and soon will be available on various other sites like AmazonMP3, eMusic, and more.

If you would like a physical copy of the album, your best bet will probably be to meet up with me or come out to a gig --- no shipping costs! Alternatively, CD's can be purchased from CDbaby, and the album can be purchased digitally (in mp3 format) from CDbaby, Digstation, and iTunes. I would encourage digital customers to use Digstation, as I get the best cut from them! Links below:

Formation on CDbaby (CD/mp3)

Formation on Digstation (mp3)

Formation on iTunes (mp3)


The Feb. 17th CD release party at the Blue Whale was a great success! Many, many thanks to those who made it out and those who were there in spirit; we had an incredible time playing for you all, and the energy in the room was inspiring. Throughout our two sets, we played every tune off of "Formation" with a few new ones thrown in the mix; with your support and a little luck, I see these tunes on the next Michael Mull Trio album!

Thanks again to Ben Shepherd and Cameron Hicks for playing the hell out of my music, and to Joon Lee at the Blue Whale for having us. My parents even made it down from San Luis Obispo, and Ben's folks all the way from Melbourne! Let's take this positive thang and keep it going...keep your eyes here for more coming up very soon (Santa Barbara next week!).