venturacountyjazz

Mike Garson on piano playing "Sweet and Lovely", composed by Gus Arnheim, Jules LeMare and Harry Tobias in 1931, with Edwin Livingston on bass and Max Garson on drums at The Grape in Ventura, August 2026

Mike is a respected pianist, composer, performer and educator. He has played with Stanley Clarke, Elvin Jones, Lee Konitz, Stan Getz, Freddie Hubbard and many others. He is best known for his relationship with David Bowie on 19 albums and in over 1,000 concerts. Since 1982, Mike has been a member of Free Flight, a jazz and classical ensemble featuring renowned flutist Jim Walker. He is considered one of the world’s best improvisers who has also composed over 5,000 pieces of music.

Edwin is a multiple Grammy nominee and has performed and/or recorded with Elvin Jones, Ellis, Delfeayo, and Jason Marsalis, The Headhunters, Munyungo Jackson, Ronnie Laws, The MONK'estra, Otmaro Ruiz, Peter Erskine, Tootie Heath, Dave Weckl, Joe LaBarbera, Barbara Morrison, Dave Slonaker Big Band, Bob Mintzer, Yellowjackets, Natalie Cole, and many others. In addition to a full playing, touring, and recording career he is on the faculty at the USC Thornton School of Music, teaching bass and small ensembles in the jazz studies department. He is also on faculty at The California Institute of the Arts(CalArts) teaching core curriculum, ensembles and bass.

Max has recently performed with Carey Frank, Jordan Klein, Jack Lieberman, Nadav Peled, Alex Hahn, Quinn Sims, Elie Samouhi, Cash Harrington, Doron Levy, Nick Fernandez, Violet Grohl, Veronica Swift and many others.
"They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. But in the case of my grandson Max, it’s more like discovering a delicious strawberry shortcake amongst a grove of apples - unexpected, uniquely sweet, and a joy to experience. Watching his musical journey unfold is about witnessing his growth as an artist and anticipating the incredible contributions he’s destined to make to the world of music and beyond. His journey is a fresh, vibrant melody that I am honored to be a part of…"- Mike Garson

@mikegarson, @edwinbassing, @maxgarsondrums, @thegrapeventura, #venturacountyjazz