Michael Garding
Michael Garding is one of the Okanagan’s most sought after Jazz musicians. He is known for his exceptional tone quality, high range, and imaginative improvisation. Michael’s lyrical style has been influenced by Cannonball Adderly, and Phil Woods, as well as local artist Larry Crawford, to name a few.
Michael attributes much of his early interest in Jazz to the encouragement of his high school band teacher Derek Turvey. After graduating from George Elliot in Winfield, Michael went on to study Musical Performance at Grant Mac Ewan College in Edmonton, playing ‘lead alto’ (and flute) in their big band. Michael’s ability to quickly identify pitch and complex chords earned him respect from his instructors.
As well leading his own big band, Michael Also leads the “Festival Big Band” featured at the annual BC Interior Jazz Festival, sharing the stage with such talented musicians as Tommy Banks, 3 time Juno winner Campbell Ryga, Dee Daniels, Carol Wellsman, Bob Mintzer, Horace Alexander Young, Pat LaBarbera, and others such as “Big” Miller, Bob Stroup, The Mart Kenny Dance Band, and the Dal Richards Orchestra.
Although he is best known as an Alto player, he also plays Soprano, Baritone and Tenor Saxophone. With such versatility, he has performed with “The Shuffle Kings”, various jazz groups, and was the Music Director/Arranger and lead sax player with the Funk band “Soul Funktion”.
Michael is keeping very busy leading ‘The Michael Garding Big Band’, a twenty-piece Big Band in which he plays ‘lead alto’, conducts, composes, and arranges original material written by some members of the band, as well as reviving old standards with his arranging styles.
In addition to performing, Michael has adjudicated for the BC Interior Jazz Festival. He is the Producer of the “Saturday Showcase”, and presents clinics at local schools.
Michael is regularly hired as a featured performer by local recording artists. His consistency and professionalism have made him a well respected “session” player.