about
Viv Griffin is a 22-year-old bassist from Manchester. Currently, she is a touring bassist of Manchester post-punk-funk band A Certain Ratio, having played on their 1982 Tour and 45 Tour in 2023 and a live set on BBC Radio 6. She also plays live for indie artist Lei Hope, electronic pop artists Jed Upjohn and Zahari, and soul artist Rumbi Tauro. She has performed in a variety of venues including Band on the Wall, New Century Hall and Bridgewater Hall and at festivals including Manchester Jazz Festival, Shambala and Luna Festival.
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Developing a jazz background in youth big bands and playing double bass in youth orchestras before surrounding herself with eclectic pop music at the Royal Northern College of Music for four years has allowed Viv to explore different musical ventures with her original projects Beck Pocket and Apollo House.
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Recently, Viv was selected as one of Manchester Jazz Festival's Soundcheck Programme artists, further exploring the interlink between improvisation, technology and bass playing.
"she can really groove"
- Mike Patrick, keyboardist (JP Cooper)
In 2021, Viv formed electronic-pop duo Beck Pocket with keyboardist Jasper Clarke, sharing writing/production roles and harnessing the power of the Novation Bass Station II. In 2022 they released their first two singles and performed at Band On The Wall - 2023 saw them play overseas in Groningen as part of the Eurosonic festival as well as Manchester venues Off The Square, 33 Oldham Street (headline), The Eagle Inn, Aviva Studios, RNCM Opera Theatre with an orchestra, and The Peer Hat. Viv is also a member of space-jazz quartet Apollo House, having performed at The Yard supporting Myele Manzanza, Manchester Jazz Festival and Hyde Park Book Club (Leeds) in addition to a 6-date UK tour concluding in a performance at the Royal Albert Hall.
"viv is an asset to any ensemble. her contribution to any musical situation is considered and effective"
- Bryan Hargreaves, session drummer, educator
"a talented bass player with a strong work ethic and easy disposition - an ideal combination for any pro musician"
- Ollie Collins, bassist, educator
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