8 Legged Monster
BAND PHILOSOPHY
Mike started The 8 Legged Monster in 2007 to bring an element to the San Francisco Jazz community that has been lacking in recent years: the excitement of densely arranged small group big-band music which honors tradition and encourages exploration. Since its conception, the 8 Legged Monster has been turning the heads of SF’s Jazz community. The arrangements offer the classic sound of early Bebop with an entirely new attitude and approach to harmony. 8LM has such a distinct sound because they encompass all the musical styles that the jazz lineage has passed through, from swing to free-jazz, yet they have an entirely original and fresh sound. They have already become a favorite group among the jazz musicians in SF, and they’re hailed as one of the most entertaining and fun new bands to see.
Mike Irwin Johnson – Arranger/Guitar/Leader
Mike began studying classical theory and composition at The San Francisco Conservatory of Music at the early age of 14. His teachers included the world-renowned composer Laura Schwendinger and guitar masters David Tannenbaum and Scott Camille. Mike took up the study of jazz in 1999 while attending San Francisco State University. He has shared the stage with jazz greats such as Jim Hall, John Handy, Branford Marsalis, Stephan Harris, Bill Frissel, Melvin Sparks and many more.
The structure of 8 Legged Monster has been a great tool for Mike to use for musical discovery and experimentation in Be-bop, Swing and Modern Jazz. Mike’s strong foundation in composition and arranging allows him to use the Monster? fs 6 horn set up as any other Jazz arranger would use a full big-band. 8LM is mesmerizing to watch, you’ll laugh with the band and think about jazz in an entirely new way.
The Band: Mike Irwin Johnson | Rob Barics | Mike Olmos | Joe Cohen | Jaz Sawyer | Danny Grewen | Fil Lorenz | Matt Nelson | Eric Markowitz
“I thought the music was awesome… it is “Cadillac music”, bright chrome and glistening. Great work!” Steve Silberman, Wired Magazine
