The Michael Mull Octet is a chameleon ensemble of emerging Los Angeles talent. Performing the original works of composer/multi-instrumentalist Michael Mull, this group explores a soundscape of cinematic colors, deep-seated groove, fiery improvisations, and yearning melody that ranges from sweet and nostalgic to crushing and electrifying.

Featuring
Michael Mull – Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet
Frank Silva – Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone
Harrison Kirk – Trombone and Bass Trombone
Will Wulfeck – Trombone
Tim Fischer – Guitars
Greg Uhlmann – Guitars
Emilio Terranova – Double-bass
Mike Lockwood – Drums and percussion

"I formed the Michael Mull Octet in 2011 with a goal of tapping into some musical influences and directions that hadn't truly had an outlet in my own writing and playing, and to occupy a space that I felt was missing in the musical landscape.

I grew up listening to classic rock from the 60's, 70's and 80's. As I grew in years and in music, I continued to Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk, Pantera and Meshuggah, to electronic film scores by Ulver, to Björk, to Bulgarian women's choirs. This music all means so much to me, and is so varied, I have always looked for ways to distill and filter what I love about each sound into my own music. The Octet has been the most successful attempt at this synthesis – the result is intensely personal music, but presented in a way that I hope can connect the listener to their own experiences and thoughts in a meaningful way.

I selected the musicians for the Octet carefully. They each have a unique sound and are strong voices as soloists, but they also have the musical sensitivity to play as an ensemble. The music I write for the group is extremely intricate at times, and more visceral at others, and the careful balance of each part is essential to a successful performance. The musical “responsibility” is great – I trust these fine performers to play all the music, written and unwritten.

As we prepare to go into the studio in February 2014 to record our first album, I feel very honored to be at the helm of the Michael Mull Octet. Each composition continues to become greater than its' original conception through the dedication and artistry of the players. It is my hope to highlight the talents of each of my amazing colleagues, and create a listening experience that the listener can take into themselves and return to again and again, discovering more layers, feeling more of the physical and spiritual motion of the music each time. Let's see what you can find."

— Michael Mull

Members of Michael Mull Octet also appear on

ORENDA 0032 - Screaming While Playing | A Conrad Trio (Emilio Terranova, Mike Lockwood)
ORENDA 0022 - Bitter Human | Evil Genius (Mike Lockwood)
ORENDA 0021 - Fell Runner | Fell Runner (Gregory Uhlmann)
ORENDA 0017 - Promise of a Tree | Trevor Anderies (Gregory Uhlmann, Emilio Terranova)