Trumpet player, composer, arranger, and educator David L. George truly embodies the global nature of modern jazz. After graduating from high school (as trumpet soloist) in the state of Washington, George studied with one of Seattle’s most famous trumpeters, Les Beigle (from the Glenn Miller Orchestra). After attending the US Military Academy at West Point  and serving two years in the Army, he continued his studies at Seattle’s Cornish College of the Arts, studying under such masters as Julian Priester, Jim Knapp ,Butch Nordal and Gary Peacock, 

 

After working on the S.S. Oceanic Independence cruise ship's orchestra, George performed with Dave Liebman in Honolulu, then relocated to Europe . While based in Amsterdam, he played with and arranged for Charles Green’s “Trumpetissimo” and the Frank Grasso Big Band. Other performances – including the Philip Morris, Heineken, and Camel Jazz Festivals – brought George to Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Germany and Spain, working with such legends as Toots Thielemans and Sal Nistico (from Woody Herman’s Herd). He recorded his albums South African Force (Joe Malinga Productions), East West Connection (KKF Records), Mangetsu (Vista Records) and Unified Diversity (Vista Records), during this period. He also studied trumpet and subsequently served as guest trumpet instructor at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam.

 

In 1996, George relocated to Tokyo, Japan. He continued his service as jazz educator through monthly local workshops on improvisation and as trumpet instructor at the Iida Jazz School, while leading performances by his own Quartet and recording From the Heart with a quintet led by drummer Jimmie Smith (Tokyo Sound City Planning). 

 

“My life as musician and particularly the twenty years I lived abroad has influenced my perception of music as defined either as art or entertainment. Sometimes it's difficult to see when those differ and merge,” George explains. “I have had the good fortune of performing in musical situations that have required musical and cultural empathy from me. Those were the most fulfilling performances. I've seen the effects of an emotional connection through music no matter where in the world I've played.”

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206-250-9318 www.davidgeorgemusic.com dlgeorgetrumpet@gmail.com