George Brooks

Saxophonist George Brooks is an eclectic and genre-crossing instrumentalist with a bent toward mixing jazz fusion and Indian classical music. Born in New York City, Brooks studied with saxophonist Frank Foster before earning his Bachelor of Music from the New England Conservatory of Music. Beginning in the 1980s, Brooks developed an interest in Indian classical music and even traveled several times to study with master Hindustani vocalist and teacher Pandit Pran Nath. This led to an association with minimalist composer Terry Riley, with whom Brooks founded the exploratory Khayal ensemble. In 1996, Brooks released his debut album, Lasting Impression, featuring virtuoso tabla player Zakir Hussain. ~ Matt Collar