In celebration of the release of his new CD, Spirit and Spice (Earth Brother), Bay Area saxophonist George Brooks brings his rich Indian/jazz fusion music to our stage, with his Summit ensemble, featuring some of the finest musicians working in jazz and global fusion.

On bass is Kai Eckhardt, who was the foundation of the John McLaughlin trio that introduced the world to Trilok Gurtu. He has since recorded and performed with Billy Cobham, Larry Coryell, Wayne Shorter, Al Dimeola, Maria Joao, and many others. On guitar is Fareed Haque, who has performed with everyone from Sting to Paquito de Rivera and Joe Zawinul to Nigel Kennedy. Trap drummer Steve Smith may be best known for his work with rock super group Journey, but he is also the leader of fusion juggernaut Vital Information and a consistent winner of awards and jazz polls world wide. Rounding out the performance are young Afghani tabla wizard Salar Nader, who has been touring and recording with the Kronos Quartet and DJ Cheb-I-Saba, and Bay Area piano stalwart Frank Martin, who has performed with Sting, Stevie Wonder, Narada Michael Walden, and many others. Guest artists will be announced as the date nears.

An established saxophonist who's performed with everyone from Etta James to the Kronos Quartet, George's long-time fascination with Indian classical music has led him on extended trips to India and to work with folks like tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain and sitar master Krishna Bhatt. George's original compositions combine graceful melodies with the rich harmonies of modern jazz and the driving rhythms of North India.

In the words of tabla master Zakir Hussain, "Sometimes you get the ideal mix, the best dish, the perfect mix of spices...I feel that way about Summit."

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Listen to a track from George Brooks Summit: