George Crotty Trio

Canadian band: Jonathan Chapman (bass), Matias Recharte (percussion).

Known for their expressive fluidity and modal orientation, The George Crotty Trio makes music that is cinematic, collaborative, and conversational. They draw on influences within Indian raga, Arabic maqam, and modal jazz; using the language of other cultures to speak new things. “I’m not at home in any one culture,” muses Crotty, “so the trio became my home.”

George Crotty has forged his own unique vocabulary on the cello. A member of the Brooklyn Raga Massive, and Detroit-based National Arab Orchestra, he has also worked with esteemed musicians such as Bob Ezrin, Adam Rudolph, Simon Shaheen, and Paquito D’Rivera. Crotty has performed as a soloist and bandleader in North America and Europe including at the Vancouver Jazz Festival, Small World Music Festival, Copenhagen Vinterjazz Festival, and New Directions Cello Festival. 

Powered by a dynamic rhythm section of bass and percussion, the George Crotty Trio’s sound deviates from a trio's typical hierarchy.The three players intertwine on their own spontaneous terms in an exploration of groove and colour, lending Crotty's tunes an exciting three-dimensional quality.

Canadian band: Jonathan Chapman (bass), Matias Recharte (percussion).               American band: John Murchison (bass), Jeremy Smith (percussion). 

Upcoming performances

  • “Transcends the trio format.”

    The WholeNote

  • “A stream of genre-blurring invention.”

    All About Jazz

  • “fearlessly takes the cello into uncharted waters.”

    Something Else!

  • “sounds as if he’s channeling violinist Jean-Luc Ponty,”

    Jazz Word