George Brooks Quintet w special guest Roopa Mahadevan

Acclaimed saxophonist and composer George Brooks, known for his masterful blend of jazz and Indian classical music, presents an evening of genre defying music.

Brooks will be joined by a powerhouse ensemble featuring longtime allies Kai Eckhardt, on bass, Frank Martin on piano, Deszon Claiborne on drums and in her premiere performance with the group, vocalist Roopa Mahadevan (fresh off her debut with Winton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra).

George Brooks Brooks is a pioneer in the world of Indian fusion. He has collaborated with Indian music giants Zakir Hussain and Hariprasad Chaurasia, jazz greats John McLaughlin and Larry Coryell, R+B superstar Etta James and minimalist pioneer Terry Riley. His compositions are praised for their depth and beauty and his improvisational skills are nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Kai Eckhardt brings an unparalleled level of energy and creativity to the stage. He has been a foundational member of groups led by John McLaughlin, Trilok Gurtu, Billy Cobham, his own Garaj Mahal and Brooks’ super-group Summit. His distinctive bass work is the perfect complement to Brooks' saxophone.

Bay Area first call pianist Frank Martin is lauded for his work with such luminaries as Sting, Stevie Wonder, Angela Bofill and Narada Michael Walden (to name just a few). He is a sought-after producer and arranger and Sound Room favorite.

Another Bay Area favorite is drummer Deszon Claiborne who has performed with Peter Apfelbaum, Don Cherry, Charles Brown, Angela Bofill, Les McCann, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Robin Ford, Boz Scaggs, Greg Howe, Henry Butler, Giovani Hildalgo, John Handy, Taj Mahal, Donald Harrison, Rodney Franklin, and many others.

Vocalist Roopa Mahadevan has recently relocated to the Bay Area from New York City. She is a leading Indian classical vocalist and crossover artist in the South Asian diaspora known for her powerful and emotive voice, scintillating stage presence and collaborative spirit. Roopa's artistic projects take her to diverse soundscapes and corners of the world - from Chennai's Music Academy to the cutting-edge venues of New York City.

“Bristling with east meets west polytonality and rhythmic intrigue and tinged with a Trane-like spirituality… Blowing gorgeous tones and fluidly unraveling complex ideas…(Brooks) succeeds to a startling and almost rapturous degree.” SAN FRANCISCO BAY GUARDIAN

Host or Publisher Bay Area Jazz & Arts, Inc