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George will share exercises for improvisation, focused within modal frameworks; percussive bow strokes; and using one's instrument as a cross-cultural vehicle.
Canadian cellist and composer George Crotty has forged his own unique vocabulary on his instrument. Both his compositions and playing filter an inquisitive eclecticism, embracing fiddle-derived chording and ornamentation, the agile one-finger gestures of Indian classical music, adapted electric guitar maneuvers, and the bold and varied articulations of jazz bass.
The George Crotty Trio’s Four String Nomad (2019) showcases his expressive fluidity and modal orientation, owed much to his immersion in the pluralistic exuberance of Toronto. Versed in many styles, the world-jazz outfit speaks an inclusive language drawing inspiration from all over. Their cross-cultural interplay draws on diverse influences within jazz and world music including post-bop, modal jazz, Indian Raga, and Arabic Maqam.
Following his graduation from the eminent Berklee College of Music, he joined a number of ensembles such as the Canadian Arabic Orchestra, Detroit-based National Arab Orchestra, and New York's Brooklyn Raga Massive in addition to collaborating with the likes of Darol Anger, Simon Shaheen, Paquito D'Rivera and Anat Cohen. From 2019-2020 he served as the cello chair on the North American tour of the Broadway musical, The Band’s Visit.
George Crotty endorses Remic Microphones. He acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.