George Koufogiannakis profile picture

George Koufogiannakis

George Koufogiannakis - Guitarist/Producer/Teacher

About Me

Canadian jazz guitarist, George Koufogiannakis, has been performing, producing, and touring across Canada for more than 20 years and has appeared on dozens of recordings. His latest release, "Explorations in Improvised Music", brings together improvising musicians from across Canada and the United Kingdom to explore his own compositions as well as works by Sonny Rollins and Canadian composers Wes Neal and Evan Shaw, and includes a tribute to Avant-garde pianist, Cecil Taylor.
George, in discussing his new recording, "Explorations in Improvised Music": ’I’m very excited about the release of this project. It includes some fantastic performances from some of the most talented and creative musicians I have ever had the honour of working with. Through the use of very open form and chordal structures, graphic notation, and ever-evolving orchestrations, this recording gave these crazy young players the freedom to explore and expand the music far beyond its traditional boundaries. And the results reflect the playfulness, sense of humour, and huge ears these musicians from across the U.K. and Canada bring to the bandstand.’
One of George’s original compositions from this release has recently won the honour of appearing on this year’s edition of the “Dig Your Roots – Creative Jazz” compilation CD, which will soon be released nationwide. This project features a mix of Canadian independent artists from across the country exploring the more creative side of jazz and improvised music. “Dig Your Roots” is a production of the National Campus and Community Radio Association (NCRA) and is sponsored by Corus Entertainment and Canada Council for the Arts.
CTV Interview - AOB Music
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My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 6/11/2006
Band Website: geok.ca/
Band Members: "Explorations in Improvised Music" - featuring:
Richard Skilbeck - trumpet & flugelhorn
Darren McCarthy - acoustic bass
David Cottrell - drums
Chris Andrew - piano
Jerrold Dubyk - tenor & alto sax
Ron Ceilin - bass
Robert Thompson - keys
Mark Scholz - drums
Tino Koufogiannakis - vocals, keys, & turntables
Jason Grilo - drums
Leland Creswell - bass
& Real Cardinal - sound design.
Produced by George K... with assistant production by Cam Ambrose.
Now available online worldwide:
Purchase CD Here
.. -- -- CDBABY LINK for GEORGE KOUFOGIANNAKIS: Explorations in Improvised Music --

"The name of the CD 'Explorations in Improvised Music' captures the essence of this adventurous yet well structured performance combining the sparkling creativity of a group of fine Canadian and British musicians... An album full of energy to the delight of modern jazz lovers." - JazzWorldQuest.com
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Current Local Projects include:
"The Geo K. Trio"
featuring:
George K. - guitar/oud
Thom Golub - acoustic bass
Dan Skakun - drums
"The Geo K. Trio + 1"
"The Shannon Tyler / Geo K. Voice Guitar Duo"
"The Absinthe Minded Trio"
featuring:
George K. - guitar
Robert Thompson - keys
Shannon Tyler - voice
"The Absinthe Minded Large Band"
"The Big Breakfast Band"
and freelance work within the Canadian Music Community

Made with the MyTheme myspace editor

Influences: Jim Hall
Mose Allison
John Abercrombie
Kenny Wheeler
Cecil Taylor
Dave Holland
Ornette Coleman
and many others...

Type of Label: None

My Blog

"Dig Your Roots - Creative Jazz" releases new Compilation CD!!!

Hello Friends!   Hope you are all doing well.  A quick note to pass on some more good news: One of the pieces off of my new CD release, "Explorations in Improvised Music", has been...
Posted by George Koufogiannakis on Tue, 30 Jan 2007 10:05:00 PST

"Dig Your Roots" Project Finalists Announced!!!

Hello Friends!!!!   Hope all is well.  Just a quick note to pass on some good news.  One of the tracks off of my new CD release "Explorations in Improvised Music" has been chosen a...
Posted by George Koufogiannakis on Fri, 08 Dec 2006 09:04:00 PST