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A self-taught percussionist, George Jones has been a mainstay on the Pittsburgh music scene for over 30 years, recognized as the finest conga player in the area. George's mother was a bass player with the famous “International Sweethearts of Rhythm”, traveling across the country until settling in Pittsburgh in 1953. She was the inspiration and motivation for George's interest and love of jazz, exposing him to “Jazz at the Philharmonic” at an early age. During a stint in the Army in the 60's, George played on pots and pans – anything he could get his hands on – and developed his interest in African drums and rhythm. George returned to Pittsburgh, where he was further encouraged by Eric Kloss and Roger Humphries. George has performed countless concerts and club dates with Pittsburgh jazz greats and internationally known artists Billy Taylor, Jaki Byard, Richard 'Groove' Holmes, Ray Mantilla, and Larry Coryell. In 1984, George co-founded the seminal Latin Jazz group “Salsamba” with Eric Susoeff, recording five CDs with the band. George continues to play and teach in the Pittsburgh area.