Six-time Grammy Award nominee, composer and percussionist, John Hollenbeck, renowned in both jazz and new-music worlds, gained widespread recognition as the driving force behind the Claudia Quintet and the John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble, both of which have their roots in jazz, world music, and contemporary composition. His latest group, GEORGE, which he formed during the Covid pandemic, brings together three musicians who he had admired for a long time – Anna Webber, tenor sax, flute; Aurora Nealand, voice, sax, keyboards; and Chiquita Magic, keyboards, vocals. Their sound, which is “firmly planted outside any categories or labels” is featured on their first official album, Letters to George, released in early 2023