BIO
George J. Gilliam is a beloved jazz guitarist with a depth of talent that’s developed over a career that began from the age of 13. He captures your ear with timeless sophistication through performances that continue to emulate his love of music. He’s performed internationally throughout his early career and most recently he and his wife Elena Gilliam were invited to perform a concert at the National Center for Performing Arts in Mumbai, India.
George has been a "sweetly familiar" part of the jazz scene in California for many years; Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts Jazz at the Argyros Plaza, KKJZ 88.1 Hollywood Loew’s Jazz Series, Hyatt Newporter Jazz Festival, The Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, Twin Palms Resort, Pasadena, Steamers Jazz at Jax Newport Beach, Agua Caliente Cascade Room, Palm Springs, Comedy Club Ventura Jazz Series, and so many more! Every performance shows his love for music and phenomenal natural talent. George brings his smooth vibrant sound to fit any venue, be it clubs, festivals or special performances. His intrinsic leadership and musicianship shines through with any size ensemble.
George’s newest album, It’s Playtime Jerry, is a bold new collection of smooth, soulful, and electrifying songs he created over the years. With brilliant producer Alex Bailey composer/musician, his songs morphed into a modern smooth jazz sound. Coupled with George’s rich tone, impeccable phrasing, and inventive improvisation, he jumps into a new light of musical expression. Playtime blends smooth jazz and R&B sensibilities with a contemporary blues flair, reaffirming his place as one of the genre’s most innovative and exciting voices.
A 2016 Living Legend of Jazz Awardee (LLJ), George always surrounds himself with celebrated award winning performers to bring the best jazz can offer; legendary drummer Albert “Tutti” Heath, Henry “The Skipper” Franklin, bass, LLJ (Hugh Masekela/Gene Harris/Stevie Wonder) Paul Kreibich, drummer, (Ray Charles/Gene Ammons), John Ferraro (Larry Carlton/Burt Bacharach) Jane Getz, pianist (Dale Fielder Quartet, Charles Mingus), Llew Matthews (Nancy Wilson’s musical arranger and director), Donald Dean, drummer, LLJ (Art Pepper/Les McCann/Eddie Harris), Dr. Bobby Rodriguez, trumpet (Quincy Jones/Poncho Sanchez), Bruce Lett, bass (Diane Schuur/Nancy Wilson) to name just a few. As music director for his wife, vocalist Elena, George was instrumental in bringing her career to light. They have collaborated together over the years and come to be well known in the jazz community.
Whether he excites you with an energetic modern jazz feel or mellows your soul with rich relaxing tones; you’ll love his “special touch” on the guitar. George brings his talent full circle through his other CD’s, Steppin’ Lightly featuring Donald Dean on Drums and Donnell Lambert on upright bass and Many Roads Home with Michael Saucier upright bass and Don Littleton drums. He shows off his smooth, distinctive and uniquely classic style. “George Gilliam subtly changes dynamics and adds fills with sweet, well-timed chording.” Commented Bill Kohlhaase from the LA Times, about the Hyatt Newporter Jazz Festival.
George’s talent is matched by his strong sense of community. After earning another degree as a music therapist, he dedicated himself to working with intellectually disabled adults. George founded and developed Creative Identity, an expressive arts program for “specially abled” adults, where he utilizes the arts as he says “to enrich the lives of those who are often forgotten by society.” His intuitive ability helps him engage his clients to recognize and develop individual skills and uniqueness’, encouraging their contributions to the community. He has strived to keep his students involved through music and art for the past 30 years!
His gifts are apparent whether working with special needs clients or entertaining jazz fans. George is always ready to share his genuine love for music through memorable performances that will surely feed your soul.
