Notes
Although born in Chicago, George Graham grew up in the Los Angeles area ---at a time when the world's best musical talent was flocking to 'Hollywood' ---and talented children were surrounded by great performers and teachers to study with and to emulate. His youth was spent playing trumpet with school bands and orchestras, as well as the prestigious Youth Symphonies of the area. Following graduation from highschool, he spent 3 1/2 years with Air Force Bands around the world, and while in the Philippines, he was ranked #2 in the Philippine Jazz Poll. After his discharge, he finished his education at L.A. Valley College, studying music composition and performance under the tutelage of Bob MacDonald, appearing with the College Jazz Band at the Monterey Jazz Festival, and performing around the L.A. area with combos and Jazz groups. George then joined the Si Zentner Band, travelling throughout the U.S. and Canada. In 1963 he settled in Reno, Nevada, and spent the next 15 years performing in the clubs and showrooms of the Reno/Tahoe area, working with virtually every performer in the business, and travelling with such stars as Anthony Newley and Dionne Warwick as their 1st trumpet player. He returned to Los Angeles in 1980, and since then has established himself among the top studio musicians. Along with his schedule of TV and movie sessions, George also performs and records with many artists and bands.....i.e., Bob Florence, Tom Kubis, Gerald Wilson, Ray Anthony, Louis Bellson, Benny Carter, B.B. King, Diane Shuur, Rosemary Clooney, and the late Frank Sinatra. George has particularly enjoyed participating in major events, such as the 1984 Olympics (Opening and Closing Ceremonies), Liberty Week-end (in New York), The 200th Anniversary of the Signing of the Constitution of the United States (in Philadelphia), and annual award shows such as the Essence Awards (in New York), The Teachers Awards, the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz 'Celebration of America's Music' at the Kennedy Center, as well as the Oscars and the Emmys. In 1999 George was a featured soloist for the sound track of the film 'The Thomas Crown Affair.' This year George can be heard on 2 Grammy winning CDs, first with Diana Krall under the baton of Johnny Mandel, and also with Bob Florence and The Limited Edition on Serendipity 18. George continues to work on his own projects. He has two releases on the Pippo Avenue label: 'With More Help From My Friends,' a hot big band CD, and a brand new release, 'How About Me?', a poignant ballad CD on Flugelhorn with orchestral background.
