Canadian cellist George Crotty has forged his own exciting vocabulary, pushing the boundaries of the cello as a jazz instrument. Following his graduation from the Berklee College of Music, Crotty immersed himself in New York’s jazz and world music scenes, playing with several ensembles, such as the Brooklyn Raga Massive, and the Detroit-based National Arab Orchestra. Additionally, he has enjoyed fruitful collaborations with Simon Shaheen, Paquito D’Rivera, Anat Cohen, and Darol Anger.

The George Crotty Trio’s Chronotope (2022) showcases the world-jazz outfit’s expressive fluidity and modal orientation. Their cross-cultural interplay draws on modal jazz, Indian raga, and Arabic maqam. One half of the Loose Roots Duo with West Coast fiddler Gabriel Dubreuil, the Canadian cellist also performs in a unique solo setting that explores his Irish and Jewish heritage. 

Crotty has performed at Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Koerner Hall, Savannah Music Festival, Globalfest, Newport Folk Festival and the Vancouver Jazz Festival. He was invited to play at the prestigious New Directions Cello Festival and has toured internationally playing Bogotá, São Paulo, Berlin, and Paris. Crotty toured North America with 10-time Tony-winning Broadway musical, “The Band’s Visit,” and played on the video game soundtrack for “Assassin’s Creek Mirage.”