George Brown Ansambel

Part of the Sierra Madre Playhouse Jazz Series, curated by Greg Porée

George Brown Ansambel is a dynamic, boundary-crossing sextet whose instrumentation, background, and musical vision reflect a richly diverse cultural and stylistic identity. The group draws from roots in jazz, world music, folk traditions and chamber-inspired ensemble interplay, creating a sound world that is both sophisticated and immediate.

Onstage you’ll encounter a collection of highly skilled instrumentalists—horns, reeds, strings, percussion, rhythm section—that weave together improvisation, composed material and rhythmic drive. The sextet operates with the precision of a chamber ensemble and the momentum of a jazz group, moving seamlessly through melodies, ensemble voicings and individual solos.

What audiences can expect:

• A program that features original compositions alongside uniquely arranged works—some steeped in global traditions, others shaped by jazz grooves, modern harmonies, and unexpected textures.
• An evening of musical storytelling: the ensemble uses contrast and interplay—quiet lyric passages next to propulsive grooves, subtle motifs next to bold statements—to invite listeners into an immersive journey.
• Strong ensemble cohesion with space for individual voices: every player contributes to the collective sound, yet there are moments of spotlight and spontaneity, where solos emerge naturally from the group fabric.
• Cross-cultural resonance: you might hear rhythms, timbres or melodic material that hints at Latin American, African, Asian or Eastern European influences, integrated into a contemporary ensemble context rather than presented as “world music” pastiche.
• A sonic experience that rewards attentive listening: while the grooves and energy draw you in, the harmonic nuance, chamber-like textures, and polished ensemble work invite you to lean into the details, listen for the smaller gestures, and appreciate how the group inhabits its sonic space.

In short: George Brown Ansambel offers a performance that is at once polished and vibrant, globally aware and locally grounded, structured and spontaneous. For listeners who enjoy the intersection of jazz, chamber music and world-influenced sound, this sextet delivers a rich, multifaceted experience.

Tickets: $35