ABOUT
George Kramarski is a Colombian-born bassist whose performance career spans continents, genres, and stages, establishing him as a dynamic voice in contemporary jazz and improvised music. Based in New York City, George has become a trusted and in-demand collaborator for artists across jazz, fusion, R&B, alternative, Latin, and Americana scenes, with an expressive style defined by rhythmic clarity, melodic inventiveness, and deep-rooted musical sensitivity.
He has performed as a lead bassist at internationally recognized venues and festivals, including The Blue Note (NY), Nublu, Williamsburg Music Center, Rockwood Music Hall, and 54 Below, as well as the Panama Jazz Festival (2019), Festival Chile Jazz por la Paz (2019), and Villa Jazz Festival (2022). His work has also been featured in UNESCO-sponsored events, including the Women Power Series (2020), where he arranged and performed a tribute to Colombian folkloric icon and Latin Grammy winner Petrona Martínez, and International Jazz Day (2021), where he took part in a performance honoring Grammy-winning Panamanian pianist Danilo Pérez.
George’s debut album as a bandleader, Songs of Tides and Feathers, was released in spring 2025. A deeply personal collection of original compositions and jazz tributes, the project draws on his Colombian roots and artistic background, blending them with elements of the jazz tradition and a strong sense of collective improvisation. The album highlights his global influences, narrative sensibility, and evolving compositional voice, while offering a space for cultural exchange through music.
In 2024, George was selected through a competitive audition to represent New York University in the Promising Artists of the 21st Century program, a cultural exchange initiative organized by the Centro Cultural Costarricense Norteamericano and supported by the U.S. State Department. The program brings talented young American musicians to Costa Rica for a week of performances, cultural immersion, and collaboration with local communities. During the tour, George performed at venues across the country, including a featured appearance at the U.S. Embassy’s Fourth of July Gala in San José, and co-led masterclasses at national music schools and community centers. The experience further deepened his commitment to cross-cultural collaboration and music education.
With over a decade of experience as a performer, George has shared the stage and studio with an array of celebrated musicians. His collaborations span internationally touring ensembles and rising voices across New York’s creative scene. Known for his ability to navigate complex musical environments with sensitivity and groove, he brings a distinctive musical voice to every performance, whether as a sideman or leading his own quartet.
In parallel, George contributes meaningfully to music education. He has served as an adjunct instructor and currently works as an accompanist at New York University, where he earned a Master of Music in Jazz Performance and was honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award in Jazz Studies and the Steinhardt Music Talent Scholarship. At NYU, he studied with internationally acclaimed artists such as Ari Hoenig and Dezron Douglas, and performed in ensembles directed by jazz legends John Scofield and Chris Potter. He has also performed alongside highly respected musicians including Dave Pietro, Mike Rodriguez, Rogerio Boccato, Brad Shepik, and Alan Ferber.
George was awarded a merit-based scholarship to pursue an Artist Diploma through the Comprovisation Project in Chile, an advanced academic program led by pianist and educator Orion Morales. Selected for his outstanding artistic promise, he participated in intensive workshops and performances focused on contemporary improvisation and collaborative creation across Latin America. The program also featured masterclasses with world-renowned artists including Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci, Miguel Zenón, and Luciana Souza.
He also holds a Bachelor of Music in Performance (Magna Cum Laude) from Berklee College of Music, with a minor in Music Production and Engineering. During his time at Berklee, he studied with Oscar Stagnaro, Lincoln Goines, James Genus, Mike Pope, and Jason Palmer. Their mentorship helped shape his deeply rooted yet forward-thinking musical approach.
Complementing his artistic education, George earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Universidad de Los Andes in Bogotá, one of Colombia’s most respected and internationally recognized universities. This training strengthened his analytical thinking, discipline, and collaborative leadership, which continue to inform his work as a composer, ensemble leader, and educator.
His work has been recognized by international cultural institutions and media outlets including UNESCO, Caracol Radio, Radiónica, El Mostrador, Blu Radio, and No Treble magazine. These features underscore the cultural relevance and artistic merit of his contributions. Whether on stage, in the studio, or in the classroom, George continues to build a career rooted in collaboration, versatility, and a deep commitment to the transformative power of music.
