Kazemde George - Ocean Passage (2026)

Brooklyn-based saxophonist Kazemde George, a rising star in modern improvised music, creates unique musical landscapes by blending different traditions from within the African diaspora, from Bebop to Rumba, Bossa Nova, Hip Hop, and more. With his Harvard neurobiology background and New England Conservatory jazz mastery, George’s innovative compositions and profound musicianship have established him as one of today’s most exciting and intellectually compelling artists.

Born to Caribbean parents, and raised in Berkeley, California, Kazemde George’s musical journey spans diverse traditions, guided by his scientific curiosity about African musical expressions. After studying under jazz luminaries like Miguel Zenón, Jason Moran, and Jerry Bergonzi, George’s artistry expanded significantly during a ten-month Peabody Gardner Fellowship in Cuba. His acclaimed 2021 debut album, I Insist (Greenleaf Music), showcases his distinctive voice in modern jazz. George has shared stages with influential artists including Solange Knowles, David Murray, and Jason Moran, performing at prestigious venues from Lincoln Center to international festivals like Panama Jazz Festival and AfroPunk. His work represents a thoughtful convergence of tradition and innovation, connecting musical threads of the African diaspora while pushing jazz’s boundaries with analytical precision and emotional depth.