Singer and breakneck acoustic guitarist George Cole lives in a musical world all his own.... a world in which Django Reinhardt, The Ramones, Nat King Cole and Doc Watson get equal billing with Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Willie Nelson and the Great American Songbook. Cole currently occupies the guitar chair for the David Grisman Quintet and has 2 releases on Grisman’s highly regarded Acoustic Disc Label. George was guitar teacher and mentor to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt of Green Day for 10 years in the East Bay. Cole, a San Francisco native and BAMMIE award winner brings an expertise to his guitar playing and singing that is filtered through Rock and Roll, Gypsy Jazz and All things American. The music he makes brings to mind the old adage “Everything Old Is New Again”. David Grisman tapped Cole to play on his most recent Sextet record and Cole in turn featured Grisman on his release “George Cole Live”. Jazz legend Keely Smith handpicked Cole to play guitar and sing duets with her on her last tour. Chris Isaak also had Cole lay down guitar tracks on his platinum selling Forever Blue release. Cole is currently performing at festivals, performing arts centers, top nightclubs, and vintage theaters. Watch and listen for yourself!
Quotes
“George Cole is a major guitar talent who plays everything from gypsy jazz to rhythm & blues. It’s been a great experience playing my music with him and he’s helped me take Dawg music in many new and wonderful directions. He can sing too!” - David Grisman
"George Cole was more than a guitar teacher to me. He was a mentor that talked about great music, great songs, good taste, and everything in between. I feel grateful and lucky that he showed me how to express myself with a guitar" - Billie Joe Armstrong
"George Cole, guitar guru at the forefront of style" - Anthony Sauro, Stockton Record
"...Timeless romance and virtuosic marvel." - Jean Bartlett, San Jose Mercury News
"George Cole is one of the tastiest guitarists around. His licks, inspired by the greats of Gypsy jazz, put a new spin on an old tradition." Ethan Roberts, Musical Director/Guitarist for Katy Perry, Selena Gomez and former student of George Cole
"Think of the evergreen songs of George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin heated to a Django Reinhardt swing, and you've got the infectious gist of the music of George Cole" - Lawrence B. Johnson, The Detroit News
"George Cole has a sound that incorporates some of the finest elements of '30s-era European and American music. Cole's excellent Django-style guitar work and his band's enticing instrumental and vocal harmonies make them a must-see for any fan of vintage jazz." - Art Thompson, Senior Editor, Guitar Player Magazine
"… Cole's guitar playing is a marvel to see up close, his fingers leaping all over the fret board, his pick churning out the notes with a velocity and verve that would make Django Reinhardt proud. This night was all about musicianship, of the highest order." - Joe Sweeney, The Buffalo News
"I started studying with George when I was a teen. Jazz, Rock, Blues & Country, George could handle it all. His passion for teaching & musicianship, always striving to get better, still inspires me years later!! I wouldn't be half the musician I am today if it wasn't for George!!" - Danny Jones, Guitarist