george garford | saxophonist / composer / improviser

George Garford is a saxophonist, composer and improviser active in the UK's intersecting contemporary jazz & improvised music scenes. Hailing from Cambridgeshire, and based in London since 2017, Garford has established himself as a prolific creative collaborator. Known for his distinct sound on the alto, Garford’s unique sensibility compliments a variety of ensembles and projects.

Garford leads IDEASTHESIA, the contemporary jazz group that explores his original material. He also writes & plays with the post-fusion group dreamscapes & co-leads free-improvising quartet let forever be delayed.

Garford frequently collaborates, records, performs & tours with musicians such as Josh Walker-Martin, Julien Durand, Dan Kemshell, Tara Cunningham, Olivia Murphy, Olly Chalk, Torin Davies, Sam Eastmond, John Bisset, Huw V Williams, Cameron Scott, Myra Brownbridge, Leo Morland, Julia Brüssel & Caius Williams.

Currently, Garford co-curates the monthly cult improvised music club ~ ‘the pool’ ~ alongside lap steel guitarist John Bisset. In the heart of Stoke Newington (where the connections to improvised music run deep) they program improvised music in the unique setting of an underground swimming pool.

Committed to supporting the capital’s grassroots circuits, he ran another gig series dubbed 'FUTUREPROOF residency' throughout 2024. Equally, he can regularly be heard at established UK venues including The Vortex, Cafe OTO, Ronnie Scott's, The Jazz Cafe & The Royal Albert Hall. Recently, he has made multiple international appearances with highlights including original music gigs in Paris, Zurich, Guanajuato & Morelos.

photos | https://www.shrutinagaraj.net/