In a 75-minute Zoom session, noted saxophonist George Brooks and sitarist Arjun Verma engage in discussion and performance to explore a fundamental characteristic of both jazz and Indian classical music: improvisation.

George Brooks is a prolific saxophonist and composer, acclaimed for successfully bridging the worlds of jazz and Indian classical music. He is the founder of several influential fusion groups including Summit with Zakir Hussain, Steve Smith, Kai Eckhardt and Fareed Haque; Bombay Jazz with Larry Coryell and Ronu Majumdar; the Raga Bop Trio with Steve Smith and Carnatic guitarist Prasanna and Elements with Indian violinist Kala Ramnath and Dutch harpist Gwyneth Wentink.

Arjun Verma has been performing for over 25 years, at venues including the United Nations (Geneva), the Fillmore (San Francisco), Fox Theater (Oakland), Pattee Arena (Monterey), the New School (New York), Birmingham Museum of Art and Prague Castle, and has also been featured on NBC Bay Area. A 2020 Mosaic Fellow, Arjun has emerged with a unique voice on the sitar—both within the tradition of North Indian classical music and through his innovative cross-genre collaborations.

Making the Mosaic is a new series of online events that explore our diversity by engaging with community members to share what being an American means to them. An initiative of Silicon Valley nonprofit Sangam Arts, it provides a virtual forum where audiences and special guests share stories and performances about their journeys to “belonging” in America. More information at sangamarts.org.

georgebrooks.com
arjun-verma.com

Videos

Brighter Days – Kala Ramnath and George Brooks

Seven Spices (Covid Collaboration)

Arjun Verma, Jack Perla, Javad Butah: Sitar, Piano, and Tabla Improvising Together

Arjun Verma and Florian Schiertz: Raga Miyan ki Malhar on Sitar (Live in Prague)