VOLUMES Performance with George Burton

About George Burton

George Burton is an NAACP Image Award–nominated pianist, composer, producer, and multidisciplinary artist whose work moves fluidly across jazz, classical, electronic, and experimental sound worlds. A Yamaha Piano Artist and Philadelphia native, Burton has been recognized for his fearless approach and emotional depth by outlets including NPR, The New York Times, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. His music blends improvisation, technology, visual influence, and narrative design into a dynamic language that continually expands the possibilities of contemporary music.

Burton’s celebrated albums—The Truth Of What I Am > The Narcissist, Reciprocity, The Yule Log, and White Noise—document a powerful creative evolution. Reciprocity earned a nomination for Outstanding Instrumental Jazz Album at the NAACP Image Awards, while his short film/music video Finding received multiple international honors, including Best Music Video at the Festigious Film Festival and additional recognition from Oniros and Top Shorts. The Yule Log was praised by LA Jazz Scene as “a stunning package of musical surprises,” and White Noise has been highlighted by DownBeat, Relix, JAZZIZ, and Vinyl Rewind for its innovative fusion of modular synths, Xhosa rhythms, and expansive jazz improvisation.

As a performer, Burton has appeared on stages around the world—from the Newport Jazz Festival and The Kimmel Center to major venues and festivals across Europe, Africa, and the Americas—and was featured on NPR’s Jazz Night in America. His collaborations extend across generations and disciplines, including work with Shabaka Hutchings, Marquis Hill, the Sun Ra Arkestra, and countless other artists past and present, as well as orchestras and ensembles such as the Philly Pops and Choral Chameleon.

A multidimensional composer and arranger, Burton’s work spans choral, orchestral, electronic, visual, and interdisciplinary forms. His commissions for Choral Chameleon—including Día de los Muertos and Grandpa’s Face—showcase his deep sense of harmony, texture, story, and spatial sensitivity. Across all of his projects, Burton continues to explore how sound interacts with movement, light, culture, and identity—crafting experiences where tradition and experimentation coexist in powerful, unexpected ways.

Burton will also perform at LOW END, Bemis's venue dedicated to sound art and experimental music, on Friday, February 20 at 8 PM. Learn more.

Admission is free; ticket reservations are encouraged.