George Koller
George Koller
George Koller is a bassist, producer, composer, multi-instrumentalist and promoter of jazz, world and folk music through concerts and his home grown label ZSAN Records (the zenith of science art and nature). In a wildly diverse and expansive career, he has worked with everyone, including Peter Gabriel, Eartha Kitt, Chaka Khan, Eddie Harris, Loreena Mckennitt, David Clayton-Thomas, Jim McCarty (The Yardbirds), Ian Tyson, The Shuffle Demons, Laila Biali, John Mcdermott, Larry Coryell, Karrin Allyson, Phil Woods, Michael Mcdonald, Carvin Winans, Sonny Stitt, Valdy, Eliana Cuevas and Holly Cole and many others.
A prolific composer, producer and bassist, George plays a variety of instruments many of which are featured on his award-winning debut solo album “Music for Plants, Animals and Humans”. He has performer/bassist/ credits on over 1600 albums in various genres and producer credits on at least 250 albums. Some recent producer credits include: Laila Biali, Fern Lindzon, Eliana Cuevas, David Clayton-Thomas, Rita Chiarelli, Monsoon, Near East, June Garber, Lara Solnicki, Julie Michels, Linda Carone, Shuffle Demons,Toronto Tabla Ensemble, and Jim McCarty of the Yardbirds. George has also recorded numerous yoga/meditation/wellness albums such as Cello by the Sea, India, Bali, Breathing for Relaxation, Peaceful Harmony, Zen Tranquility, Zen Harmony, Zen Serenity, Rest Well for labels such as Dan Gibson's 'Solitudes', Sommerset Records and Avalon Records.
George was awarded the HMV "fresh blood" grand prize, has been voted National Jazz Awards “Bassist of the Year”, has a Toronto Star critics award and 2 “Porcupine” awards and has been on many Juno award-nominated and winning albums. His latest solo album is called “Secret Space Program”. George continues to release digital singles on his ZSAN Records label and in 2020 has begun a special series of singles from various artists recorded in studio sessions called "Orphan Songs", where he is highlighting unique and stand alone compositions that have not found their homes in an album.
Born in 1958 and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, George was fortunate to have great teachers and a thriving musical community to work in. Tommy Banks, Big Miller, Bob Stroup and Judi Singh were his mentors. George studied classical music at the University of Alberta and jazz at Grant McCewan University, where he also became the bass instructor. George then moved to Calgary during what he would describe as an artistic renaissance period and he flourished as a gigging jazz musician and studio session player. In 1984, at age 26, George moved to his now home Toronto. He has toured Canada at least 35 times, the USA, Mexico, Cuba, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, Brazil, Ecuador, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Bulgaria, Netherlands, Australia, Belgium, Japan, China, Thailand, Korea, Estonia, Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, India, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, South Africa and New Zealand.
https://www.zsanrecords.com/georgekoller
Productions/Recordings/Films
OTHER PERFORMANCES
Songbook with Sarah Slean (2009) - Kitchener, ON
Songbook with Sarah Slean (2009) - Toronto, ON
Songbook with Sarah Slean (2009)- Belleville, ON
Songbook with Sarah Slean (2009) - Ottawa, ON
Songbook with Sarah Slean (2009) - Peterborough, ON
Songbook with Sarah Slean (2009) - Prince Albert, SK
Songbook with Sarah Slean (2009) - Sherwood Park, AB
Abbey Road (2015) - Banff, AB
Songbook with Sarah Slean (2023) - Elora, ON
Photos by John Lauener
