George Spanos

George Spanos, originally from Greece, is an internationally acclaimed drummer who is based in New York. He started taking piano lessons at the age of eight, continuing at the age of fourteen with his studies of modern drums and percussion. Spanos' recent highlights include performances with John Zorn, Ikue Mori, Juini Booth, Lawrence Clark, Marc Ribot, On ka'a Davis, Sylvie Courvoisier, Erik Friendlander, Steve Swell, Miles Griffith, The Downtown Avengers and many other incredible artists. Spanos has appeared in concerts and jazz festivals as a guest in Europe, United States and Canada. His versatile background and education has enabled him to perform as a classical percussionist with world-renowned orchestras (Symphony Orchestra of Iasi) and known music ensembles at the most famous Greek venues (Megaron Mousikis-Athens Cncert Hall, Ancient Agora, Half Note Jazz Club, Pailas Theater and Thessaloniki Concert Hall.) Spanos has studied with Francisco Mela, Victor Jones and has attended seminars and master classes with Antonio Sanchez, Brice Wassy, Ron Savage, Gary Burton, Horacio el negro Hernandez, and Thomas Lang. His latest album, Dreams Beyond, featuring George (drums and sound efx), Ikue Mori, On Ka’a Davis (guitar), and Ben Stapp (tub) was released on Evolver Records in March 2014. Dreams Beyond is a bold mix of Ornette Coleman and John Coltrane inspired free jazz, John Zorn-esque Downtown NYC avant-garde, and a touch of electronic soundscapes. His first personal recording Jungle of Illusions, which he co-arranged, co-produced, c and omposed and recorded the drums/percussion with Yiannis Kassetas (sax, arranger, composer, producer) released by Puzzlemusik in Europe and by Blue Truffle Music in the United States, received great critical acclaim among the critics and their peers.