Tahoe Music Alive proudly presents the George Cotsirilos Quartet, featuring one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s most respected and expressive jazz guitarists in a program of inventive, deeply swinging modern jazz.

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Originally from Chicago, George Cotsirilos has been an integral part of the Bay Area jazz community for many years, earning a reputation for lyrical phrasing, harmonic sophistication, and a distinctive voice that blends straight-ahead jazz, blues, and classical influences. Over the course of his career, he has performed with a remarkable range of artists, from Bay Area jazz legends such as Eddie Marshall, Mel Martin, and Mark Levine to internationally renowned figures including Etta James, Pharaoh Sanders, and the soul-jazz vocal group The Whispers.

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Cotsirilos’ most recent quartet recording, Refuge (OA2 Records), released in 2022, has been widely praised by critics and audiences alike. Named a DownBeat Editors’ Pick and reaching the Top 30 on the JazzWeek radio charts. The music on Refuge pushed into bluesier, more challenging territory than the quartet’s previous release, Mostly In Blue (named one of DownBeat’s best recordings of 2018).

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This quartet’s sound is defined by intelligent interplay and a rare balance between structure and spontaneity. Guitar and piano often function as equal partners, trading ideas and supporting each other in imaginative ways, while Fisher’s bass lines provide both melodic counterpoint and rock-solid rhythmic grounding. Tanna’s drumming adds propulsion and subtlety, shaping the music’s dynamic arc. Cotsirilos’ compositions are deceptively complex. They are marked by unexpected intervals, rich harmonic movement, and rhythmic tension; yet they remain tuneful, memorable, and deeply engaging.

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Cotsirilos’ earlier trio and solo recordings have also earned high praise. His trio albums Past Present and Variations were lauded for their fluidity and cohesion, while his solo classical-jazz guitar release Silenciosa was described by All About Jazz as “a superb solo guitar recital.” A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Cotsirilos studied jazz with Warren Nunes and classical guitar through the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

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This concert promises an evening of nuanced musicianship, soulful swing, and inspired collaboration. It is an ideal showcase for jazz lovers seeking depth, energy, and artistry.

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WORKSHOP: The Art of Musical Conversation

Church of the Mountains, Truckee, 2-4 PM

 

How do musicians create something new together in real time?

 

Join acclaimed guitarist George Cotsirilos and members of his quartet for an interactive exploration of jazz improvisation, listening, and musical communication. Through conversation, live demonstrations, and opportunities for participant engagement, the quartet will share how they transform a simple musical idea into a spontaneous, expressive performance.

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Rather than focusing on improvisation as a set of rules, this workshop explores it as a process of listening, responding, taking risks, and building trust—skills that resonate with musicians of every background. Participants will gain insight into how melody, harmony, rhythm, and ensemble interplay come together to create music that is both structured and fresh in every performance. The George Cotsirilos Quartet is celebrated for its lyrical phrasing, rich harmonic language, and the conversational interplay that defines its performances.

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Whether you're a jazz musician, a classical performer curious about improvisation, an educator, or simply fascinated by the creative process, you'll come away with a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind making music in the moment.

Ideal for:

• Intermediate to advanced instrumentalists

• Jazz and classical musicians

• Music educators and students of all ages

• Curious listeners interested in the creative process

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​FREE: No-cost reservations requested.

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SEE ALSO:

April 20: The ATTACCA Quartet

May 3: California Guitar Trio

May 30: Dan Tepfer at the Piano

July 2: The Dolphins Quartet

September 10: Trio Bohémo

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