Bio

“A brilliant young violinist, with a musical maturity way beyond his years” – Alan Western, describing George Jackson, an exciting, young and energetic seventh generation fiddler. Regular performances throughout Australia and New Zealand see George as both an important bearer of tradition and an innovator. Recent accolades include; 2012 Golden Fiddle Award for “Best Fiddler”, The Australian Youth Bluegrass Scholarship 2012, Winning the CMAA Australian Fiddle and Banjo Championships in 2010 and ’11 along with the FAA Young Australian Folk Musician 2010.

Music is George’s greatest passion, inspired by the contrasting styles of Bluegrass,Celtic, and Jazz. No music is a boundary, yet no detail overlooked.

In the Beginning: Born 2nd of July 1989 in Christchurch, New Zealand, George Jackson grew up on the sounds of Folk and Bluegrass fed in wholesome doses by his parents Alistair and Karen. Handed his first fiddle at the age of 4, George squeaked his way onstage at age 9 to join his parents and brother forming the family band “Fiddlesticks”. As a family the Jackson’s toured to every corner of their home land of New Zealand for 7 years before moving to Australia in 2005 to continue their journey and extend their audience.

Performance: Now at the age of 23, George Jackson is an accomplished touring musician, so far he has performed extensively through out Australia, New Zealand as well as Scotland and South Korea, appearing at major music festivals as a soloist and as member of many bands. From age 16 – 19 George performed with Fiddlesticks in Australia touring for the Queensland Arts Council “Ontour in Schools” and “Ontour by Request” touring programs, all the while finishing High School by Correspondence. 2007 and 2011 saw George perform at the Wonju Tattoo in South Korea as a dancer and fiddler for the “NZ Highland Dancers”. In 2011 George completed a one month tour of Scotland with the Bluegrass unit “Present Company”, it was an inspiring month featuring performances at 3 festivals along side some of the biggest name Scottish musicians and also performing many concerts around the country. Most recently George has gone on to complete his Bachelor of Music majoring in Jazz Violin performance at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music.

Bands: George’s main focus at the moment is with Brisbane based bluegrass band, “The Company”. Check them out at http://www.thecompanybluegrass.com/

“The Company” has just released a brand new CD, below are some recent reviews:

• “The Company’s latest recording is fantastic! Totally caught me by surprise. This band is raising the bar for acoustic musicians in Australia.” - Hamish Davidson of the Davidson Brothers, 3-time Golden Guitar winner.

• Genre-busting, style-defying, marker-staking, bar-raisingly good. I know I am not alone in considering these guys to be the best band in town. Much of the country agrees. Or soon will, if this is their first taste. -Nick Weinert, Brisbane Folk Rag.

George has performed in many band situations and genres, the deep passion for Folk and Bluegrass however is seeing George focus in on some truly exciting projects. Keep your eyes peeled!

• Bluegrass has been a deep passion since the age of 14 when the Banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck was first brought to George’s attention. Bluegrass bands George has performed in recently include; “Twisted Oak” with long time friend and collaborator Daniel Watkins, And “Present Company” who released a CD “Included” in 2011, to which Greg McGrath from the Australian Bluegrass Blog described as: “A complex juxtaposition of guitar, mandolin, banjo and fiddle”, “This is a great piece of work.”  
• George’s innovative Celtic fiddle approach “Sometimes jaunty, sometimes mournful” -Trad and Now Magazine, Australia; has seen him perform many Celtic Fiddle gigs on the Australian Folk Festival Circuit. In 2011 George released his self titled EP featuring 7 tracks of original compositions, the merit from this CD saw George awarded the high honour of 2012 Golden Fiddle Award for “Best Fiddler”. In 2008, along with Guitarist/Dancer Davydd McDonald, saw the release of George’s first Celtic CD “Succession” described as “A contemporary sounding album that maintains a traditional feel – no easy feat.” -NZ Musician Magazine.
• As a session Musician George’s experience includes fiddling on tour for country bands “The Australian Bluegrass All Stars”, “The Roys”, “The Pigs”, “The McClymonts” and the “Garth Brooks Tribute show” as well as call-in performances and recordings with many Country singers and local Brisbane and Melbourne bands.

Currently: George has just finished his bachelor of music majoring in Jazz Violin at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and is working on the newest Bluegrass Unit “The Company”, featuring Michael Patrick, Jamie Clark and Markus Karlsen. After being awarded the Australian Bluegrass Scholarship in January 2012 George is very excited about his recent travel to the United States in July (2012) where he learnt off many of his musical heroes! This has provided much inspiration and many new creative options are aligning. Check out the gigs page for any local gigs or Festivals George will be appearing at.