George Petit has been a working musician, composer, arranger, engineer and producer for the better part of 37 years, playing his very first 'gig' at the age of 13 in a West-end, London Pub.but even before that, he performed as a young musician at Carnegie Hall and on Broadway at the Palace Theater in New York City. Music has been his passion and primary focus for his entire life. Starting piano lessons at age 5, Petit has enjoyed many years leading groups and performing on guitar and bass in a variety of genres and musical situations all over the world.

Petit has three groups with which he performs regularly in the NYC jazz clubs. A trio, including acoustic bass and drums; a quartet with the addition of keyboards; and a larger group, either in quintet form or septet form. All three groups play Petit's original compositions from cd's END OF AUGUST and from PATACHOU.as well as more recent compositions - Petit is always writing new material. The groups occasionally perform Petit's arrangements of his favorite standards and 'covers' by other artists. An audience can expect a high level of improvisation, interaction and energy with all three bands. Both cd's have been extremely well reviewed by Jazz publications such as JazzTimes, Allaboutjazz.com, Downbeat, etc.

Over the years, Petit has performed at numerous Jazz Festivals and Clubs with his groups.sharing the stage with or opening for the likes of: McCoy Tyner, John Scofield, Joe Henderson, Tito Puente, James Carter, Betty Carter, Joe Lovano, Joshua Redman, Brian Blade, etc.

Petit is also actively involved in the music of other artists, with over 60 cd releases as either a Producer or Engineer - and as a sideman. Petit has worked in NYC and Brazil with a long list of top musicians and composers such as: Terrence Blanchard, Donald Harrison, Jeff Ballard, Dafnis Prieto, Cyrus Chestnut, Carl Allen, Donny McCaslin, Gene Bertoncini, Seamus Blake, Allison Miller, Alan Ferber, Tuto Ferraz, Matt Brewer, Mark Ferber, Mike Clark, Hans Glawischnig, Drew Zingg, Don Alias, Mark Whitfield, Yaniel Matos, Ugonna Okegwo, Quincy Davis, Paul Carlon, Jimmy Ponder, Onaje Allen Gumbs, Victor Lewis, Steve Hass, Thiago Espirito Santo, Ricardo Mosca, Paula Lima, Portinho, Yosvani Terry, Carlinhos Noronha, Matt Backer, etc.

In addition, Petit has composed music for film, television and radio.for advertising, special project documentaries and adventure video projects.

George Petit studied at The Haberdasher's Aske School in England, Aiglon College in Switzerland, Vassar College in New York and The Musicians Institute in Los Angeles. He has taught master classes in music and audio production at Aiglon College as a returning guest professor and at Na Cena recording studios in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Petit's discography, credits, etc can be viewed at:
www.petitjazz.com
www.myspace.com/georgepetit

"Petit's liquid guitar melodies will warm up any tune! He starts off with "Only Trust Your Heart", a cover of a Benny Carter tune that reminded us of Earl Klugh. George wrote 77% of the music and it is all fresh. We liked his work on "Bijou", "Montreux" and "Off Center" complimented by Justin Flynn's tenor sax solo. Petit plays solo guitar of two tracks and adds vocals on two others giving the session lots of variety. This is a strong effort worthy of repeated play!"

- D. Oscar Groomes , O's Place Jazz Newsletter


"Petit is that rare breed of musician who has not only excelled as a total guitarist and multi-instrumentalist, but is also an accomplished recording studio engineer. This disc pellucidly demonstrates these attributes. Petit has a weakness for the bossa nova as demonstrated by his renditions of "Only Trust Your Heart" and "S'Wonderful". He also has a yen for the kind of off-kilter harmonics heard on some Steely Dan tracks. The crystalline clarity of the recording is readily apparent. Special mention goes to sideman Justin Flynn for some stirring flute and reed contributions."

- John Stevenson , E-Jazz News


"End Of August is the close of one cycle and the start of a new one for guitarist-singer-songwriter George Walker Petit who express in the liner notes of the album, "These ends of the Augusts of '05 and '06 signaled both an end and a new start for me. This music mourns that end and celebrates that start." Petit accomplishes this task by creating arrangements that feel intimate for the audience, as if the music was expressly designed for their listening pleasure. End Of August is Petit's second solo jazz album as a leader and moves with a suave gait from track to track adhering to a smooth jazz etiquette and a textural palate that radiates like moonbeams over the ocean waves."

- Susan Frances , JazzReview.com


"I've been listening a lot to this George Petit CD (End of August) -- this guy is very talented and I dig this album a lot. For one thing, George's playing has real style. He's also a very impressive, experienced player, but it's equally important to have a sound of your own--George does. He manages to play quick, complicated riffs with nimbleness and without getting too showy. It's a great album."

- David Avery, Powderfinger Promotions


"With ...End of August, Petit shows himself to be a sensitive composer and player, with an emotional honesty that really comes through.The man really can play guitar both acoustic finger style and electric.The record is crisp and clear and the mixing is expertly done, as one would expect.The arrangements are top notch and allow the other musicians, especially Justin Flynn on reeds and flute, to shine. .End Of August is a very fine piece of work... and one must laud Petit for his efforts in every aspect of its creation."

- Budd Kopman, ALLABOUTJAZZ magazine


"His needling, light-touch play proves disarming in the many diverse settings represented here...each piece is given space to develop and grow with its dynamics. The guitarist...knows the value of careful layering..."

- JazzTimes


"Petit's music is honest, real, and played from the heart with a beautiful touch and a smile you can feel. It's a gift:one he so obviously enjoys sharing. They say 'tis better to give than to receive, but based on how this record makes me feel, I'm not so sure about that. Thank you, George."

- Ann Wickstrom, freelance music journalist