Anuta & George Band

Anuta & George is an international, truly unique jazz rock / fusion band, based out of Boston . Some have described their music as a "refreshingly new approach to jazz". The core of the phenomenon is the collaboration of two talented composers and electric guitarists Anuta Elioutina and George Lesiw. An electric bass player Steve Husted and a drummer Gil Hawkins Jr. bring their exceptional musicality and fluency in various styles to make the band a success. Anuta grew up in Moscow listening to classical music and multinational folk ensembles of the former Soviet Union. George was brought up on America's own jazz and blues. Their diverse backgrounds and common passions blend, creating a new style, that captures the attention of the imaginative and sophisticated listener. The other two members of Anuta & George create a top-notch rhythm section. Steve developed into a serious jazz bass player gigging all over the West Coast and playing with jazz legends Kenny Burrell and Billy Higgins. His main influences are John Patitucchi and Marcus Miller. Gil has the most years under his belt. He began playing professionally in the late seventies on the New Haven jazz scene. One of his bands opened for Dizzy Gillespie during the "Taste of New Haven Festival" in 1980's. The overall sound of the group could be compared to John Scofield's 1999-2001 funk band. The up-tempo tunes have the fluidity of Mike Stern's be-bopping lines and shaking grooves of Scott Henderson's fast funk. The slower compositions contain all the softness of Mingus ballads. The band started when Anuta and George met at Berklee College of Music. After Anuta & George's first public performances in New Haven clubs, the band went on tour to Moscow, where they played in numerous festivals and venues. Upon their return to the US Anuta & George recorded their first album "Chill Mama". Today they are working hard, performing widely between Boston and New Haven. The musicians are determined to build a big name, create their own niche in the musical world and deliver their message to a new listener.