George Heid III

"Throughout a lifetime in music, we artists come across many collaborators who touch us and spark growth in our own musical identity. It’s much more elusive however, to find someone you truly consider to be “Musical Family” and in George Heid III, I met a Brother for life. Even from the time we were teenagers, George had a musical identity, a vision, and a seriousness for the gravity of the music he loved. His musicality represents the great lineage of Pittsburgh drummers before him, playing with fire and heart beyond his years, even as we were just kids!


It wasn’t until we began formally recording together in the band Elevations that I really became aware of George’s other gifts beyond the drum set. I believe him to be one of the preeminent Jazz composers of my generation, and have always found his original compositions to be remarkably genuine, full of integrity, and evocative of everything we all love and appreciate about Jazz and the continuum of Black American Music. The icing on the cake is realizing on many of his self- produced tracks, he’s not only arranging and engineering the music himself, but in many cases he’s also playing highly musical piano. He is the rarest of humble super-talents, and is deserving of great appreciation for the music he shares with the world.
" — Benny Benack III

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"Throughout a lifetime in music, we artists come across many collaborators who touch us and spark growth in our own musical identity. It’s much more elusive however, to find someone you truly consider to be “Musical Family” and in George Heid III, I met a Brother for life. Even from the time we were teenagers, George had a musical identity, a vision, and a seriousness for the gravity of the music he loved. His musicality represents the great lineage of Pittsburgh drummers before him, playing with fire and heart beyond his years, even as we were just kids!


It wasn’t until we began formally recording together in the band Elevations that I really became aware of George’s other gifts beyond the drum set. I believe him to be one of the preeminent Jazz composers of my generation, and have always found his original compositions to be remarkably genuine, full of integrity, and evocative of everything we all love and appreciate about Jazz and the continuum of Black American Music. The icing on the cake is realizing on many of his self- produced tracks, he’s not only arranging and engineering the music himself, but in many cases he’s also playing highly musical piano. He is the rarest of humble super-talents, and is deserving of great appreciation for the music he shares with the world.
" — Benny Benack III

"In this fast and constantly changing planet some souls are meant to listen, search, learn and offer the understanding of the endless span of beauty they will encounter. George has such a soul and a heart, and above all, ears. He will construct an architecture of elegant music blending the ingredients of universal collective memory through rhythms, melodies and textures collected worldwide. He has some of the seeds we need to enjoy his journey and discover his unique path." — Steve Shehan

"Not only is George a great drummer, he is an incredible songwriter, composer, arranger, and producer. Even more so a beautiful person. I’ve been making music with George since we were teenagers and I’m always amazed by his ability to be so in tune with the moment. He plays with fire, soul, and intuition and always takes you on a journey. George speaks from the heart and you hear it and feel it in everything he touches." — Brett Williams

"When George asked me to contribute to Wisdom Path I was enthusiastic, but when I first heard the music I was completely blown away. The final iteration is impeccably crafted, soulful, poignant, colorful, grooving, and perhaps above all else, an intimate revelation of incredibly personal artistic reflection. George's writing is a unique textural playground, blending sonic imagery of the East, West, and everywhere in between. I'm proud to have been called to lend my sound to this work. Do check it out!" — Victor Provost

"Working with George Heid III on Wisdom Path was truly an amazing experience for me. When you get to play great music, your part will almost play itself. George's music is sophisticated, demanding, beautiful, and filled with the most important ingredient of all: LOVE. Geo and I are separated by about 20 years, but this music felt absolutely familiar and close from the first time I heard it. He's captured some really incredible moments and woven it all into a remarkable musical story that I'm enjoying listening to as much as I did playing to. I am honored to have been a small part of this great record and I can't wait for more people to hear the magic that Geo and Steve were able to harness from the first beat." — Paul Thompson

"I've been working with George for well over a decade at this point and have known him even longer. The easy compliment to give is that he's a great drummer with a great feel and you wouldn't be wrong for thinking that. However, what’s truly compelling about him as a musician and artist is the passion and history that informs his every choice. When we were in high school I remember George’s ability to name every musician on every Art Blakey record and he was able to deliver whenever our teacher, Paul Thompson, tested him. I didn't think much of it then, but I realized later that these moments were glimpses of his lifelong study and love of the craft. No matter what project he's working on, George always brings the same passion, open-mindedness, and endless curiosity. I sincerely hope you enjoy listening to George's latest offering "Wisdom Path" as much as I enjoyed working on it." — Anton DeFade

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