Trombonist and educator George West (1931-2013) was founder and head of the jazz program at James Madison University for 25 years, from 1971 until his retirement in 1996. He served as bass trombonist and arranger with the U.S. Air Force Airmen of Note from 1953 until 1958, and performed with the Kai Winding trombone group from 1959 through 1960.
George completed his undergraduate degree at Oberlin Conservatory, and earned his masters and Ph.D. from Michigan State University. He founded the jazz programs at both schools while he was a student. George also founded the jazz program at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp (Muskegon, MI) in 1971 and led that program through 2004. After his retirement from James Madison University, he relocated to Deland, Florida, and led the jazz program at Stetson University until his passing in 2013. My thanks to George's family for allowing me to share his music with you. Enjoy!
