Stix Hooper has recaptured the quintessential essence of the pace-setting George Shearing Quintet into a new recording, “Friends Across the Pond.” Along with Hooper’s renowned drumming and percussion skills, with Charlie Shoemake on Vibraphone, and other very, talented musicians, this Tribute to the George Shearing Quintet acknowledges and pays respect to Sir George’s legacy. “It is a pleasure for me to present this recording in tribute to my good friend, George Shearing. I had the opportunity to share great times, and sit side by side with him in the Quintet and other settings,” Hooper stated. “Sir George, or as we affectionately called him ‘The Chief’, was a master of elegance and sophistication along with his outstanding, excellent and unique musicianship,” said Hooper. “He established and led a unique sounding instrumental quintet, which became a pacesetting ensemble along with performing in various musical settings. I was inspired to produce this as a Tribute to that basic Quintet sound and his approach to making music,” he added. Hooper reflected on the wonderful personal, social times and musical moments he had over many years with his long-time friend, in performances, on the road and in recording studios. “George enjoyed his puns,” Hooper said, “We were always laughing and trying to one-up each other with puns and jokes. He loved his red wine, which opened up my appreciation of great wines and viticulture, and of course, always wanted his steak to walk to the table. He was a sophisticated gentleman but always ready for fun and merriment. He’d make light of his blindness, no pun intended! In rehearsals, when we were reading music, he’d tell us, ‘if you can’t read it, take my glasses.’ He’d also occasionally share a laugh with us when we tired of driving, and say it was time for him to take the wheel.“ Besides his various accomplishments, musical and more, Sir George also opened the door for his Trio to perform at the famed Bohemian Club in California, bringing the first African American musicians to its stage. Hooper and Shearing shared a mutual affection for one another in addition to sharing the Leo astrological sign. In a radio interview in 2001, Sir George commented, “With people like Stix around, you gotta be fresh and alive because he is. Every time, I’ve never seen Stix without a laugh, or really a good-time feeling; every time I see him, it’s a joy!” Stix Hooper, is an internationally known musician, composer, producer, entrepreneur and talent manager. His independent recording label, Stix Hooper Enterprises, continues Hooper’s commitment to his music and artistic endeavors, along with providing a platform for other diverse artists’ aspirations in their various genres. Hooper launched his illustrious career by founding the world famous Crusaders jazz/instrumental group and played an important role in the creation of jazz-funk. He has performed, produced and/or recorded with many of the “who’s who” in the music world in addition to his solo career. To find out more on “Friends Across the Pond,” and general information regarding Stix Hooper Enterprises along with additional recordings on the label, visit stixhooper.com.