George Brooks, born in 1956 in New York City, is an acclaimed American saxophonist recognized for his innovative fusion of jazz and Indian classical music. Brooks has founded several influential jazz fusion groups, including Summit, Aspada, Bombay Jazz, the Raga Bop Trio, and Elements. His introduction to Indian classical music came through the Kirana vocal guru, Pandit Pran Nath, which significantly influenced his musical direction. Brooks has collaborated extensively with minimalist composer Terry Riley, performing globally in various ensemble settings.

Brooks's educational background includes studying jazz under Frank Foster and at the New England Conservatory of Music, where he was mentored by George Russell, Joe Allard, and Jaki Byard. His deep dive into Indian classical music began with his travels to India, where he studied under Pandit Pran Nath. This traditional guru-shishya parampara style of learning profoundly shaped his artistic development.

Throughout his career, Brooks has performed with a diverse array of artists across genres, including blues and R&B legends like Etta James and Otis Rush, and jazz icons such as John McLaughlin and Larry Coryell. His work as a composer has earned him numerous awards and commissions, including the American Composers Forum Global Harmony Prize and a commission from the California Jazz Conservatory.

Brooks's discography includes notable albums such as "Lasting Impression," "Night Spinner," and "Summit," which showcase his pioneering efforts in Indo-Jazz fusion. His contributions have been recognized in collaborations with prominent Indian musicians, including Zakir Hussain and Hariprasad Chaurasia. Brooks continues to be a significant figure in the global jazz scene, celebrated for his cross-cultural musical explorations.