George Brown, known on the scene as Lil George and also Joji, is an energetic New Orleans trombonist and vocalist who fronts his own George Brown Band as well as the group Demiurgic. He cut his chops in the celebrated Roots of Music program and with the world-renowned Hot 8 Brass Band.
He was a member of the New Breed Brass Band when they recorded their Grammy-nominated debut album Made in New Orleans (2023), released under the mentorship of Trombone Shorty. His collaborator list also runs through Big Sam's Funky Nation, Delfeayo Marsalis, Shamarr Allen, and Rebirth Brass Band, and he has played stages in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, and Germany — and serves as one of the city's cultural ambassadors to Japan.
One point worth settling plainly: this is not George Brown, the longtime drummer of Kool & the Gang. The musician profiled here is Lil George — the New Orleans trombonist, bandleader, and Hot 8 alumnus — a different George Brown entirely.
