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George attended the Mike Ramsey Banjo Building Workshop at the
4-H Educational Center near Appomattox, VA on Feb 20 - 23, 2005. Click here for pictures.
A life-long resident of Hampton Roads, George first showed an interest in music while playing clarinet in the seventh
grade. He continued to play through his high school years in the concert and marching bands. "The band taught
me how to read music. I just wish I could remember half of what I knew then."
Around age 14, a friend showed George three chords on a guitar, and rhythm and flat picking became the order of the day.
Later in college, another friend showed him a few fingerpicking patterns, which "opened the door to all kinds of tom-foolery."
"I was influenced by many musicians in the 70's, but probably the most inspiring was Doc Watson. Doc
introduced me to several folk genres, including blues, old-time, and bluegrass." George also plays the clawhammer
banjo... another influence from his exposure to old-time.
Through the 80's and 90's, George picked and sang with a few close friends. But for the most part, the guitar took
a back seat to night school, overtime, and sharing the responsibility of raising his daughter. However, listening to
folk on the radio and attending festivals still found their way into George's busy schedule. "I've been to MerleFest
several times, and it was there that I was able to get up close to the musicians, and of course... Doc Watson."
After the '98 MerleFest, George started spending more time with his guitar. Soon, he joined the bluegrass
band - Miss Jinny's Bluegrass Boys, and later another band - Southern Branch. In 2002, George
and Penny Gallo, another member of Southern Branch, formed the folk duo Martin & Company. A short time later,
Jerry Singer joined George and Penny in what is now known as CERTIFIED ACOUSTIC.
"I've been so lucky to have played with some really great people. Learning to blend and getting the most out of
everyone's unique style in an ensemble environment has made me a better musician."
"I hope to be the first person to finally assign a name to the blend
of bluegrass, old-time, blues, and other assorted folk elements that we love to play."
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