“… serves up a memorable rawk ‘n’ roll platter that is perfect for the times we find ourselves in.” - Fred Mills, BLURT
George Trouble and The Zealots
from folk-rock and Americana to reggae, ska, punk, and jangle-pop, mixing high-spirited melodies George Trouble rides the wave of sound.
Save the date! Release Party for Entanglement - which includes a Bob Dylan 85th Birthday celebration set!
Sun. May 24, 2026 @8:30 pm
Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
To start at the beginning of George’s long, tall tale of life, both musically and visually, you will have to pour a tall glass of water and open your ears and eyes. Asheville was part of many bands' touring plans as they climbed the food chain of live music. All kinds of musical genres found germination and cross-pollination in those compacted years, supported by college students who frequented these venues. And George ate it up. His first recordings were produced by Don Dixon, who, along with legendary knob-twister Mitch Easter, produced R.E.M.’s first LPs. George rubbed shoulders at CBGBs, Cat’s Cradle, the 9:30 Club, and the 40 Watt in Athens, GA. As he moved around a lot, to NYC, Boston, LA, and Maryland, he always returned to North Carolina, discovering elements of life that would continue to influence him.
During this time, George had another love: painting, and as he explored visually with his paintbrush, he explored socially with his music. His visual journey is just as long as George’s musical life. He did his Graduate work at the University of Southern California, taught art at the University of Maryland, and, while in NYC, he taught at The Harbor School of Performing Arts in Harlem. The two went hand in hand, and the social circles overlapped, especially in NYC. One might even say, these spheres became ‘Entangled’. For the past 10 years, George has been based in Asheville and teaching at Appalachian State in Boone, NC.
All good creatives stand on the shoulders of giants: like all creatives, inspiration comes from everywhere, and George’s musical heroes do too: Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Johnny Cash, and Motown, mixed in with the jangly rock that R.E.M. perfected. “A strong song, however, engages the listener regardless of the scaffolding or ornamentation employed to enhance its essence,” smiles George.
Over the years, The Zealots have had a few revolving members, with Aaron Price on keys and piano being the longest standing. For the new record, George brought in a handful of guests on some songs – Ed Jurdi of Band Of Heathens, Evan Martin of The Honeycutters, and jazz bassist Zach Page. George has had bands in various forms around the country, but feels that his Asheville crew has been among the most solid.