Thursday Night Jazz: George Heid III’s “Intentions” (Album Launch)

When George Heid III was a child, whenever he and his father were apart, he would soothe young George with the comforting promise: See you in dreamland.

This special Thursday Night Jazz performance features the album launch of George Heid III’s Intentions, a tribute album to his father’s bravery, sacrifices, and the bond the two shared as kindred spirits. It is an album born from two lives deeply intertwined through love and music, sharing the story of their journey together, from the foundation of a father’s legacy to the future that lives on in his son.

On the album, George shared, “This project is rich with personal meaning, infused not only with music but also with my father’s voice. Many audio samples throughout the album come from tapes and recordings he made throughout my life; they’re drawn from voicemails, videotapes, and even a 1998 Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild interview with Dwayne Dolphin. Some of these samples are obvious, while others are purposefully subtle—Easter eggs for those who listen closely.”

And why “Intentions”?

George explains that “the word intentions holds many meanings, each offering a profound connection to the heart of this project. My father’s intentions were clear from the start: to raise me as a musician and composer and to give me the tools to create and express myself… He believed in me completely, planting seeds of passion that continue to grow.” Like so much of the most beautiful, complex art, however, the album title carries more than one meaning. Reflecting on his father’s illness and the reversal of their caretaking roles, George Heid also named the album for the lesson he learned during that difficult time: even the purest intentions don’t always lead to the outcomes we wish for.

A masterpiece composed with the utmost care and the very best intentions, this emotional and moving album and its intimate accompanying launch allow George to speak to his father from beyond the barriers of life and death. More than anything, it is the chance to once again say, See you in dreamland.  

The limited edition vinyl of George’s album Intentions, pressed locally by Hellbender Vinyl, will be for sale at the program.

Featured Musicians:

Chantal Joseph: vocals

Grace Elliott: vocals

Patrick Breiner: tenor saxophone, bass clarinet

Joe “Sonny” Barbato: accordion

Daniel May: piano, synthesizers

Antonio Croes: piano, synthesizers

Paul Thompson: bass

George Heid III: Cristal Baschet, drums, percussion

About the Artist:

George Heid III grew up in his father’s recording studio and began playing drums and piano at age three. His earliest lessons took place at home with his father, George Edward Heid, a great musician and true champion of the music. In this environment, he was always immersed in music and surrounded by powerful musical influences, including jazz guitarist Jimmy Ponder and his uncle Bill Heid, a world-class pianist and Hammond B3 jazz musician. Those formative years laid the roots of George’s musical journey. George has toured and played at numerous notable jazz venues across the United States and China, including three multi-month residencies in Hangzhou, China. He has recorded with numerous well-known artists, including Bill Heid, Roger Humphries, Dwayne Dolphin, Paul Thompson, Steve Shehan, Jamey Haddad, Joe “Sonny” Barbato, and countless others. He’s also performed at numerous festivals, including the Monterey Jazz Festival, Pittsburgh JazzLive International Festival, Tri-C Jazz Fest Cleveland, Washington Jazz Festival, and more. George is the recipient of numerous awards as both a performer and composer. He also serves on the board of Lighthouse Arts, Inc., a nonprofit founded by his father, George Edward Heid, and Dr. Harry Clark. With deep respect for the music’s history and a commitment to its future, the organization works to preserve jazz’s legacy, support the artists who carry it forward, and connect communities across generations through dynamic programs, partnerships, and outreach.

About the Album:

Intentions contains the work and music of the following artists: Eunice Joy Albesa-Heid, Lucas Ashby, Joe “Sonny” Barbato, Benny Benack III, Scott Boni, Patrick Breiner, Theron Brown, Olga Bukhalova, Jeff Bush, Cecilia Caughman, JD Chaisson, Michael Crampton, Antonio Croes, Tony DePaolis, Dwayne Dolphin, Grace Elliott, Jamey Haddad, Bill Heid, George Heid Sr., George Heid III, Jim Heid, Chantal Joseph, Anita Levels, Matt Mason, Zuli Mason, Daniel May, Vladimir Papikyan, Arsen Petrosyan, Victor Provost, Kaylyn Shearer, Steve Shehan, Astghik Snetsunts, Lou Stellute, Eric Susoeff, Paul Thompson, Mar Vilaseca, and Stephen Weiss.

About Your Visit: 

The in-house restaurant, Cucina Alfabeto, is open for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Please visit Open Table or call 412-435-1111 to make a reservation.