George Rabbai is a celebrated trumpeter, vocalist, and educator whose vibrant style, swinging phrasing, and warm tone have made him a sought-after voice in the world of jazz. He first gained national attention when he joined the legendary Woody Herman Orchestra, touring internationally and recording on the Concord and Toshiba EMI labels. Known not only for his lyrical trumpet playing but also for his spirited scat singing, Rabbai was the spark behind Herman’s revival of the bebop classic “Lemon Drop,” which became the title track of George’s debut solo album, released in 1997 on DBK Records. He followed with In Good Company (DBK, 1998), and later Muted Bebop on Dreambox Media.
After his tenure with the Herman band, George joined the Woody Herman All-Star small group, performing alongside jazz legends such as Sal Nistico, Nat Pierce, Frank Wess, and George Duvivier. He also toured as a soloist with the Concord Jazz All-Stars and has recorded with jazz greats Hank Jones, Mel Lewis, and Rufus Reid on the Naxos label. His trumpet sound can be heard in Ken Burns’ acclaimed PBS documentaries Baseball and The West.
George has appeared with iconic vocalists including Rosemary Clooney, Margaret Whiting, and Michael Feinstein—most notably as a featured soloist on Feinstein’s Romance on Broadway and Romance on Film double album. He was also featured in Tony Bennett’s television special, Tony Bennett With Love, and performed on Clooney’s Demi-CentennialA&E special.
Whether soaring through bebop lines or delivering silky flugelhorn melodies, George’s performances blend musical virtuosity with playful personality and humor. He has graced stages ranging from Carnegie Hall and Boston Symphony Hall to European jazz festivals and intimate East Coast clubs.
George acts as third trumpet of the reborn Philly Pops, a position he has held for decades.
In addition to performing, George is a passionate educator. He served on the faculties of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and the Maynard Ferguson Institute of Jazz at Rowan University. He is a frequent guest clinician, adjudicator, and soloist at jazz festivals and schools across the region, inspiring the next generation of jazz musicians with his infectious love of the art form.
