The Godfather of Bahamian goombay music! So it has been proclaimed of this pharmacist/ pianist. Making goombay music from behind the piano gave George's music a very unique sound. The rhythms adapted from the guitar created a rhythmically progressive style unlike any other artist of his time.

It is also evident that George had an appreciation for blues, jazz, and big band music of his time in listening to his many goombay songs. The clave and maracas burrowed from Latin American music is the predominant driving force behind his goombay sound. The music, in addition has a smooth sound largely in part of the use of all acoustic instruments. Lets listen to a few of his renditions of the sound of "Goombay".

 

George Symonette's music moves along like a train on a track. The piano almost rolls the rhythms out from under his fingers. Unique indeed is his way of interpreting this next song "Calypso Man".

Click play to hear "Calypso Man" -

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Much like the previous song, George, in addition to creating rhythmical interest, occasionally harmonize the melody in thirds or sixths in the piano accompaniment.
listen closely especially in the guitar solo to his use of this technique.

Click play to hear "The Crow"

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George, as stated earlier had a taste for the blues as demonstrated in this next song. The song "Dehlia Gone" has been recorded by Blind Blake and more recently by Stevie S in a compilation produced by KB. This tragic story of a murder is appropriately set to the blues style.

Click play to hear "Dehlia"

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Very few love songs are written today in the Bahamas, unlike in the old days. In speaking to the artist of the early days in Bahamian music, the era was more romantic and men had no reservations in showing their feelings. Here, George share his sentiments of wanting to be "Stranded" on an Island with the one he loves.

Click play to hear "Stranded"

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