Stix Hooper has recaptured the quintessential essence of the pace-setting George Shearing Quintet into a new recording, “Friends Across the Pond.” Along with Hooper’s renowned drumming and percussion skills, with Charlie Shoemake on Vibraphone, and other very, talented musicians, this Tribute to the George Shearing Quintet acknowledges and pays respect to Sir George’s legacy. “It is a pleasure for me to present this recording in tribute to my good friend, George Shearing. I had the opportunity to share great times, and sit side by side with him in the Quintet and other settings,” Hooper stated. “Sir George, or as we affectionately called him ‘The Chief’, was a master of elegance and sophistication along with his outstanding, excellent and unique musicianship,” said Hooper. “He established and led a unique sounding instrumental quintet, which became a pacesetting ensemble along with performing in various musical settings. I was inspired to produce this as a Tribute to that basic Quintet sound and his approach