New York, NY (Top40 Charts) George Burton's new album, White Noise, is out today via Porge Records. Described by Nate Chinen (WRTI) as "a meditation on Black creative survival," White Noise offers a cerebral, jazz-infused exploration of societal complacency. Through its intricate compositions, the album critiques how corrupted power structures perpetuate racism and false hierarchies, and deftly challenges the narrative that colonialism and slavery are historical exceptions, exposing their ongoing influence. This album stands as a potent testament to Black resilience and global resistance, calling for an urgent reckoning of the status quo and a demand for unified and meaningful change. White Noise also includes contributions from notable figures like educator Jane Elliott, Afro-futurist Sun Ra, and poet Dante Clark, alongside vocal performances by Siya Makuzeni and Alexa Barchini, and lyrics by Detroit hip-hop duo The Black Opera.
George Burton spoke on the significance of White Noise saying, "White Noise is a deeply personal project for me. It's a reflection of the world we live in today—its chaos, beauty, and contradictions. Through this album, I wanted to explore the weight we carry, the resilience of Black people, and the ways we seek hope and joy amidst the noise."
Early offerings from the album include "A Color For Hope," and "Heard But Not Seen," These powerful tracks further cement Burton's prowess as a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, blending spoken word with a modern groove that intensifies to reflect the urgency he perceives in the world. Featuring the brilliant, poetic insight of writer and performer Dante Clark alongside the masterful trumpet work of Marquis Hill, "A Color For Hope" serves as both a call for collective liberation and an invitation for self-transformation - key themes of the album. Through vivid color imagery, the song explores the emotional and societal challenges we face, with Clark questioning whether hope can endure in a world marked by systemic oppression and hardship. Hill's trumpet deepens the narrative, making this track a stirring reflection on resilience and the complexities of life.
George Burton, a world-class musician and fixture in New York's jazz scene, has built a reputation through collaborations with legends like Meshell Ndegeocello, Patti LaBelle, the Sun Ra Arkestra, and The Philly Pops. His work has earned him an NAACP Image Award nomination and praise from The New York Times, NPR Music, and others. Drawing from a wide range of influences—including jazz, electronic, hip-hop, and Xhosa music—Burton crafts a unique fusion that underpins his singer-songwriter approach. On White Noise, he delivers a masterclass in sonic storytelling, with each track serving as a chapter in a cohesive narrative. The album features liner notes by acclaimed writer Nadia Owusu, whose work was selected for President Barack Obama's favorite books of the year and was a New York Times Book Review Editor's Choice.
WHITE NOISE TRACK LISTING:
Your Great Decision
Back Home (feat. Siya Makuzeni)
Heard But Not Seen (feat Dylan Band, Siya Makuzeni)
What We Do In The Present
Subconscious Distraction
Rumination
The Weight (feat. The Black Opera)
Echoes | Reverberations
Doubt
Babel of Voices
A Color for Hope (Feat. Dante Clark, Marquis Hill)
In The Labyrinth of the Free (feat. Chris Lewis)
Your Skin | White Noise (feat. Alexa Barchini)
The Giver
TOUR DATES:
October 7th - 9 Orchard, NY
October 26th - Exit 0 Festival, NJ
November 7th - Bitter End, NY
