Since his mid-'90s debut as a leader, George Colligan has been very much in-demand as a leader and sideman. This 2006 release is his eighteenth as a leader and one of his most wide-ranging outings. Utilizing several different rhythm sections, mixing and matching with bassists Joshua Ginsburg and Boris Kozlov, drummers Vanderlei Pereira, Jonathan Blake and E.J. Strickland, the pianist's post-bop originals demonstrate his prowess, both as a composer and improviser. The driving opener "Rose Colored Glass" is an intense affair, utilizing a repeated motif. "Debonaire" is more on the cool side, giving the listener a chance to unwind. Violinist Meg Okura is present for the bittersweet ballad "Kerry's Theme," with Colligan ceding the lead to her throughout the piece. Flautist Jamie Baum is added for the breezy bossa nova "Enjoy It While It Lasts," with the leader switching to electric piano and synthesizer. "Angry Monk" is an explosive number that sounds like a free improvisation, though it could have very well been composed. The brief electronic works "Question" and "Flashback 1" seem out of place compared to the remainder of the CD, but Colligan is obviously one to go where his muse takes him and has no intention of being pigeonholed into any one style. ~ Ken Dryden
George Colligan 917 309 3953 gcolligan@nyc.rr georgecolligan
George Colligan, an award-winning composer (Chamber Music America/Doris Duke Foundation grant recipient) and player (winner, Jazzconnect Jazz Competition), draws fans with his zesty sideman work with players like Cassandra Wilson, Don Byron, Buster Williams, and Lonnie Plaxico, both on the bandstand and in recording sessions (with over 70 sideman credits). He is also prolific as a leader with 16 recordings full of his intelligent writing and impressive technique. His latest CD on the Criss Cross label is entitled Past Present Future . He also has a new CD entitled Realization( Sirocco) featuring his organ trio called Mad Science.
"Colligan is an equally deserving torch-carrier of the piano trio tradition...." John Kelman , All About Jazz
"One of the best kept secrets in jazz...." Chris Hoven, All About Jazz
"Couple that sensitivity, that ability to be both supportive and assertive when need be, with strong chops and knowing one's way around the keyboard, and you get a picture of George Colligan , one of those fine young talents bubbling just below the collective periscopes of the jazz critical and presenting fraternities. Keep an ear on George Colligan ."- Willard Jenkins, from Jazztimes
George Colligan has toured, recorded , and/or performed as a sideman with Gary Bartz,Benny Golson, Gary Thomas, Steve Coleman, Eddie Henderson, Ralph Peterson, Vanessa Rubin, Steve Wilson,Richard Bona,Jane Monheit, Ravi Coltrane, Lenny White, Michael Brecker, Mike Clark, Nicholas Payton, Sheila Jordan, Janis Siegel, Christian McBride, Billy Hart, Charles Fambrough, Mingus Big Band, AL Foster, Mark Turner, Lee Konitz, Jamie Baum, Michal Urbaniak and Stefon Harris, among others .
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