George Colligan Discography

George Colligan is quickly becoming a rising star on today's jazz scene. Although this multi-talented pianist/composer has lived in New York for only a few years, he has established a reputation as a highly in demand sideman. He is also gaining recognition as a composer, bandleader and recording artist of the highest caliber. George's piano style is truly original-he combines a thorough knowledge of the history of jazz with a strong modern edge. His performances demonstrate technical wizardry as well as rhythmic ingenuity and lyrical subtlety. His music reaches listeners of all kinds.

George has been busy lately, not just in New York ,but all over the world, having performed in concert halls, festivals, and clubs on five continents. Recent highlights include a three week tour of Spain with his own quartet ( a studio recording of the quartet will be available in August). George also fronted a trio for a week at La Villa, the renowned Parisian jazz club-one night of the engagement was broadcast on Radio France. Additionally, George has been active as a studio musician; Recent projects have included Lee Konitz, Billy Higgins, Freddy Cole, Nicholas Payton, Billy Hart, Craig Handy, and Steve Wilson.

"Unresolved" is George's most recent release as a leader on the Fresh sound New Talent label. The disk presents all original compositions and features George not just at the piano but also on Hammond B-3 organ, Ensoniq ASR88, drums, and trumpet, the latter being George's first instrument. The unique sound of the CD is brought to life by the presence of tenor saxophonist Mark Turner, guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, and Jon Gordon, the Thelonious Monk competition winner, on alto and soprano saxophones.

Since moving to New York, George Colligan has been fortunate to tour, concertize, and /or record with many musicians-some of which you may know: Gary Bartz, Eddie Henderson, Vanessa Rubin, Buster Williams, Robin Eubanks, Don Braden, Phil Woods, Victor Lewis, Santi Debriano, David Gilmore, Greg Tardy , David Binney, and Gary Thomas, among others.

Born on December 29, 1969, in Summit,New Jersey, George spent his formative years in Columbia, Maryland (a suburb of Baltimore). He began studying trumpet at age 9. Within a few years, with encouragement from his school band director, he started listening to many different types of music-particularly jazz,and especially trumpet players such as Clifford Brown, Miles Davis, and Freddie Hubbard. His quest for musical knowledge continued in high school where he started playing drums and eventually piano.

George attended Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore. Although his major was Classical Trumpet and Music Education, jazz still held a strong attraction. The young, eager student furthered his skills by listening to live musicians in local clubs, listening to records, and jamming with friends. After landing a weekly piano trio gig at a downtown hotel, George decided to focus on piano more exclusively.

In 1990, he was selected to study at the Banff Summer Jazz Workshop in Alberta , Canada under the instruction of jazz luminaries such as 4 Steve Coleman, Kevin Eubanks, Rufus Reid, Stanley Cowell, Marvin "Smitty" Smith , and Kenny Wheeler. After graduating from Peabody the next year, George began freelancing throughout the Baltimore/ Washington area. In 1994, he competed as a finalist in piano competitions in Indianapolis and Jacksonville. Eventually, George decided to move to New York, to further his career.

George's musical influences in improvisation and composition include artists like Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, Thelonious Monk, Keith Jarrett, Miles Davis, Kenny Kirkland, Woody Shaw, Joe Henderson, Kenny Garrett, John Coltrane, Jack Dejohnette, and Mulgrew Miller, among many others.

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George Colligan

Unresolved

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