Personnel:
George Colligan (p,organ,keyboard,tp,d), Mark Turner (ts,as), Drew Gress (b), Howard Curtis (d), Jon Gordon (as), Kurt Rosenwinkel (g)
Reference: FSNT-054
Bar code: 84 27328 42054 9
George Colligan is quickly becoming a rising star on todays 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. Georges piano style is truly original -he comobines a through knowledge of the history of jazz with a strong modern edge. His performances demostrate technical wizardry as well as rhythmic ingenuity and lyrical subtlety. UNRESOLVED 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 Georges first instrument. This unique sound of the CD is brought to life by the presence of tenor saxophonist Mark Turner, guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel and Jon Gordon, on alto and soprano saxophones.
"With this recording, pianist George Colligan establishes himself as part of the stable of young talent making music on the Spanish-based Fresh Sound New Talent label. He is joined by tenor saxophonist Mark Turner, bassist Drew Gress, and drummer Howard Curtis; saxophonist Jon Gordon and guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel make a couple of guest appearances each. Colligan's writing as well as his tasteful use of electric keyboards on several cuts recalls pianists such as David Kikoski and Kenny Werner.
But Colligan truly distinguishes himself with his multi-instrumental abilities; he plays serious trumpet on "Evil Ambition" and "The Very Last Waltz." And on the stunning "Modeidi's Modalities," there's no piano at all; Colligan busies himself playing hellacious drums behind Gress, Turner, and Rosenwinkel. Amazingly, it seems that Colligan could make his living on any or all of these three instruments. A superior effort from a superior musician."
- David R. Adler (All Music Guide)
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""Danger Zone" is the first cut of a premiere Jazz CD that has all the elements to make it a classic. The sultry intense rhythms build and leave your satisfied that you've definitely embarked on a musical extravaganza!
The hard driven concentric energy of "Nebulosity" is a wonderful study of open improvisation! And it's great all the way to the last cut, "Why Does It Happen To Me Every Time?" Is a marvelous compilation by which to exit. As with all the pieces before the musicians meld into a splendid study of what good jazz really is, a heart racing experience you can't get enough of...
The collaborative effort on this project is tantamount to the instrumental prowess of these musicians. Simply put, this is a must for any jazz aficionado!"
- Trisha Weatherspoon (www.jazzreview.com)
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"Some of the remaining material is strongly influenced by the 80s work of Wynton Marsalis and by jazz iconoclast Gary Thomas, as Colligan frankly states in his liners. The tempos are upbeat and the collective interplay is fascinating. So to wrap things up, let it be said that this might be the most accurate and full ranging picture of Colligan weve yet to experience. I cant wait to see what he has planned for his next outing!"
- Chris Hovan (www.allaboutjazz.com)
