Born: December 29, 1969 Primary Instrument: Keyboard
George Colligan, an award-winning composer (Chamber Music America/Doris Duke Foundation grant recipient) and player (winner, Jazzconnect.com 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.
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,a 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.
“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
