George Colligan

George Colligan stands out as a highly skilled jazz pianist and composer who has earned recognition both supporting other leaders and directing his own ensembles. The most prominent partnership in his career links him with vocalist Cassandra Wilson, an association that started in 2000 and remains active. He has also appeared alongside Ravi Coltrane, Robin Eubanks, David Gilmore, Myron Walden, Steve Wilson, and a wide range of other first-rate musicians from different generations. Ensembles under his own name have included formidable players such as Mark Turner and Kurt Rosenwinkel. Born in New Jersey and raised primarily in Maryland, Colligan began on trumpet—an instrument he still plays and records on from time to time—and he functions capably as a jazz drummer as well. He studied classical trumpet at the Peabody Conservatory, although jazz piano gradually became his central focus. In 1990 he took part in the Banff Summer Jazz Workshop in Canada. After working as a freelancer in the Maryland area for several years, he moved to New York, where his profile has continued to rise. His first two albums, Activism in 1996 and Newcomer in 1997, came out on the Steeplechase label. After switching to Fresh Sound New Talent, he released Unresolved in 1999 and Desire in 2000. Agent 99 reached listeners in summer 2001.