Pianist George Colligan has been quietly putting together an impressive catalogue of albums, and this one looks to be his best. It doesn’t hurt that he’s chosen Larry Grenadier/b and Jack DeJohnette/dr to be his stablemates, but the real impressive part here is that these 10 tunes were recorded with a minimum of rehearsal prep. The adroit interplay mixed with the celerity of technique is almost bewildering, and the fact that the music exudes lyricism as opposed to chaos is almost beyond comprehension.
There is an exuding lyricism present on material such as “Waiting for Solitude” and “If The Mountain Were Smooth…” both which are quietly propelled by the 2 teammates. Things get a bit more feisty and chaotic on “Outrage” but a steady swing percolates on the sleek bossa nova “Her Majesty” and assertively bopping “Song For The Tarahumera.” Colligan uses the melodic judiciously on the exotic “Liam’s Lament” (which features Grenadier’s rich bass work)and goes it alone with confidence on the wondrous “Thoughts of Ana.” Everything sounds both spontaneous and well crafted, a tight and difficult balance indeed. Check this guy out!
Origin Records