One of today’s most impressive sideman and leaders, pianist George Colligan goes solo on an impressionistic album of originals. There is a strong feeling of Debussy throughout the collection, particularly on the chiming “Clearing The Mind”, rippling “King’s Dream” and warm “Golden Years”. A hint of the MJQ’s “Django” blueses its way in on the reflective “Daddy Go Bye Bye” while a dash of Tin Pan Alley takes place on the melodic “Wishing For Good Things To Happen”. His left hand strides well on “Doom Sandwich” and he probes deeply on “Change”. Elegaic ivories.
Pianist and composer Kerry Politzer leads a post bop team of Thomas Barber/tp, Joe Manis/ts-ss-fl, Garret Baxter/b and George Colligan playing the drums instead of his usual piano on this album of original tunes. Colligan’s drums are crisp and snappy under the cheerful flute of Manis on “Marble Maze” and creates a rich pulsation for his soprano during “In A Heartbeat”. Barber’s trumpet is warm on “Spring Day”, with the leader being elegant on “Lullaby For Messiaen” and reflective on ‘Cycle”. The team gets dark with Colligan’s mallets on “3 A.M” and bops well for “Umbrella Statement” with the leader going melancholy for her aria of “Goodbye”. Rich textures, and the two “pianists” compliment each other completely.