Unresolved

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|