George Colligan

Biography

George Colligan, born December 29, 1969, in New Jersey and raised primarily in Maryland, is a highly acclaimed jazz pianist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, educator, and bandleader. He began his musical journey studying classical trumpet and music education at the Peabody Institute, but soon transitioned to piano, becoming a prominent figure in the jazz world. After spending 15 years in New York City, where he established himself as a first-call sideman and built an extensive discography, Colligan moved to Portland, Oregon, where he is now a tenured professor at Portland State University. Over his career, he has released more than 30 albums as a leader, showcasing his versatility and commitment to musical variety, from piano trios to larger ensembles and experimental projects.

Colligan is known for his dynamic performances, blending dazzling technique with mature restraint, and for his ability to work across a wide spectrum of jazz styles. His collaborations with jazz legends such as Jack DeJohnette, John Scofield, Cassandra Wilson, and Ravi Coltrane have solidified his reputation as a versatile and in-demand musician. As an educator, he has influenced a new generation of jazz artists, and his popular blog, jazztruth.blogspot.com, offers insights into the life and craft of a working jazz musician. Colligan’s legacy is marked by his prolific output, his commitment to musical exploration, and his contributions to both performance and education in the jazz community.

Fun Facts

• George Colligan started as a trumpet player and earned a degree in classical trumpet from the Peabody Institute before switching to piano.
• He has worked with tap dancer Savion Glover in special projects with Jack DeJohnette.
• Colligan maintains a popular blog called jazztruth.blogspot.com, sharing insights into jazz and musician life.
• He was quarantined in a Brooklyn hotel during the pandemic when he rediscovered and decided to release the album 'Live At The Jazz Standard'.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Clifford Brown - Early transcription influence (Transcribed trumpet solos) [1980s–1990s]
• Wynton Marsalis - Stylistic influence (General jazz style) [1990s–present]
• Herbie Hancock - Pianist influence (General jazz piano style) [1990s–present]
• McCoy Tyner - Pianist influence (General jazz piano style) [1990s–present]
• Chick Corea - Pianist influence (General jazz piano style) [1990s–present]
• Keith Jarrett - Pianist influence (General jazz piano style) [1990s–present]
• Kenny Kirkland - Pianist influence (General jazz piano style) [1990s–present]
• Mulgrew Miller - Pianist influence (General jazz piano style) [1990s–present]
• Wynton Kelly - Pianist influence (General jazz piano style) [1990s–present]
• Ahmad Jamal - Pianist influence (General jazz piano style) [1990s–present]

Key Collaborators

• Jack DeJohnette - Frequent collaborator, band member, special projects (Jack DeJohnette’s New Quintet, special projects with Savion Glover) [1990s–present]
• John Scofield - Sideman, recording sessions (Various albums) [1990s–2000s]
• Cassandra Wilson - Sideman, recording sessions (Various albums) [1990s–2000s]
• Ravi Coltrane - Sideman, recording sessions (Various albums) [1990s–2000s]
• Don Byron - Sideman, recording sessions (Various albums) [1990s–2000s]
• Buster Williams - Touring and recording (Tours as leader with Buster Williams and Lenny White) [2010s–present]
• Linda May Han Oh - Band member, recording sessions (Live At The Jazz Standard) [2000s–present]
• Rudy Royston - Band member, recording sessions (George Colligan Quartet) [2010s–present]

Artists Influenced

• Nicole Glover - Former student, protege (George Colligan Quartet) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Her Majesty
2. Watercolor
3. Song for the Tarahumera
4. Here We Go Again
5. Go On (Home)
6. Bubbles (Home)
7. Waiting for Solitude (Live At The Jazz Standard)
8. Song for the Tarahumera (Live At The Jazz Standard)
9. Song for the Tarahumera (The Endless Mysteries)
10. Epistrophy (New York Flamenco Reunion (feat. Javier Colina, Perico Sambeat, Guillermo McGill, George Colligan))

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia