The Endless Mysteries

Pianist George Colligan's trio mates are probably more recognized than he, but they are not just on board for star value; Jack DeJohnette and Larry Grenadier add to the leader's sometimes challenging work. Colligan's liner notes refer to having played in DeJohnette's band, and the musical empathy is apparent from the beginning; if he hadn't mentioned only one prior playing experience with Grenadier, one wouldn't have known it from listening to the music. The opening piece, "Waiting for Solitude, " begins with Colligan's delicate soloing, before he launches into the piece, with busy-but-not-overpowering drums and rich bass; indeed, Grenadier's woody solo is so warm it sounds as if he's playing in your living room. The fast-paced "Song for the Tarahumera [a Mexican Native American people] " is next, honoring the dedication and spirit of the people, many of whom are known for long distance running. "Her Majesty " is more deliberately paced, with a Latin accent. Colligan changes the feel with "Liam's Lament, " for his son. A cleanly articulated bass introduction leads into a somber tune played on melodica, with a melancholic accordion sensibility. The album continues with mostly alternating faster and slower pieces; a special highlight is the unaccompanied piano ballad "Thoughts of Ana, " dedicated to fellow musician Jimmy Greene's daughter who was a Newtown victim. Colligan deserves to be better known, and this latest album (he's been releasing recordings more or less annually since 1996) may be the one to break him out. Here's hoping.