Risky Notion

George Colligan has performed with many prominent jazz figures as well his own group, has recorded prolifically both as a sideman (over 100 albums) and as a leader (25 albums), is a noted composer, and is currently on the jazz faculty at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. Better known for his work on piano, Colligan plays drums on (1), serving as both an anchor and musical precipitator for saxophonists Joe Manis and Nicole Glover and bassist Jon Lakey. Colligan has worked often with Manis, of nearby Eugene, while Glover and Lakey are highly talented students of Colligan's from Portland State. The original writing from Colligan is consistently excellent in the post-bop realm, with energetic rhythms, imaginative melodies, pointed harmonies ("Harmawhatic?" an example of this), and high lyricism ("Constantly Breaking My Heart") present within the program.

Saxophonists Manis and Glover are both strong and inventive soloists with largely modern conceptions. Joining the group for three selections is trumpeter Tony Glausi, a dynamic soloist who also adds a third voice on those selections to the colorful horn ensemble parts. Colligan, who lists among his drum influences Max Roach, Philly Joe Jones, Tony Williams, Elvin Jones, Neil Peart, and Harvey Mason, is both a leader and a listener on drums, here spurring on his group with great vitality.