Blood Pressure

Since his mid-'90s debut as a leader, George Colligan has been very much in-demand as a leader and sideman. This 2006 release is his eighteenth as a leader and one of his most wide-ranging outings. Utilizing several different rhythm sections, mixing and matching with bassists Joshua Ginsburg and Boris Kozlov, drummers Vanderlei Pereira, Jonathan Blake and E.J. Strickland, the pianist's post-bop originals demonstrate his prowess, both as a composer and improviser. The driving opener "Rose Colored Glass" is an intense affair, utilizing a repeated motif. "Debonaire" is more on the cool side, giving the listener a chance to unwind. Violinist Meg Okura is present for the bittersweet ballad "Kerry's Theme," with Colligan ceding the lead to her throughout the piece. Flautist Jamie Baum is added for the breezy bossa nova "Enjoy It While It Lasts," with the leader switching to electric piano and synthesizer. "Angry Monk" is an explosive number that sounds like a free improvisation, though it could have very well been composed. The brief electronic works "Question" and "Flashback 1" seem out of place compared to the remainder of the CD, but Colligan is obviously one to go where his muse takes him and has no intention of being pigeonholed into any one style.