George Colligan, a jazz composer and pianist, has worked as both a sideman or a leader. His most prominent association was with Cassandra Wilson (vocalist), which began in 2000. It continues as of the writing. He has played with Robin Eubanks and Robin Eubanks as well as David Gilmore, Myron Wilden, Steve Wilson and many other great musicians, both young and old. His bands boast talents as impressive as Kurt Rosenwinkel and Mark Turner. Colligan was born in New Jersey, but grew up mostly in Maryland. He began his musical career on the trumpet, which he still plays and records occasionally. Colligan is also an accomplished jazz drummer. While he was a classical trumpet major at the Peabody Conservatory, he became more interested in jazz piano. He attended the Banff Summer Jazz Workshop, Canada in 1990. After working as a freelancer in Maryland, Colligan moved to New York where he has enjoyed continued success. On the Steeplechase label, Colligan released his first two albums in 1996, Activism and Newcomer in 1997. He switched to Fresh Sound New Talent in 1999 and released Unresolved in 1999. Desire followed in 2000. Agent 99 was first seen in summer 2001.
