George Colligan returns to PDX Jazz

By Kyle O'Brien, Special to The Oregonian
George Colligan had his musical introduction to Portland on Dec. 13, 2011, at the Mission Theater. 
A new faculty member at Portland State University at the time, Colligan made an impressive debut as a bandleader, playing the music of Andrew Hill for the PDX Jazz @ the Mission Theater series. 
Twelve months later, on Thursday, Colligan returns to the same stage to play the music of McCoy Tyner and Herbie Hancock, and to cement his place as a vital member of the Portland jazz community.
Colligan -- a pianist, composer, trumpeter and drummer -- has been teaching at PSU for a year, but also touring through Eastern Europe with famed drummer Jack DeJohnette, so he feels as though he hasn't quite made a connection with Portland audiences. 
"There's little challenges in balancing teaching and family, playing with Jack, and so forth," he said. "I'm still trying to meet people in the community." 
Colligan already has a big champion on the city's jazz scene, though: the Portland Jazz Festival. 
"George arrived from New York with heavy credentials; he was always one of the busiest players on the scene there," said Don Lucoff, the festival's managing director.
"To have that kind of experience in a player here in Portland, to work with aspiring players at PSU and the working musicians night in and out, is immeasurable," Lucoff added. 
Colligan and Lucoff decided that Tyner and Hancock would make a great tribute concert for Colligan, since both of the legendary pianists had a big influence on his artistic development.
Read more on: http://www.oregonlive.com/music/index.ssf/2012/12/and_on_pianogeorge_colligan.html