For the last twenty years or so, pianist George Colligan has proven his mettle as a top-shelf sideman (Cassandra Wilson) and has led his own combos that have included the likes of Larry Grenadier, Jack DeJohnette, Linda Oh, Ted Poor, Chris Potter, Buster Williams, Mark Turner and Kurt Rosenwinkel. He hadn’t just been a pianist though, the dude can play drums and trumpet, too. And he’s ‘gone electric’ by fronting his Mad Science organ trio.
Escape Route, though, represents a real distinction from George Colligan’s prior projects. Forming a trio named ‘Other Barry,’ Colligan goes head first into progressive fusion, playing synthesizers instead of organ or piano, even using them to play the bass parts. And instead of well-known names to man his rhythm section, he chose a couple of young fellows he’s mentoring at Portland State: guitarist Enzo Irace and drummer Micah Hummel.
Just because this isn’t Rosenwinkel and DeJohnette backing him up doesn’t mean Colligan has given them simple material to work with. On the contrary, the melodies are demanding and the rhythms are often far from straightforward, too. Meanwhile, Colligan uses his circuit-bent toys not as a crutch but with the same virtuosity he applies to the piano. This is retro in feel and forward looking in its rippling complexity.
But he also gives his guys plenty of running room to show their stuff, too. Irace is afforded extensive solo time on “Thing 3,” and he takes advantage by pacing himself well, nimbly negotiating the rhythmic and harmonic twists and turns underneath. George Colligan and Irace brightly harmonizing on the thematic lines makes “The Seventies” capture the spirit of, well, Seventies fusion (as does “Thing 6”). The two both leave behind solos that joyride on Hummel’s lively groove.
Irace is no one-trick pony, he plays his solo entirely with chords on “Escape Route,” and ably working the pocket created by “Hummel” on “Dilla Sandwich.” The solo guitar workout “The Shark,” which he composed, has compelling chord patterns.
Elsewhere, “Way Too Easy” is one of the straight-ahead groovers, buoyed by an appealing riff and Colligan’s crisp electric piano asides; “Thing 5” is a change of pace, attaining an almost-dreamy, soulful feel.
Other Barry is a direct outgrowth from George Colligan serving in his educator role, but the music inside of Escape Route doesn’t sound like a teacher and pupils. More like, a bunch of PhD professors of funky rock-jazz. Escape Route is now available thanks to PJCE Records.
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