George Colligan’s debut album Activism returns in a newly pressed 180g LP edition (G1382), celebrating its 1996 arrival as one of the most confident first statements of its era. At just 25, Colligan emerged as one of New York’s most in demand pianists, and this trio recording captures the full force of that promise. Joined by bassist Dwayne Burno and drummer Ralph Peterson, he approaches works by Wayne Shorter, Duke Pearson, Horace Silver, Thelonious Monk, Fats Waller, and Freddie Hubbard with the assurance of a seasoned bandleader. Critics immediately recognized the album’s vitality—its positive, vigorous, and resourceful spirit—and The Washington Post praised Colligan’s commanding touch and fearless conception. Nearly three decades later, Activism stands as a remarkable debut from a musician whose artistic voice arrived fully formed. “....this album is all about a remarkable arrival of a musician whose conception epitomises Activism in the best sense - positive, vigorous, outgoing and resourceful....” (Mark Gardner)
