A little like Bill Carrothers, who avoids being on America's metropolitan jazz radar, Colligan has often been based far away from the traditional centres of activity, currently in Portland, Oregon. Not only has he worked with many bigger names, from Phil Woods to Nicolas Payton, he has an arresting style and impressive command of the keyboard. Hard to put into words without resorting to comparisons but, outside of closely emulating McCoy Tyner on one of these eight originals, there's definitely an original take on things here, plus energy to burn. Speaking of energy, the other musicians may be in a recognisably accompanimental role much of the time, but their contribution is considerable, particularly the Malaysia-born, Australia-raised Linda Oh who has also performed alongside American names. Colligan's rhythmic expertise and harmonic originality certainly deserve greater recognition and, when the final track sees him switching to inventive trumpet, words fail.