Thursday, December 18 at 8pm

Ars Nova Workshop in Residence

Mr. Trumpet
with George Colligan, trumpet, etc; Ralph Alessi, trumpet, etc; Shane Endsley, trumpet, etc

+ Tony Malaby's Cello Trio
with Tony Malaby, tenor saxophone; Fred Lonberg-Holm, cello; John Hollenbeck, drums

George Colligan, an award-winning composer and player, draws fans with his zesty sideman work with players like Cassandra Wilson, Don Byron, Buster Williams, and Lonnie Plaxico, both on the bandstand and in recording sessions (with over 70 sideman credits). He is also prolific as a leader with 16 recordings full of his intelligent writing and impressive technique. His latest CD on the Criss Cross label is entitled Past Present Future. He also has a new CD entitled Realization (Sirocco) featuring his organ trio called Mad Science.

Tony Malaby's Cello Trio project features three great improvisers working with Malaby's fascinating melodies and structures to create highly integrated, multi-faceted avant jazz. The textures are diverse but complementary: Malaby's unmistakable blustery tenor and gorgeous, full-bodied soprano are offset by Lonberg-Holm's looped cello tactics and Hollenbeck's ambidexterous percussion. The music combines freedom and discipline, openness and density, beauty and harshness in very personal ways. The audiophile recording and especially the multi-channel mix convey the music's expressive range and depth.