George Colligan ft/ vocalist Zyanna
Multi-instrumentalist pianist George Colligan brings his contemporary jazz artistry to Black Cat, featuring rising vocalist Zyanna in a collaboration that promises both harmonic sophistication and vocal innovation. Colligan, winner of the 2015 DownBeat Critics Poll for keyboard, is one of the most versatile musicians of his generation — equally accomplished on piano, organ, drums, and trumpet, with over 130 sideman recordings and 40 albums as a leader.
A frequent collaborator with jazz legends like Jack DeJohnette, John Scofield, and Cassandra Wilson, Colligan brings what critics describe as "harmonic sophistication, rhythmic drive, and distinctive voice that bridges tradition with bold contemporary jazz." His recent album Live at The Jazz Standard (Whirlwind Recordings 2025), featuring Linda May Han Oh and Jack DeJohnette, earned critic's pick status in DownBeat and showcases his "masterful craft" and "musical storytelling" abilities.
Zyanna adds a fresh vocal dimension to the evening, blending jazz standards with R&B, hip hop, and experimental elements. A member of Grammy-winning Los Angeles Vocal Ensemble "Tonality," she has been featured on Colligan's recent projects "The Phyllis Wheatley Project" (2023) and "You'll Hear it" (2024), making this a continuation of their established musical partnership. Her 2024 release "Dance of the Dragonfly" demonstrates her range as both vocalist and bassist.
The rhythm section features Bay Area bassist David Ewell, known for his skilled accompaniment across traditional and Brazilian jazz contexts, and dynamic drummer Mike Mitchell (Blaque Dynamite), who has toured internationally with Stanley Clarke, Herbie Hancock, and Christian McBride. Mitchell's versatility across jazz, fusion, and hip-hop adds rhythmic complexity to the quartet's sound.
Expect an evening where Colligan's "chunky, block-chording" and "gracefully dancing" pianistic lines meet Zyanna's contemporary vocal approach, creating music that spans from swing-influenced compositions to more experimental territory — all delivered with the joyous energy and telepathic interplay that marks Colligan's live performances.