Sixteen years after the world lost jazz guitarist Coleman Mellett, his long-awaited solo album Sing You a Brand New Song is finally being released, capturing a musical spirit rich with warmth, optimism, and undeniable talent. Set to drop on the anniversary of his tragic passing in 2009, the album offers an intimate glimpse into Mellett’s world of songwriting, influenced by the '70s singer-songwriters he revered, including James Taylor, Michael Franks, and Paul Simon.
While Mellett was known as a key member of Chuck Mangione’s band, few were aware of his deep connection to the singer-songwriter tradition. Inspired by his wife, renowned jazz vocalist Jeanie Bryson, and their life together, Mellett recorded dozens of songs in his home studio, infusing each track with themes of love, joy, and reflection. Though rooted in jazz, his music draws from folk and pop, creating a sound that feels both timeless and instantly familiar.
The journey to completing Sing You a Brand New Song was nothing short of extraordinary. On February 12, 2009, Mellett tragically lost his life in a plane crash while en route to a performance with Mangione and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. In the wake of this unimaginable loss, Bryson and Mellett’s close friend, jazz legend Barry Miles, took it upon themselves to finish the album as a tribute to his vision and legacy.
In the months that followed, Miles, Bryson, and engineer Ron DiCesare painstakingly worked to complete Mellett’s unfinished demos, listening to hundreds of takes and carefully selecting the best ones. They called upon the musicians Mellett had admired to help bring his songs to life, becoming “musical detectives” as they honored every note and lyric he had left behind.
The album’s lead single, “Everymornin’,” was released on November 8, showcasing Mellett’s ability to blend '70s-inspired singer-songwriter styles with his jazz sensibilities. Sing You a Brand New Song features 11 original tracks, along with an instrumental cover of James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain.”
A true collaborative effort, the album boasts appearances from Chuck Mangione on flugelhorn, who remarked, “Coleman was one of my favorite people and musicians,” as well as Steve Gadd on drums, Larry Goldings on organ, and Will Lee on bass. One of the standout tracks, “Come on Home,” features James Taylor himself, who lends his voice and guitar to this heartfelt song of longing that Mellett wrote for Bryson while she was on tour. Another highlight is the tender duet “You Got Me Too,” a love song that captures the deep bond between Mellett and Bryson.
Reflecting on the process of completing the album, Barry Miles says, “We honored Coleman’s wishes. This is the album he would have released.” Bryson adds, “This music is Coley’s legacy—his gift to the world.”
With Sing You a Brand New Song, listeners are invited into the heart and soul of a musician taken far too soon, with every song telling a story of love, beauty, and life’s fragile magic. Each note serves as a reminder that music can outlive us, carrying our stories forward. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the lasting legacy of Coleman Mellett through Sing You a Brand New Song.
No comments:
Post a Comment