Sixteen years after the untimely death of jazz virtuoso Coleman Mellett, his long-awaited solo album, Sing You a Brand New Song, is finally being released. The album, out today, honors Mellett's musical legacy and offers a deeply emotional, intimate collection of original songs that reflect his love for folk, pop, and jazz traditions. Released on the anniversary of his tragic passing in 2009, this album unveils a side of Mellett’s musical genius that many never knew – his remarkable talents as a singer and songwriter.
A Tribute to Coleman Mellett’s Musical Legacy
While Coleman Mellett was widely celebrated for his role as a core member of Chuck Mangione’s band, few knew of his profound connection to the singer-songwriter tradition. Influenced by the '70s greats like James Taylor, Paul Simon, and Michael Franks, Mellett’s compositions blend folk, pop, and jazz, creating a sound that feels timeless and universally relatable.
The album Sing You a Brand New Song offers a peek into Mellett’s world, shaped by his life with Jeanie Bryson, a renowned jazz vocalist, and their shared passion for music. He recorded dozens of songs at home, weaving themes of love, joy, and reflection into each piece.
The journey to complete the album was filled with immense emotional and creative dedication. On February 12, 2009, Mellett tragically died in a plane crash while traveling to perform with Mangione and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Following this unimaginable loss, Bryson and Mellett’s close friend, jazz legend Barry Miles, worked tirelessly to finish Mellett’s final vision.
An All-Star Collaboration to Complete the Vision
In the months following Mellett’s death, Barry Miles, Jeanie Bryson, and engineer Ron DiCesare meticulously pieced together Mellett’s unfinished demos, sorting through hundreds of recordings to bring his vision to life. They honored every note and lyric Mellett had left behind, enlisting the help of the musicians he admired, including Chuck Mangione on flugelhorn, Steve Gadd on drums, Larry Goldings on organ, and Will Lee on bass.
One of the most exciting collaborations on the album features James Taylor, who joins Mellett and Bryson on the song “Come on Home.” Taylor’s voice and guitar lend emotional depth to this heartfelt track Mellett wrote for Bryson while she was on tour. Additionally, Mellett and Bryson’s tender duet on “You Got Me Too” is a powerful love song that beautifully captures their personal bond.
Album Highlights and Track Listing
The album’s lead single, “Everymornin’”, released in November 2024, gives listeners a taste of Mellett’s unique ability to blend '70s-inspired singer-songwriter sounds with his jazz background. The full album features 11 original songs, plus an instrumental cover of James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain”.
Other standout tracks include:
- “Happier Days” – A joyful celebration of life and love, showcasing Mellett’s warmth as both a performer and a composer.
- “Coming Home” – A wistful, soulful track featuring Chuck Mangione on flugelhorn, one of Mellett’s favorite collaborators.
- “You Got Me Too” – A heartfelt love duet with Mellett and Bryson, showcasing their powerful connection through music.
A Timeless Musical Gift
As Barry Miles reflects, “We honored Coleman’s wishes. This is the album he would have released.” Jeanie Bryson adds, “This music is Coley’s legacy—his gift to the world.” Through Sing You a Brand New Song, listeners can experience the timeless spirit of a musician whose life was tragically cut short but whose music continues to inspire and touch hearts.
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