Coleman Mellett (1974-2009), was a talented, established jazz guitarist in the Chuck Mangione band. Unknown to most, he was also a passionate songwriter with plans to release an album of his original music. Coleman was killed along with 50 others, when Colgan Flight 3407 crashed 7 miles from the BuffaloNiagara International Airport on February 12th, 2009, while traveling to play with Mr. Mangione, his band and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Left behind, on Coleman’s computer in his modest home studio in East Brunswick, New Jersey, were the preliminary vocal and guitar tracks to eleven original tunes and one never-before-heard solo guitar, instrumental arrangement of James Taylor’s Fire and Rain. Shortly after the accident, Coleman’s wife, jazz singer Jeanie Bryson (Dizzy Gillespie’s daughter), and dear friend and jazz giant Barry Miles began the journey of completing Coleman’s music with his favorite artists and closest friends.
The album, Sing You A Brand New Song, is scheduled to be released on February 14th, 2025. Contributing Artists: Coleman Mellett (vocals), Barry Miles (producer & pianist), Chuck Mangione (flugelhorn), James Scholfield (guitar), Will Lee (electric bass), Cliff Schmitt (acoustic bass), Larry Goldings (organ), Ron DiCesare (percussion), Steve Gadd (drums), Terry Silverlight (drums), James Taylor, Natasha Roth & Jeanie Bryson (vocals).
