Coleman Mellett

Sixteen years after the world lost jazz guitarist Coleman Mellett, his solo album Sing You a Brand New Song is finally being released, capturing a musical spirit brimming with warmth, optimism, and undeniable talent. Set for release on the anniversary of his tragic passing in 2009, the album offers a glimpse into Mellett’s private world of songwriting, influenced by the '70s singer-songwriters he adored, like James Taylor, Michael Franks and Paul Simon.

While Mellett was celebrated as a core member of Chuck Mangione’s band, few knew about his deep connection to singer-songwriter traditions. Inspired by his wife, renowned jazz vocalist Jeanie Bryson, and their life together, Mellett recorded dozens of songs in his home studio, weaving love, joy, and reflection into each track. His music, though rooted in jazz, draws from folk and pop, creating a sound that feels both timeless and warmly familiar.

The journey to completing Sing You a Brand New Song was nothing short of extraordinary. On February 12, 2009, Mellett was flying to Buffalo to perform with Mangione and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra when the plane tragically crashed, killing all 49 passengers and one person on the ground. Following this unimaginable loss, Bryson and Mellett’s close friend, jazz legend Barry Miles, committed themselves to finishing the album as a tribute to his vision and legacy.

In the months that followed, Miles, Bryson, and engineer Ron DiCesare took on the delicate task of piecing together Mellett’s unfinished demos, listening through hundreds of takes and carefully choosing the best ones. They gathered the musicians Mellett had loved to bring his songs to life, becoming “musical detectives” who honored every note and lyric he left behind.

The album’s lead single, “Everymornin’,” was released on November 8, highlighting Mellett’s gift for blending '70s-inspired singer-songwriter styles with his jazz background. Sing You a Brand New Song includes 11 original songs, plus an instrumental cover of James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain.”

The album is a true all-star collaboration, with appearances from Mangione on fluegelhorn, who said, “Coleman was one of my favorite people and musicians," Steve Gadd on drums, Larry Goldings on organ, and Will Lee on bass. One of the standout tracks, “Come on Home,” features none other than James Taylor himself, who lends his voice and guitar to this song of longing that Mellett wrote for Bryson while she was on tour. Another highlight is a tender duet between Mellett and Bryson on “You Got Me Too,” a love song that captures their bond.

Reflecting on the journey of finishing 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 to step into the life and heart of a musician taken too soon, with every song telling a story of love, beauty, and life’s fragile magic. Each note is a reminder that music can outlive us, carrying our stories forward. Don’t miss this chance to experience Coleman Mellett’s legacy in Sing You a Brand New Song.