At the time, Coley was work-
ing on his first album of original
songs. The story of those songs
and a musical community that
came together to help the al-
bum get created is documented
in the wonderful film Sing You A
Brand New Song: The Words and
Music of Coleman Mellett. It’s a
story about a remarkable life cut
too short, a look at a talented art-
ist, and the love of his wife jazz
singer Jeanie Bryson who wants
the world to know his music and
the man he was. The film will be
screened on Saturday, June 8 at
the New Jersey International Film
Fest in New Brunswick.
Coley had been working on the
album in his home studio for sev-
eral years. He was also a full-time
jazz musician, often on the road
with the Chuck Mangione Band,
and taught music as well. Slowly
but surely he laid down his guitar
and vocals for each track and used
synthesized instruments for the
other parts with the goal of one
day having real musicians play
those parts.
Watch the trailer for Sing You A Brand New Song
NJ STAGE - ISSUE 59
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