COLEMAN MELLETT: Natural High

Coleman Mellett

Natural High

© 2007 Coleman Mellett

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Jazz guitar with varied influences

tracks

1 Natural High
2 Alone Together
3 Con Alma
4 For Joyce
5 Lummi Island
6 Skylark
7 Mediterranean
8 Friends and Love Medley
9 Jingles
10 Emily

notes

"Natural High" is the exciting debut solo release from guitarist, Coleman Mellett. On this CD, Mellett fuses a melange of different guitar styles including bebop, samba, fusion, and flamenco, into an entertaining sonic collage. The CD culminates in a 10 minute medley of songs by Chuck Mangione with whom Mellett has been touring for the past decade.

reviews

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  • Way Beyond Versatile
    author: jon wang

    While Coleman Mellett is a tremendously versatile Jazz guitarist - what struck me most about his playing was its conviction - its heart. There are many technically proficient guitar players out there - and while Mr Mellett certainly has chops in excess - its an undefinable quality that somewhat eludes musical description which greats like Montgomery, Kessel and Raney possess. You hear it from the first phrase - the first note. It's an artists ability to imbue a simple note with weight and color and motion - it's what seperates the great players from the very good players. Coleman Mellett has it - from the first note note on this recording. Can't wait to hear him with a bass/drums trio.

  • Pure Bliss
    author: Vaughn Ripley

    I haven't heard an album this AWESOME in quite some time. Coleman obviously has a grasp on music and guitar that most will only dream of. If you are looking for something that will continue sounding fantastic everytime you hear it, look no further than this album.

  • author: Otto D'Ambrosio

    As a Jazz guitar builder there is nothing I enjoy more than hearing an accomplished guitarist use the tool that I have created to make music. With "Natural High" Coleman Mellett has not only created Music but, he has recorded a album that respects the Origins of Jazz guitar. Paying homage to your teachers is one of the qualities that makes your work real, Natural and unpretentious. This Melodious ear pleasing piece is a pleasure to play (say that 10 times fast) Thank You Coleman.

  • Natural High
    author: Gus Wanner

    A wonerful overview of the palette of Mr. Mellett. AS jazz guitar recordings go this is thouroughly accessable to the average listener whilst keeping the more sophisticated musically fed. As opposed to taking a "Straight Ahead" stance, Coleman has decided to let the rest of us in with a decidedly breezy mediterranean approach thus yeilding this collection much more user friendly as well as a primer of how one can be open without being treacally or pendantic. "Jingles" is a wonderful homage to Wes compleate with [thankfully] Wes' sense of humor. Perfect for an evening at hoem with someone you love, "Natural High" is a Natural!

  • Natural High
    author: Gus Wanner

    A wonerful overview of the palette of Mr. Mellett. AS jazz guitar recordings go this is thouroughly accessable to the average listener whilst keeping the more sophisticated musically fed. As opposed to taking a "Straight Ahead" stance, Coleman has decided to let the rest of us in with a decidedly breezy mediterranean approach thus yeilding this collection much more user friendly as well as a primer of how one can be open without being treacally or pendantic. "Jingles" is a wonderful homage to Wes compleate with [thankfully] Wes' sense of humor. Perfect for an evening at hoem with someone you love, "Natural High" is a Natural!

  • Natural High
    author: Diane Esser

    This is a must have CD for anyone who appreciates great guitar playing. Coleman is an incredible talent. Playing with subtlety and making it all sound so effortless, he masters classics such as Dizzy's Con Alma, Wes Montgomery's playful Jingles and the beautiful "Skylark" all with his own creative and imaginative touch. Coleman plays seven guitars on this CD. Quite an incredible feat. My personal favorites include Con Alma and his originals, For Joyce and Lummi Island. Don't know where Lummi Island is located, but I'd love to visit someday after hearing the song that was inspired by it ! I love this CD and have purchased copies for friends who appreciate great guitar and wonderful soulful music !!!! In fact the term Soulful sums it all up for me. Thanks Coleman !!!

  • Highly Recommended
    author: Marla Kleman

    Coleman Mellett's CD, Natural High, is filled with beautiful melodies, some of which were written by Mellett, showing him to be a strong composer and guitarist. What stands out on this CD is the beauty and soulfulness of his playing and compositions. Already looking forward to his next CD! Marla K.

  • Not Just For Guitar Lovers !!
    author: Rich T.

    Jazz musicians have frequently explored various styles of music outside of their primary genre of choice. Often times it can sound either contrived and unnatural or overly complex. With a technical mastery of the instrument Coleman Mellett presents the guitar as the instrument of choice for whatever style he wishes to play. This cd never loses it's appeal to the lover of jazz guitar and yet will be enjoyable to any listener as purely great music. If you choose to listen closely, there are enough complex rhythms, harmonies and improvisational gems to keep you engaged throughout the cd. If you just want to sit back and enjoy some great music, you can easily tune into the pulse and flow that is present throughout the cd. Along with the traditional jazz guitar sound, the cd uses several different guitars and has just enough of that earthy acoustic quality that makes the music accessible. Chuck Mangione's Friends and Love Medley is a masterpiece. I was fortunate enough to have attended the recreation of this memorable concert in Rochester, NY which blended Chuck Mangione's music with the instrumentation of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. With only guitars, Coleman somehow manages to capture in this unbelievable medley the unique sound and feel of that three night sold out concert. There is never a feeling that it was a challenge simply to "pull it off" - instead he makes it sound like the guitar was the perfect instrument for the task. This track is a tribute to the mastery and creativity of both Chuck Mangione and Coleman Mellett. Natural High is engaging througout and is a testament to the uniqueness, beauty and power of the guitar. It is a jazz guitar cd by a great jazz guitarist, but there is so much more.

  • Natural High
    author: Eli

    It was so relaxing and enjoyable to listen to your songs.. Some NICE guitar playing !!!!!!!! : ) Eli/Stringss

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