“I always wanted to do a project like this, a collection of music that really represents all of my musical influences and embodies a great deal of musical energy" ... Marcus Coleman!
Keyboardist
Marcus Coleman gradually navigates through the landscape of hypnotic urban vibes, vivacious grooves and tantalizing melodies anchored by the influential jazz stylings of the legendary
Joe Sample and
Bobby Lyle. As a player, composer and arranger Coleman's voice incorporates his childhood rearing strapped to the essence of his spiritually. Yet, his voice unfolds externally with accessible and unbending symmetry on his
"Self-Titled" debut on indie label MWC Entertainment.
Echoes of melodically challenging chords are front and center of Coleman’s musical soundscape with his next selection titled
“My Aspirations.” Marcus channels in and out with seamless energy flowing with spacious free will, style and purpose!
“Mystical Moves” connects to the spirit as it intertwines with a sobering dose of creativity concealed by
Joe Sheu on acoustic guitar muzings and soprano saxophonist
Bob Sheppard leans his nurturing voice as well. On the next selection Coleman integrates his sonically unstoppable voice of chants into rhythmic motion on
“Moments in Blue,” my favorite at this point. Once again, Coleman invites
Bob Sheppard back into the mix on soprano sax with help from
Kamasi Washington on tenor saxophone. In unison the ambience of their tonality interweaves with colorful shapes and patterns to this memorable composition.
“I’ll Do for You,” taps into thread of smooth jazz and R&B featuring the talented
Angel Willis on lead and backing vocals. At the midway point Coleman scores a moody yet seductive soundtrack titled
“Freefall,” which features
Dennis Farious on the trumpet and the expressive stylings of his brother
Brandon Coleman on Rhodes piano solos.
Marcus plays all instruments on several selections throughout the project, which includes the breezy
“Mood Reflections.” When I first heard this piece I immediately thought of the
Mizell Brothers, the dynamic production duo from the 70’s and Blue Note recording artist
Donald Byrd, and
Bobbi Humphrey!
“Tones For Beverly Jones,” is a lush arrangement pen by Coleman falls into the eight spot. Yes, he captures the sensibility of jazz with the effectiveness of a veteran performer.
“Parkman Dr.” is spunky from the first note and by chance it’s another favorite of mine on this atmospheric collection of urban jazz. At the 4:46 mark on the track is layered with percussive chants of the
Yellowjackets embodied into the layers and textures as
Bob Sheppard’s somber voice shimmers with pristine details.
“Feel Inside,” features
Marquis “Homi” Dair on guitar, along with
Keith Eaddy on bass slaps,
Dennis Farious adds strokes of color with his trumpet and vocals by
Mika Lett on the last track of
Marcus Coleman’s self-titled debut. At a first glance this cut reminds me of early
Alex Bugnon, it has a nice urban vibe in compliance with Coleman’s perceptive ability to draw you directly into the framework of his compositions.
The multi-talented
Marcus Coleman serves up a generous helping of vibrant urban jazz flavors throughout his self-titled debut CD. With hints of mouthwatering ambient nuances wrapped around his authentic voice of creativity makes this a worthwhile listen to embrace. On this project Coleman wanted his music to be inclusive of where he’s from artistically, it’s apparent to me that he’s achieved his goal. Therefore, whenever you have a chance please take a few moments to become acquainted with the music of keyboardist, composer and arranger
Marcus Coleman you want be sorry!
The voices behind pianist, composer and arranger
Marcus Coleman ...
- Joe Sheu ~ acoustic guitars
- Bob Sheppard ~ soprano saxophone
- Kamasi Wahington ~ tenor saxophone
- Angel Willis ~ vocals
- Ryan Porter ~ trombone
- Brandon Coleman ~ Rhodes piano "Freefall"
- Dennis Farious ~ trumpet
- Marquis “Hami” Dair ~ guitar
- Keith Eaddy ~ bass solo & slaps on “Feel Inside”
Visit, Marcus Coleman web space: marcuscolemanmusic
Listen & Purchase: cdbaby.com
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