Coleman's family is grateful for the tremendous outpouring of love, friendship, support and beautiful, caring words they have received from so many.
Their hearts go out to the family and friends of Gerry Niewood as well as to all of those who were affected by the tragic loss of life on February 12.
Further information will be provided here.
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Guitarist Coleman Mellett grew up in the Washington D.C. area and was first exposed to Jazz while studying with Maryland guitar guru, Paul Wingo. Under Wingo's legendary tutelage, Mellett began listening to the great Jazz guitarists and was active in Blues Alley Youth Orchestra. Upon receiving the "Emily Remler" Jazz guitar scholarship to Duquesne University, Mellett headed to Pittsburgh where he spent a year learning from the great guitarist Joe Negri. To be closer to the New York Jazz scene, Mellett transfered to the jazz program at William Paterson University where he had the privilege to study with Jazz greats like Rufus Reid, Kenny Burrell, Norman Simmons, Steve Turre, and Harold Mabern.
After graduating from William Paterson, Mellett headed to Manhattan School of Music to pursue a Master's degree in Jazz Performance , which he received in 1998. While living in New York, Mellett had the good fortune of working with musicians like Joe Williams, James Spaulding, Frank Wess, Doug Lawrence, Etta Jones, Christian McBride, and others. At this time, Mellett became a touring member of the quartet backing up the wonderful vocalist Jeanie Bryson. Mellett was also part of a trio with organist Adam Scone and drum legend Ben Dixon, who is known internationally for the Blue Note recordings he made with "Big" John Patton and Grant Green. While performing with this trio in 1999 on a Manhattan Cable T.V. program, Mellett caught the eye of Chuck Mangione who was looking for a guitar player at the time. Mellett was invited to audition for Mangione, and was hired on the spot to be the substitute for Grant Giessman, who had been playing with Chuck since the mid 1970's. After two years of "subbing" for Giessman, Chuck invited Mellett to be a permanent member of the group, and since then Coleman has been touring the world with Chuck Mangione band.
Coleman what an honor to have known you and played with you. I'll never forget our talk about those Blue Note records with Hank and Sonny Clark. You will be greatly missed by everyone who knew you!! MM
Coleman - You were always an inspiration as a guitarist. I have been replaying memories of the Savoy days - what great times those were! Thank you for your generosity. You were such a kind soul. We all love you dearly, JM.
Out of all the greats, Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, Kenny Burrell, I always liked Coleman the best! He had such great taste, style and soul. I would have to say that he was my biggest influence. I was fortunate enough to meet him. When I met him, he was amazed that someone had learned and studied his solos and style. He was very humble and extremely nice. Nice enough to sit and talk shop with me whenever he had the chance. I learned a great deal from him and will continue to learn from his recordings. I'm very grateful to have known such a talent. My heart and soul goes out to all of his friends and family. Especially Jeanie, who he spoke a great deal of. I could see in his eyes, when he spoke of her, that their souls were meant to be together forever. Thank you Coleman. Rest In Peace.
Going back to the old Savoy days on 9th Ave. & 41st St., Coleman was always one of the best players and the sweetest cats in the whole industry. Amazing how those two go together so often.
All of our prayers go to Jeanie along with his entire family -- may you find some bit of solace soon.
Hi Coleman, can believe you are gone now. I just meet you 2 weeks ago and we had so much fun playing together and I loved our conversations. Rest in Peace and my condolences to your beautiful wife, mother in law, all your friends and family. You were so happy and I always remember your smile,
Coleman, your music is one of the reasons I am an artist. Your laugh, your vibe, and your great openness to life are written on the world you've left. Thank you for your friendship and your generosity of soul. I'll always wish we had more time together, man. I wish peace to his many friends and family who grieve his terrible loss.
For Coley.... There are no words to express the void that has been left at your passing. You were a beautiful human being and I will always cherish those first days back in DC when we played together when I was just starting out as a singer. You and I did my very first recording anywhere. And you were so patient and supportive.
Thanks be to God for such a gift of a human spirit.
Rest in peace. And may all of your family members grow to accept your transition in peace.
Coleman. I loved you because you loved Jeanie and Radji. Your music's range and breadth is beyond measure. Your astounding good nature and heart...incomparable. Thank you and Jeanie for Key West. I can never forget you brother. Rest in peace.
I am so saddened and stunned by Coleman's passing. He was one of my first friends in New York and was such a wonderful guy and a great player. My deepest sympathies go out to all his friends and family.
Coleman, you will be missed greatly. It was a pleasure to know you and play with you. You will always be one of the nicest and most talented people I have ever known. My heart goes out to your family.
I am so saddened by Coleman's passing. He was a beautiful soul,very talented, very sensitive. He gave me a great CD recently of original music which I had in my car for a while. I regret that I did not tell him how much i liked it. To those closest to him - I'm so sorry for your loss.
This can't be real. Rest in Peace my friend. I will never forget your soulful swinging sound and your larger than life personality. You've touched so many in such a brief time. We are all richer for having you in our lives. As I got my kids ready for school this AM, I so wanted you to answer my email and phone calls. Playing music, hanging with friends/family, watching the Sox...I'll think of you. Your friend -- Bob Sneider
Coleman. I can't believe you are gone. I will miss you like i would a big brother. Thank you so much for being such an inspiration to me, for the support and wonderful music you gave me and the world. Thank you for the music we made together. I'm speechless. I will never forget your contributions to my life and for that matter the world. Much love to you Coleman. I'm in shock. I'm overwhelmed with sadness. Thank you for being my friend. V
