Chuck Coleman's debut album, featuring twelve self-penned songs about love, coffee, opera, culture shock, and coming-of-age. Chuck's jazz-pop piano and agile voice are backed by a full band, plus numerous guest appearances... more » by backup singers and musicians. Influences include Ben Folds, Rufus Wainwright and Billy Joel.« less
Chuck Coleman's debut album, featuring twelve self-penned songs about love, coffee, opera, culture shock, and coming-of-age. Chuck's jazz-pop piano and agile voice are backed by a full band, plus numerous guest appearances by backup singers and musicians. Influences include Ben Folds, Rufus Wainwright and Billy Joel.
CD Reviews
A good debut
lostlisa282 | West Virginia | 02/08/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is a fine debut, but I'm looking forward to seeing what Chuck does in the coming years. The raw ability is definitely there, and the lyrics are very clever and original, but he still seems to be searching for his own musical voice. I hear it most strongly in songs like "I Feel Ya, Harris-san" and "Gertrude Stein", where he uses a sort of pop-classical piano style to tell stories about historial figures. Some of the other tracks remind me of Ben Folds, and some of Rufus. But I think the promise is there, and I for one am eager to see what he does next."
THIS IS THE GREATEST CD I HAVE EVER HEARD
David Boban | Whiting, IN USA | 08/17/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am being completely honest with the title of this review. This is one of those CD's that you listen to once and are impressed with, listen to again and are intrigued, and by the third time you are suprised to find that there are still ingenious witty lines and background melodies that you hadn't yet noticed. I couldn't be more impressed with the songwriting Chuck Coleman. Every song has a hook to it that sticks in your brain and won't let go, but is also accompanied by very naturally flowing and poetic lyrics.
I should note that my standards for "piano rock" are pretty high. I am a huge Ben Folds fan. I am a big Jamie Cullum fan. I love this style of melody driven, smart songwriting, and Chuck Coleman nails it with every song.
This CD has been out for two years now, and there apparently is no sign of him since. I desparately hope that somewhere in Cleveland Ohio Chuck Coleman is working away on another fantastic CD.
If I had 1 CD to take with me on a desert island, this would be it. I could write volumes about this CD. Buy it right now. If you like smart music, you will not regret it."
Please sir, can I have some more stars?
E. L. Pressman | Middletown, DE United States | 02/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What an breathtaking cd. Brilliant, witty lyrics (how many artists can incorporate references to E.M. Forster novels and Gertrude Stein?); rich, affecting melodies; and truly incredible piano playing. I don't think I've ever been so impressed by a cd on first listen. I'm so glad to have come across Chuck Coleman's music; he may not be well known now, but if there's any justice in the musical world, he'll be huge before long. I'll be buying a few more copies of this to pass on to friends, without a doubt. It's INCREDIBLE -- I'd give it 10 stars if I could."
Cracks A Smile
Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 06/09/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Reviews of this CD intrigued me. What a great gem that is only now clogging my changer. Chuck Coleman's songcraft is witty, melodic, often silly, and tremendously individual. He brings to mind some of Cole Porter's classic lyrics with a modern twist, the show tune quality of Rufus Wainwright's work like Poses [Bonus Track] and the inventiveness of Canadian David Usher's Strange Birds. Of my very favorites, the sad affair with "Omar" builds hilariously with Coleman's piano initiating an arrangement that becomes increasingly complex with a classic lyric, "Every day I go out of my way to intrigue you, but subtlety isn't my forte; Do I come across as rude? I'm trying so hard to pretend I don't care, but you're so adorable, I can't help but stare." Finding himself on the losing end, the singer concludes, "Trying to make conversation is a waste of time & breath, how clever of you to slow down my advances by boring me to death." "Daisy" is another brilliant track with Chuck's feisty edge displayed, "I'm an a*shole & so is he ... It's not my intention to drive you away, clearly you're there cause he wants to you stay; A bead on confusion, seasons of drought, Go find a man with his sh*t figured out." Other tracks like the melodic "The Aida Song" & "Me & Gertrude Stein" are delightful. The CD concludes with the uptempo "Halley's Comet." "People, Places & Flings" is a delightful set, music that entertains & cracks a smile on your face. Bravo!"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1