With shock, and a heavy heart, I read of news from the plane crash, flight 3407 in Buffalo last week. On the plane were two great musicians, Coleman Mellett and Gerry Niewood.
I attended Manhattan School of Music with Coleman, and had recently seen him for the first time in many years while subbing in the pit at the Radio City Christmas Show in December. Coleman was a beautiful person and amazing musician, and he had a unique sense of humor. He recently sent around a photo of a “Banjo Killer on the Loose” showing him in the pit at Radio City with one very unhappy banjo.
I was lucky to have Gerry Niewood record several of my compositions in the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop. The music scene will miss him dearly.
My deepest condolences go out to the families of Coleman & Gerry, and all the victims of the crash in Buffalo. They will be sorely missed.
Tags: coleman mellett, gerry niewood