Here’s a debut recording by a guy who just got his driver’s license, but can handle the Hammond B3 like Mario Andretti. 16 year old Kevin Coelho leads a trio with Reggie Jackson/dr and Derek Dicenzo/g through a hip hugger Decalogue of some jazz, soul and originals. He veers around the hairpins of “Donna Lee” with out even a slight spin out, while his “Cantaloupe Island” varooms along like a V8 Supercharged. A humming version of “Dock of the Bay” and Dr. Lonnie Smith’s “Play it Back” include some deft soloing by Dicenzo, while the leader’s title track has a cooking little reggae feel to it. Coelho doesn’t try to overplay his debut by showing off all he can do; he shows style and restraint-a good call that shows lots of promise.
Chicken Coop Records