Cecilia Coleman - Words of Wisdom (1992)

Words Of Wisdom (LAP Records, 1992) spotlights performances by both Cecilia’s quintet (with trumpeter Oscar Brashear and tenor saxophonist Benn Clatworthy) and her trio. She covers tunes by Monk, Bud Powell, and Wayne Shorter, along with a couple of well-chosen standards and three originals.
CD Universe:
This obscure set has the debut of pianist/composer Cecilia Coleman, an excellent improviser based in Los Angeles during the first half of the 1990s. Most of the music, recorded in 1990 and 1992, showcases Coleman in a trio with bassist Eric Von Essen and drummer Kendall Kay, including such songs as Wayne Shorter's "Speak No Evil," "Polka Dots and Moonbeams," Bud Powell's "Hallucinations," and "Well You Needn't." Trumpeter Oscar Brashear is featured on "I'll Get By," while Brashear and tenor saxophonist Benn Clatworthy make the band a quintet on "Alma," one of three Coleman originals on the disc. But overall, the main purpose of this obscure disc was to introduce Cecilia Coleman, particularly as a pianist, and she rises to the occasion, displaying a great deal of potential. ~ Scott Yanow
CD Baby:
Piano trio standards with bassist Eric Von Essen and Kendal Kay drums. One quintet original featuring Oscar Brashear on trumpet and Benn Clatworthy tenor saxophone.
This is Cecilia Coleman's first CD as a leader. It features her working trio at the time with bassist Eric Von Essen and drummer Kendall Kay. It also has guest artist trumpeter Oscar Brashear and her long time collaborater Benn Clatworthy on tenor saxophone.