Leader of a stimulating quintet, and a talented pianist/composer whose music became more original with each year, Cecilia Coleman performs regularly in Los Angeles clubs. She began on piano when she was six. After graduating from college in 1986, she played in the L.A. area with Charlie Shoemake, Phil Upchurch, and Shelley Moore, among others, and was a member of the Benn Clatworthy Quartet (with whom she recorded for Discovery) during 1987-1991. She made her debut as a leader for the L.A.P. label and then, after forming her quintet (which also includes trumpeter Steve Huffsteter, Andy Suzuki on reeds, bassist Dean Taba, and drummer Kendall Kay), recorded two CDs for Resurgent that not only feature her piano playing but her inventive writing. ~ Scott Yanow