“Latitudes” CD Review  LA JAZZ Scene June 2001

            Gold Coast is a trio made up of Jon Coleman, basist John Ugarte and percussionist John Pickell.  They combined their talents to produce a contemporary jazz CD with an edgier feel than most.  The original material ranges from breezy calypso rhythms to haunting North African moods…

            It doesn’t hurt that the trio have great assistance from guest artists such as Patrice Rushen-keyboards, Ndugu Chancler and Terru Lyne Carrington on drums, Gerald Albright, saxes/flute, Dave Carpenter-acoustic bass, Oscar Brashear-trumpet and Mamek Khadem on vocals.  Wow, what a powerful lineup!

            The CD opens with an enchanting “Jon Moves”.  Coleman’s guitar is so seductive and Pickell’s percussion effects are perfectly placed.  The hint of marimbas is lovely.  The melody is absolutely captivating.  “Flotilla” is a breezy confection enlivened by Albright’s flute and Rushen’s sure hands at the leyboards as the tempo gets spiked at the end.  “Costa del Sol” begins sweetly as it takes on a relaxed air. Pickell goes crazy with a great bongo solo to liven things up.

            Rushen’s acoustic piano adds a more mainstream feel to “November High” and Albright’s sax is earthy and strong.  Carrington handles the drums forcefully.  It was all quite wonderful, in the midst of more lelaxing, laid-back material.  Then it’s back to the more carefree tempo of calypso rhythms.  Ugarte’s electric bass grounds this tune so well.  Mamek Khadem’s vocals make “Dunes” special.  Her vocalizing is hypnotic.  There is a tense foreboding in Albright’s soprano sax, as well.  Coleman’s guitar softens the mood for a moment and then Chancler’s forceful drumming continues.  A great spell is cast from the entire ensemble.

            “December Bossa” has the added brightness of Oscar Brashear’s trumpet and “Scared to Love” finds Albright’s soprano sax expressing great poignancy.  “Gold Coast” has Pickell using all types of percussive effects to give the feeling of water.  Relaxing, reviving water, attached to a wonderful melody makes for a memorable tune.

            Gold Coast has done a wonderful job of taking the listener to various locales.  The mood is mostly relaxed, but there are enough surprises along the way to make the trip worth it.  Coleman, Pickell and Ugarte have a strong vision for their music and this CD is most impressive.  Some tracks will put the listener in a very relaxed mood, while others will make you want to dance – and that’s always a good thing.