"Everything we do is a choice, and I choose to play music," says master saxophonist/composer Jeff Coffin. He is a talent whose virtuosity, energy and originality are rare and refreshing. A musically versatile and open-minded player, he has explored everything from jazz to rhythm & blues, latin and world music. As a member of the ground-breaking Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, he astounds audiences nightly with his blazing chops and melodic sensitivity. Jazz Now Magazine said, "Coffin's solos are full of fiery passion." The Denver Post described his playing as "...breathtaking musical interplay..."

Since Coffin's arrival in Nashville in 1991, he has established himself as one of the most respected and well-liked musicians in Music City. In fact, many feel the University of North Texas graduate is one of the most talented young horn players in the country. The fact that monster-talent Bela Fleck invited Coffin to join his band. Bela Fleck & The Flecktones, would suggest as much. Coffin has now been touring with the group for over two years and has quickly become an integral part of their sound.

After graduating from University of North Texas, Coffin, who also plays flute and clarinet studied under Joe Lavano. During that time, the young musician played with Van Morrison at the Montreux Festival in Switzerland. However it has only been in the past two years that Coffin has truly felt successful and on top of his creative game. "I joined the Flecktones (which also includes fellow Compass artist, Victor Wooten on bass) two years ago this past March," Coffin says. "Only in the past year or so has it felt like my career is really being propelled forward."

Coffin named his first Compass release Commonality because of his belief that all things are connected in some way or another. He explains "I've tried to be aware that music should invoke something in its simplicity and with the melodies, rhythms and harmonies it explores. I wanted to explore some areas compositionally that were influential to my playing, listening and writing." Recorded in July and September 1998, the album embraces the fact that music is like a journey and it pays homage to the influence that music has on all of us. The record's lead track is a groove filled. New Orleans style jaunt titled First Comes Last, with Coffin diving into the unique rhythms and beats indicative of the Crescent City. The album's title cut conjures up a folk feel in the way it floats and weaves over the rhythm. One of Coffin's favorites is the simply titled, Prayer. "This tune was written the night before the session and came together very quickly once we were in the studio. A performer once told me that he ended every show with a prayer because it may be the last performance he'd ever get to do. Music can, in its ideal space, be about thankfulness. This is what this tune is about."

Interestingly enough, for a composer who is so diverse in his knowledge of different musical styles, Coffin never purposely aims to create one specific vibe or another. He is the founder of The Vibration Arts Ensemble, a name that covers a lot of ground for him. "I believe that everything is a vibration at its root and therefore, everything is connected with everything else commonality." This group consists of players who have a sense of originality in how they express themselves and Coffin writes music with the intent of pursuading them into a space they might not normally explore.

Coffin has had the opportunity to perform with some of music's finest including: Dave Matthews Band. Branford Marsalis Trio. Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison, Sheryl Crow, The Dixie Chicks, Don Henley. Delbert McClnton, David Grisman, Bruce Hornsby and numerous others. In addition to his heavy touring schedule with the Flecktones, Coffin's versatility has made him a highly in demand session player and he has appeared on over 20 albums.

For more information contact:
Shari Lacy Compass Records
(615) 320-7672
Shari@compassrecords.com