"The First Time" is a remarkable record...Carri Coltrane is a singer who combines jazz skill with pop simplicity and directness. Along with her producer and co-writer Eugene McDaniels (composer of "Compared to What" and "Feel Like Makin Love"), Carri has assembled a wonderful group of songs, ranging from Gene's poetic lyric settings of Miles Davis' solos on "Blue in Green" and "Freddie Freeloader," to gospel, bossa and soul. Her emotional but restrained delivery brings the material together into a complete statement, and superb accompaniment from Ron Carter, Lewis Nash, Matt Langley, Mark Lucas and Ted Brancato, along with a full section of strings from the Boston Pops provides the perfect support.

"The First Time" is a quietly lovely record; when it's over you'll want to hear it again -- immediately...

Ron Carter - bass
Lewis Nash - drums
Mark Lucas - guitar
Ted Brancato - piano
Matt Langley - soprano sax
Mayra Casales - percussion -
Charlie Ernst - string arrangements

Produced by Eugene McDaniels

1. Blue in Green
2. Love Me Where I Live
3. Don't Get Me Started
4. Something Real
5. Evening Snow
6. Feel Like Makin' Love
7. Safe With Me
8. River in the Desert
9. Follow You Down
10. Freddie Freeloader