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Steve Cole
- Avg user rating:
Out of 15 votes - Similar Artists: Nelson Rangell, Dave Koz, Boney James, Kirk Whalum
Out of 15 votes
- Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Genre: Jazz » Soul-Jazz
Editor's review
Putting the "ooh" in "smooth jazz" is this Chicago sax man. In a subgenre that, if it's not careful, can fall into glissy supermarket specials, Cole keeps things lively without sacrificing trademark cool. That's thanks to a deft deployment of edgy funk and deep soul.
Biography
Cole's solo career began in earnest after his first solo album, 1998's "Stay Awhile", turned out to be a smooth jazz sensation, featuring a pair of #1 NAC smashes, "When I Think Of You" and "Say It Again," as well as the top 5 hit, "Where The Night Begins." The success of this debut album culminated at the 2000 Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards where Steve was the recipient of the Prism Award for Best New Artist. Cole followed the record’s success by performing and recording frequently, both as band leader and featured guest, with such artists as Boz Scaggs, Junior Wells, Brian Culbertson, Waymon Tisdale, KMFDM, Rick Braun, Peter White, Larry Carlton, and Jeff Lorber.
Steve Cole's newest album, "TRUE" is his fifth major label release. With plenty of funk, R&B, soul, and jazz influences, Cole effortlessly bridges the gap between instrumental virtuosity, seamless ensemble playing, and a high-caliber creative chemistry that runs the stylistic gamut in what’s regarded as his finest album yet.
