David Mann

“TURN IT UP” WITH STEVE COLE

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Steve Cole’s latest album “TURN IT UP” has lived up to its name since it was released on July 15, 2016. His first single “Mirage” is already setting the tone for the album. It was the No. 1 most added on the Billboard BDS chart. Steve once again collaborated with David Mann who produced this project to create a collection of soulful tunes. His approach to making “TURN IT UP” was clever and genius. Steve decided to travel to a few different cities, recording with his musical colleagues to embrace the energy and differences of each one. The result was astounding and can be heard in every song on “TURN IT UP.” The title song was arranged by pianist Nicholas Cole who, coincidentally, arranged the title song to Steve’s last album, “Pulse.” Also joining Steve was James Lloyd on the song “Bright Side.” Steve is excited about touring and bringing “TURN IT UP” to life for his fans. He assures that the music comes to life when played live.

Steve and I talk about “TURN IT UP”:

Steve Cole (3)

 

 

“Turn It Up!”: Saxman Steve Cole previews new album with the mesmerizing “Mirage”

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Steve Cole (3)

“Turn It Up!”: Saxman Steve Cole previews new album with the mesmerizing “Mirage”

MINNEAPOLIS (6 June 2016): Known for consistently cranking out chart-topping singles that deploy big vibrant pop hooks, contemporary jazz saxophonist Steve Cole conjures a sonic escapade with the hypnotic “Mirage,” the first single from his forthcoming eighth album, “Turn It Up,” which will be released July 15 by Artistry Music. Radio programmers were instantly spellbound, making the track from the David Mann-produced set of R&B grooves and soul-powered sojourns the No. 1 most added single on the Billboard BDS chart.

The entrancing single on which electronic beats bombard the senses before chill tenor and soprano sax leads and a soothing trumpet undercurrent take command of the illusion is one of nine new songs on the session, eight of which were composed or co-composed by Cole. The tune reflects his hometown roots and ardor for Chicago’s dance music scene. It’s one of three major cities that helped shape the collection.

“I embarked on ‘Turn It Up’ with the goal of making music with great musicians and great friends in great cities. This time around I wrote much of the music with Dave Mann in New York City.  We recorded horns, guitars and vocals there as well. The energy in that great city was truly inspiring and it really is reflected in the music. Next stop was Minneapolis, where I worked with the great keyboardist and producer Ricky Peterson. Ricky and I wrote the song ‘Workhouse’ together, a track influenced by our love of Chicago house music. Dave joined us later in Minneapolis to record Ricky on the Hammond B3 organ as well as to record my Chicago pals, bassist Lamar Jones and drummer Khari Parker. I decided to track all of the saxophone parts in Minneapolis as well,” explained Cole, who has a slate of festival and club dates running into mid-October to help support the album release.

Cole and Mann have been collaborating ever since Cole’s sophomore record, “Between Us” (2000). In addition to helming the production on “Turn It Up,” multi-instrumentalist Mann often shadows Cole on alto and soprano sax to add depth, thickness, volume and intensity to the layers upon layers of horns – alto, tenor and soprano saxophones, trumpet, trombone and flute. Aside from the back-to-back dance music workouts that close the album, Cole’s energizing pop melodies and hooky harmonies on the disc are presented as soulful R&B joints. The saxman dusted off Bobby Womack’s “Woman’s Gotta Have It,” teamed up with fresh-faced keyboardist Nicholas Cole on “Turn It Up!” and yielded the spotlight on “Bright Side” to Pieces of a Dream’s James Lloyd, the author of the sunny mid-tempo smile, who solos on piano.

“In the end, I really accomplished what I set out to do,” Cole surmised. “The music reflects all of the diverse backgrounds and personalities that brought it to life. There was a lot of laughter and good times throughout this journey. I think that’s why I’ve got such a big smile on my face on the album cover. After all, it’s supposed to be fun…and it sure was!”

Cole’s 1998 award-winning arrival onto the contemporary jazz scene was the Brian Culbertson-produced “Stay Awhile” that spawned a pair of No. 1 singles. Solo tours and prominent sideman gigs with Culbertson, Boz Scaggs, Rick Braun, Peter White, Jeff Lorber and Larry Carlton served to rapidly multiply his fervent fan base exponentially while successive albums and singles repeatedly took Cole to the top of the charts, establishing him as a radio playlist favorite. In addition to his own recordings, Cole records and performs regularly as a member of Sax Pack, an all-star sax combo consisting of rotating members Jeff Kashiwa, Kim Waters, Jackiem Joyner and Marcus Anderson. For more information, please visit www.SteveCole.net.

The songs contained on “Turn It Up” are:

“Sidechain”

“Turn It Up!”

“Reverence”

“She’s The One”

“Bright Side”

“Woman’s Gotta Have It”

“Laws Of Attraction”

“Life Is A Groove”

“Workhouse”

“Mirage”

Catch Cole in concert on the following dates:

June 16-19                          London, England                              Pizza Express

July 4                                     Irondale, AL                                        Jazz in the Park

July 14                                   Branford, CT                                       Branford Jazz on the Green

July 15                                   Norfolk, VA                                        Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival

July 16                                   Atlanta, GA                                         Wade Ford Concert Series – Mable House

August 14                            Long Beach, CA                                 Long Beach Jazz Festival

August 17                            Dearborn, MI                                     Jazz on the Ave

August 18                            Philadelphia, PA                               South Jazz Club

August 20                            San Antonio, TX                                                Big Bib Too

September 3                      Pensacola, FL                                     Gulf Coast Summerfest – Jazz Edition

September 16                   Denver, CO                                         Soiled Dove Underground

October 15-16                   Rehoboth Beach, DE                       Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival

KIKI EBSEN’S GIFT

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For parents, rebellion is not what we want to see in our children. However, we will experience it at some point. For Buddy Ebsen, his daughter, Kiki’s venture into rebellion would ultimately lead her into a future full of musical success. Kiki Ebsen decided to ignore her father’s request to pursue a career as a jazz singer and instead, chose to find her own way, indulging in the pop music world. Her talents as a singer/songwriter were undeniable and proved to get better with time. A future in entertainment was Kiki’s destiny. After all, she grew up in the limelight of her father’s success as an actor. After he passed, Kiki began to reflect on the desires of her father and, eventually, fulfilled the desires of his heart. As an expression of love for her father, she honored him with the “Scarecrow Sessions.” It is precisely the type of project that would have made her father proud. Over the years, Kiki has been evolving as an artist and has found her voice. She recorded “Scarecrow Sessions” in her own time, in her own voice, and in her truth. Working with David Mann to produce this project helped shape it into a masterpiece of songs that everyone can relate to. Additionally–making this recording even more incredible–were musicians Chuck Loeb, Henry Hey, John Patitucci, and Clint de Ganon.

Kiki and I talk about “Scarecrow Sessions,” set for release on September 30th:

 

KIKI

I HEAR PATRICK BRADLEY

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On the day of the release of his third album titled “Can You Hear Me“, Patrick Bradley was thrilled that fans would finally hear his new project. Bradley has spent his life playing music; he taught himself at an early age. His instrument of choice was the organ, and he displays his keen skills playing the Hammond organ on this album. The sound he projects is profoundly crisp and is a pleasure to hear. It is a rare opportunity to hear a Hammond organ played in music these days. Although Patrick has a career as a business man working for Whole Foods Market, he has never strayed from his love of music. He has always written songs and is fortunate to have made three albums. Patrick wrote this album with the concept in mind of blocking out the noise that surrounds us all of the time along with the idea of having his music speak louder. The title and first radio single is a reflection of that premise. The song and title (“Can You Hear Me”) came to him at once as he wondered if his late mother could hear his music. Making this album even greater, he joined forces with producer Jeff Lorber whom also produced his second album “Under The Sun.” Together, their chemistry is the perfect formula for making music magic. “Can You Hear Me” features Dave Koz, Rick Braun, and Eric Marienthal. Also adding their musical chops to the project are Jimmy Haslip, Gary Novak, David Mann, Dwight Sills, and Michael Thompson.

Patrick and I talk about the evolution of “Can You Hear Me”:

 

new

THE “PULSE” OF STEVE COLE

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Steve Cole has come full circle in his career that has spanned 15 years. He had a great start with the success of his debut album “Stay Awhile” which earned him two #1 singles. His latest and 7th album, “Pulse,” embodies snippets of Cole’s background in R&B, blues, gospel, and rock and roll. “Pulse” takes listeners on a musical journey beginning with the title track that he co-wrote with Nicholas Cole. Its funky and smooth groove sets the stage for a collection of tunes produced and co-written with David Mann. The first single, “With You All The Way,” sounds like pure Steve Cole. Listen a little longer, and you’ll be mesmerized by his beautiful cover of “Going In Circles,” then end your journey with the fusion of gospel and jazz, “Believe.” In Steve’s own words, “Pulse” can simply be described as: “This is Steve Cole.” Steve is touring to promote “Pulse” and working on a new project with Sax Pack alongside fellow saxophone players Marcus Anderson and Jeff Kashiwa.

Steve and I had a great conversation.

Steve Cole
Steve Cole
Steve Cole
Steve Cole

THE “PULSE” OF STEVE COLE

Pink and Blue NotesLeave a comment

Steve Cole has come full circle in his career that has spanned 15 years. He had a great start with the success of his debut album “Stay Awhile” which earned him two #1 singles. His latest and 7th album, “Pulse,” embodies snippets of Cole’s background in R&B, blues, gospel, and rock and roll. “Pulse” takes listeners on a musical journey beginning with the title track that he co-wrote with Nicholas Cole. Its funky and smooth groove sets the stage for a collection of tunes produced and co-written with David Mann. The first single, “With You All The Way,” sounds like pure Steve Cole. Listen a little longer, and you’ll be mesmerized by his beautiful cover of “Going In Circles,” then end your journey with the fusion of gospel and jazz, “Believe.” In Steve’s own words, “Pulse” can simply be described as: “This is Steve Cole.” Steve is touring to promote “Pulse” and working on a new project with Sax Pack alongside fellow saxophone players Marcus Anderson and Jeff Kashiwa.

Steve and I had a great conversation.

Steve Cole
Steve Cole
Steve Cole
Steve Cole