Twenty early-sixties instrumental rockers, most tied (if nominally) to surf music, taken from three 1963-64 Capitol albums (Surf Age, Hot Rod Dance Party, and Outer Limits). Cole was different from the average surf guitarist: he was more experienced and versatile, a result of his extensive experience in Los Angeles sessions. His arrangements were also slicker--in the favorable sense of that adjective--with tight, and tightly paced, arrangements (frequently with brass) that reflected his prox...   [ read more ]

CD $17.08

When jazz vocalist Freddy Cole sings, it's with a built-in groove that's unshakeable, with warm, honeyed tones that wrap the lyrics in velvet and set them down firmly in the pocket. Cole has one great little album here; if you thought it was impossible to produce a modern-day jazz vocal album that's not infused with endless oodles-of-noodles riffing that shows you nothing except the ability of the vocalist to sing everything but the melody, be prepared for greatness. With a small combo led b...   [ read more ]

CD $14.23

Fast becoming one of smooth jazz's hookiest songwriters, Steve Cole scored two number one radio hits off his 1998 debut, Stay Awhile. No doubt that program directors will continue to favor those tunes, but hopefully it won't be at the expense of the takes-one-listen-only-to-hum craftsmanship of many of the tracks on the follow-up, Between Us (Atlantic). He has the notion of "quick verse, get to the brassy hook" down to such a science that it may take a few listens to realize that the opening tw...   [ read more ]

CD $9.48