Big hooks and big horns power saxman Steve Cole’s (www.stevecole.net) “Pulse.”
In the 15 years since the release of his debut album, Cole has traveled
full-circle creatively and arrived back home on the 10-song set mixing
R&B, contemporary jazz, gospel, blues and pop that he produced with
fellow saxophonist David Mann. The new collection, which will be released September 17th, showcases the artist’s affinity for infectious melodies, a wall of horns, and soulful grooves.
Cole’s
inspired sax play throughout “Pulse” is poured with passion and
precision. There is feverish urgency and muscle along with harnessed
control, grace and gentility. Cole and Mann co-wrote the tunes for the
album, which we recently sent you. The record is teeming with potential
radio favorites and crowd pleasers crafted by a confident, self-assured
artist who, after exploring an array of sounds and styles, has reclaimed
his roots. The music on the album is the music that rhythmically throbs
within Cole’s spirit. Long-time fans and those about to discover the
works of this accomplished musician-songwriter-producer will find a
bounty to feast upon.
The
title track gets the beat going from the gun with plenty of horns and a
funky mid-tempo groove. Cole composed the cut with whiz kid Nicholas Cole.
Soaring brightly over a monsoon of melody, the hook on “Do Your Thing”
packs a punch from the opening notes and fondly recalls the late 1960s
and ‘70s. The album’s first radio single, “With You All The Way”
provides a warm, empowering hook that embraces as Cole’s sax pledges
devotion. The single is the #1 most added and earned #1 most increased
plays honors on the smooth jazz charts this week. Cole covers Mann’s
“Slinky” that uncoils amongst complex beats and an edgy funk groove
armed with old school guitar riffs from Bernd Schoenhart while Ricky Peterson
dispenses gusts of rousing organ. Cole always wanted to record the soul
classic “Going In Circles,” which he used to play in his native Chicago
clubs. Backing vocals from Nicki Richards add heavenly touches
while plush horn section swatches provide the ideal backdrop for Cole’s
impassioned, show-stopping sax that seemingly pleads for mercy. Sunny,
optimistic and brimful of hope, “Looking Up” is another big and buoyant
hook that connects instantly. Peterson’s gospel-like Hammond B3 organ
paves the way for a triumphant, throw your arms in the air in praise sax
solo. Head-bobbing hip hop rhythms introduce an entirely different
dimension on “Maximum Cool.” The chill groove with slamming beats reeks
of the streets. With a title inspired by R&B band Mint Condition,
Cole’s lively sax sparks the flavor on “Minty Fresh.” The almighty horn
section provides a combustive burst while surfing a skin tight rhythm.
On “Ain’t No Love,” gritty lead vocals from guitarist Rico McFarland
add ambience and street cred to the track packed with horns and a choir
of background voices. McFarland’s guitar shreds before Cole’s tenor
counters with a wall-shaking guttural growl. The retro riff on “Believe”
is familiar and friendly offering a gospel jazz confirmation
reminiscent of the ‘70s. Peterson’s organ blasts testifies and
sanctifies the album closer.
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