Steve Cole Ny La CD

Burgeoning smooth jazz superstar Steve Cole continues to bridge the gap between pop-jazz and classic R&B on his third studio album, NY LA. Featuring strong melodic statements and truly funky keyboards via the likes of Brian Culbertson and Marquis "Hami" Dair, NY LA is a moody and solid affair. From the disco-influenced "Off Broadway," which harkens back to the best work of the Crusaders, to the Donald Byrd-esque "Interlude IV," tenor saxophonist Cole deftly crosses the boundary from jazz soloist to R&B heavyweight. More Grover Washington, Jr. than Kenny G., Cole manages to keep things organic and simple -- despite the use of programmed drum beats and synthesizers -- a lesson some of his contemporaries could learn. Also adding depth are the vocal tracks featuring the crisply soulful Mauli B., whose star-making performance on "Every Little Thing" is a highlight on this already stellar release. ~ Matt Collar

Returning to the pure smooth jazz vibe of his best-selling first album, saxman Steve Cole conquers the country with 'NY LA'. Soulfully rooted in richly textured R&B grooves, Cole has earned three #1 smooth jazz hits from his first two albums. Warner Brothers. 2003.

Personnel: Steve Cole (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, keyboards, bass synthesizer, drum programming); Mauli B. (vocals, background vocals); Charles Hines (vocals); Paul Jackson, Jr. , Tony Maiden, Bernd Schoenhart (guitar); David Mann (tenor saxophone, keyboards, drum programming); Barry Danielian (trumpet, flugelhorn); Brian Culbertson (piano, keyboards, bass synthesizer, drum programming); Otmaro Ruíz (Fender Rhodes piano, keyboards); Michael White , Ralph Rolle, Khari Parker (drums); Lenny Castro (percussion).

Audio Mixers: Craig Bauer; Ian Blanch.

Recording information: AVATAR Studio, NY; BCM Studios; Interactive Sound; Little Room, NJ; Paramount Studios, LA; Sonic Soul Studios; Universal Music Studios.

Photographer: David Goldman .

Arranger: Brian Culbertson.

Personnel: Steve Cole (soprano, alto & tenor saxophones, keyboards, synthesizer); Charlean Hines, Mauli B, Brevi (vocals); Aloe Blacc (rap vocals); David Mann (tenor saxophone, keyboards); Barry Danielian (trumpet, flugelhorn); Brian Culbertson (piano, keyboards, synthesizer); Daron Johnson (Wurlitzer piano, Hammond B-3 organ); Otmaro Ruiz (Fender Rhodes piano, keyboards); Marquis "Hami" Dair (keyboards, guitar); Paul Jackson, Jr., Tony Maiden, Bernd Schoenhart (guitar); Alex Al, Will Lee (bass); Reggie Hamilton (upright bass); Michael White, Kahari Parker, Ralph Rolle (drums); Lenny Castro (percussion); Walter Lee (turntables).

Producers: Brian Culbertson, Marquis "Hami" Dair, Susan Youngblood, David Mann.

JazzTimes (8/03, p.136) - "...Cole clearly understands that an understated approach can deliver the most eloquent statement, and he turns in a spare, simply articulated, and quite affecting performance..."