Title: The Sax Pack Album Now Available Date: 06/02/08 Author: The debut album from The Sax Pack is now available!!!
Don't miss your chance to own this unique new album...
Title: Steve Is Interviewed by Tom Schuman of Spyro Gyra Date: 06/12/07 Author: June 12, 2007
It is no secret that I am, and have been a HUGE fan of Spyro Gyra. Some of my fondest memories as a young musician were playing along with the albums, and sitting in the front row when the band came to Chicago to perform.
Along with being a fan of the band, I have also been a fan of one of Spyro Gyra's original members, keybordist/composer Tom Schuman. Tom has performed on all of Spyro Gyra's albums, and has written or co-written over 35 of the band's compositions. An artist in his own right, Tom has several amazing CD's to his credit as a solo artist.
Recently, Tom asked me if he could interview me for his new project "MusiConversations On Jazz". I was blown away that one of my musical heros actually wanted to interview me!!! Anyway, Tom and I hooked up before my show with The Sax Pack in Las Vegas and had a great conversation about music, careers, the music industry, and more.
Click on the picture below to check out the entire interview...
photo courtecy of Cary Gillaspie
Title: Steve Cole Live In London Date: 05/09/07 Author: Steve
A few years ago, I had the privilege to perform several shows in London for a very special Valentines Day concert. I've recently obtained a very high quality recording of one of those shows, and I'm really excited to be able to share it with all of you. My band for those shows was comprised of some world class musicians from the UK. On keyboards, Graham Harvey (Incognito), on Drums, Geoff Dunn (Van Morrison), on Bass, Julian Crampton (Incognito), and on Guitar, Dave Ital.
I hope you all enjoy listening to the show, and please check my blog often as I intend to post as many live shows as possible in the future
Title: Thanks Denver!!! Date: 03/19/07 Author: Steve
Last week I had the opportunity to perform at Denver's hottest Jazz Club, Jazz@Jack's. I want to thank all of the Denver fans for comming out to the show, and also want to thank everyone at the club for a great time. Check out these shots taken at the show...
Steve & The Band With Becky Taylor From Smooth Jazz 104.3
Title: Steve Cole on ABC Television Date: 03/01/07 Author: Steve
In support of a show that I played in Chicago at the Hot House, I had the opportunity to premier some of the new music from TRUE on ABC Television. Now, I've done plenty of morning TV, and nine times out of ten all the broadcast has time for is a brief segment where I play along to a pre recorded track. This time, I was able to have the band with me, and play three songs on the air from TRUE
Click on the picture below to watch the video of Steve performing "Just A Natural Thang" from the new CD TRUE.
Title: JazzTimes Review Of Date: 01/04/07 Author: Steve
My Mom always told me not to worry about what other people think, and I'm usually pretty good about it when it comes to my music. But let's face it...I do like it when people say nice things about my records.
Title: I've Been Listening To Lester Young Lately Date: 01/04/07 Author: Steve
In 1977 Verve released an album called "Lester Swings", Five brilliant small group sessions originally recorded in 1945, 1950 and 1951 featuring Lester Young with pianists Nat "King" Cole, Hank Jones, and John Lewis. Incidentally, the liner notes were written by fellow Chicagoan Neil Tesser. Several months ago, I found this LP in a used record store on Belmont Avenue in Chicago. Lester Young has influenced Jazz musicians for decades including Miles Davis, Lee Konitz, Stan Getz, and more.
Anyway...after listening to this great album, I was inspired to go into the studio to write & record this new tune. I haven't thought of a name for this song yet, but I'm sure one will come to me some day.
Hey...I'm no Lester Young...never will be...I'm just one of the countless musicians that his music has inspired.
Press The Play Button To Check It Out
Title: First Snow Of The Season Date: 01/04/07 Author: Steve
Every good thing has it's price. Chicago is a great city to live in, but having to deal with the cold and snow is the price we pay for the privilege.
Yesterday evening the first snow fall of the season arrived. It seems that we dodged a bullet this time. The forecast called for 6 to 12 inches and we only got hit with 3 or 4, but the inevitable truth is that Winter has arrived in the Mid-West.
Title: The Coolest Purchase Of The Month Date: 01/04/07 Author: Steve
So...after a total of 3 Thanksgiving meals I was faced with the reality that I must start working out again if I had any hopes of gleefully overeating during the upcoming holidays. Thankfully, a successful workout plan requires purchases of workout related consumer electronics.
This is by no means an iPod commercial, but the new iPod shuffle is very cool. It's about the size of 2 postage stamps and holds hundreds of songs.
I've been listening to it for weeks...I have worked out once...
Title: I Forgot How Good Vinyl Sounds Date: 01/04/07 Author: Steve
First of all, Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!! This Thanksgiving I discovered how much I miss Vinyl LP's. I traveled to my parents' home this Thanksgiving and between long sessions of over eating I found my way into their basement.
My 8 year old nephew Jordan was on one of his treasure hunts down there and happened upon something that he didn't recognize. "What are these uncle Steve?" he asked. "Those are called records" I answered. I then found my old stereo equipment that my parents still had in storage and hooked it up so my nephew could experience what an actual Vinyl LP sounds like.
In so doing, I felt something that I have not experienced in years. The amazing sound of an analog recording reproduced on Vinyl. It felt like a warm blanket. There truly is no other listening experience (other than live of course) that comes close.
So...If you still have your old turntable lying around, dust it off and play some of your old records. You'll be glad you did.
Enjoy...Steve
Title: True Available In Stores Now!!! Date: 01/04/07 Author: Steve
Hey everyone, It's exactly 12:01am on Tuesday November 21st and my new CD "TRUE" is officially available. Check out the album in its entirety in the Listen section of the site, and then Click Here to get your copy.
Title: Steve Cole & Mike Manson at 57West Jazz Club In Ho Date: 01/04/07 Author: Steve
This past weekend I had the privilege to perform in Houston Texas at a great new club called 57 West. I was honored to share the stage with my great friend and fellow Chicago musician Michael Manson. Together we debuted new music from my new album "TRUE" as well as new music from Mike's new album "Just Feeling It". We were joined on stage with an all star band including Gerey Johnson on guitar, Khari Parker, who just returned from the Bahamas where he was recording Joss Stone's new album, on drums, and Tim Gant on Keyboards.
Title: Steve's New CD In Production NOW!!! Date: 05/19/06 Author:
Exciting new CD on its way. Check back often for new music, studio photos, and more...
Title: New Album - New Band - New Show Date: 05/11/06 Author:
Hey everyone, I just wanted to post a long overdue update to the journal. It's been quite a busy few months. My new album "SPIN" is in stores now, and the first single "Thursday" is already one of the top 5 most played songs in the nation!!!
Critics are calling SPIN "One of the most innovative instrumental records in years, that gives smooth jazz a much needed kick in the...well...you know..."
Chris Botti, an artist that I truly admire says about the new CD, "Spin is a truly amazing combination of Steve Cole's classic organic saxophone sound, and a fresh modern approach to music."
As SPIN the CD breaks down new barriers so does SPIN the live show. The new band is made up of a world class group of musicians from Chicago and New York. New members include Dale Prasco on Electric Guitar, and Mike Logan & Mike Ricchiuti on Keyboards. Clyde Davis is back playing Drums, and David Hiltebrand is on Bass.
We debuted the new show at the Jazz On The Vine festival which took place just outside of Milwaukee, WI. After playing the first two songs from SPIN back to back at the start of the show, the audience was on their feet !!! I can't tell you what a great feeling it was to see that kind of reaction to the new songs. The combination of the new songs from "SPIN" along with previous hits like "When I Think Of You", "Off Broadway", and "Our Love" ...just to name a few...make for a truely exciting live experience.
Aside from touring, I'm busy writing music and trying to become a better cook. The writing is coming along very well. The cooking...well...maybe a bit more practice!
Well, that's all for now. I can't wait to see all of you out on the road this year. Check the tour page often to see when we will be in your town.
Title: SPIN Date: 05/11/06 Author:
Two years in the making, my new CD "Spin" is now available in stores !!! Inspired by the contemporary sounds of artists like John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, Beck, Counting Crows, Five for Fighting, and timeless artists such as Eric Clapton, James Taylor & Bonnie Raitt, "Spin" is an innovative Take on instrumental music. With this, my Narada/EMI debut, I hope to give the genre a fresh jolt! It's an album with a more organic, acoustic sound, featuring great melodies, and top-notch musicianship. "SPIN" is also my debut as a producer!!!
In early March, radio stations around the country started playing "Thursday" the first single from my new album "SPIN". Already "Thursday" is in the Top 20 on the radio charts. The world premier was on WNUA in Chicago during the Ramsey Lewis Morning Show. Thanks to my hometown station for their years of support. With more stations adding "Thursday" every day, you're sure to hear it in your city very soon.
"Thursday" was written by myself and my good friend and co-producer, Dave Hiltebrand. Along with co-writing the song, Dave plays Bass on it as well. It also features amazing acoustic and electric guitar work from Tim Pierce who can be heard on records by Santana, Jewel, Goo Goo Dolls, Michael Jackson, Shakira, Faith Hill, to name a few, and Michael Thompson who you've heard with Celine Dion, Jessica Simpson, LeAnn Rimes, Babyface, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, and too many more to mention. It also features current Styx drummer Todd Sucherman, the amazing Ricky Peterson on Hammond B3 organ, and Lenny Castro on Percussion
Title: Happy Holidays Date: 05/11/06 Author:
First of all, I want to wish everyone a VERY Happy Holiday Season. My new CD "SPIN" makes a great holiday gift, so make sure you get yours now!!!
2006 is going to be a great year. After spending the better part of last year on the road promoting "SPIN", I'm re-uniting with my friends Jeff Kashiwa & Kim Waters for a brand new SAX PACK Tour. It's going to be a blast, so make sure you catch the show when we hit your city.
Also, I'm going to be in the studio working on a brand new CD. Stay tuned for details.
