True is Steve Cole’s fifth album. I like the title because the feel of the entire recording is that Cole is being True to his own musical self-portrait throughout the run of this CD.

There are nine tracks in total and I loved every one. This music reminded me of when I first got into David Sanborn in the early 80s. It has that funky smooth vibe running through every track.

The first track is befitting of its name “Bounce.”  It is full of chunks of funk and gets you in a nonstop groove. “Cole Seine” maintains the momentum then “Curtis” steps back the pace, coming at you like a soulful slow burner, giving you a taste of the other side of Cole’s repertoire. The rest of album has the same flow, consistently offering a similar tones and atmospheres in equal measure.

I try to refrain from sounding over the top when an entire album pulls me in like this but I have to give credit where it is due, this is a rock solid presentation of instrumental jazz and it displays how Steve Cole has complete command of the tenor sax, not to mention keys, acoustic guitar, and programming. Cole is a very talented individual. He gets some help from his friends and the credits are quite extensive, indicated on each track in the CD booklet.  This approach never hurts the ongoing development of a project, and the chances of success get a shot in the arm when you bring in the best in the business to help you out.

All of the sub genres get exposure on this CD-smooth jazz, crossover, contemporary, and funk. Cole covers a lot of ground in a very pleasing way, and I would be willing to bet that he finds a large group of listeners for True.



Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck May 21, 2007
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