There are certain jazz artists that when you see them, you’ll think, “Even my friends that hate jazz would like this.” Then, you have artists like Freddy Cole, who, even if your friend hates LIFE, he would like an evening such as delivered by Cole’s quartet on Monday night at the acoustically adroit Dakota.
While performing material from his latest album (He Was The King) that is a tribute to his brother, Cole showed that he is very much his own man, as while his voice has a familial tinge, his delivery and timing is personal and unique. Teamed with the swinging combo of Montez Coleman/dr, Randy Napoleon/g and Matthew Parrish/b, Cole’s voice felt like a vintage catcher’s mitt with a warm and leathered delivery of “A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening” and the easily flowing “I Just Found Out About Love.” The rhythm team glided like Sonja Henie as they sashayed “Jen, My Love” and Napoleon’s guitar chimed delightfully with Cole’s piano as they pranced together on “Paper Moon” and “I Saw Stars.”
But while his piano playing is vintage stride and late night swing, what sets Cole apart is his ability to pull out obscure songs and make them his own. “With the timing of Hennie Youngman, he delivered the lyrics of “The Best Man” with a wry wit, while he makes you feel cozy by the fireplace as he patiently weaves out “The Dreamer in Me.”
Even better was his closing of the set with a trio of blues pieces that got deepr and deeper into the Chicago stockyards. Napoleon’s fingers walked along the strings as the team shuffled on “Going to Chicago” while Cole sounded like he was scalping tickets at Comiskey Park on “South Side of Chicago” before Coleman’s ride cymbal drove the band to a deliciously guilty pleasure as Cole moaned out “Jelly Jelly.” Feeling’ bad never felt so good!
With style and class that swings so effortlessly, Cole and company can’t help but sum up the evening with their encore “Easy To Remember.” IF you missed him this time around, don’t blow it next one; artists like this are to be treasured.
Upcoming shows at The Dakota include Poncho Sanchez 06/05, Arturo Sandoval 06/08, Jimmy Webb 06/10 and Ceu 06/25. Eat your heart out, LA!
www.dakotacooks.com