Too muscular to be called “Smooth Jazz,” this album by saxist Steve Cole feels like an instrumental Earth Wind and Fire session, with lots of R&B grooves and moods. The core team includes David Mann/key, Ricky Peterson/B3, Bernd Schoenhart/g, Khari Parker/dr and Lamar Jones/b and they get pretty soulful on “Sidechain” and the danceable “Mirage.” Cole’s tenor is razor sharp here, and throws in a few Average White Band punches with Mann on “Life Is A Groove” and “Laws of Attraction.” Cole strips down to a smoking trio with Mann and Schoenhart on “Workouse” and an extra piano thrown in by James Lloyd on “Bright Side” is cheerfully charming. A real toe tapper; bring the Afro Sheen.
Mack Avenue Records
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