Jamecia Bennett, Steve Cole, Glen David Andrews, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Robert Glasper Featured in Star Tribune

The Chicago-bred saxophonist, who has lived in the Twin Cities for 17 years, may be best known for his smooth jazz sounds. But on “Sleight of Hand,” due on June 5 on Mack Avenue, he gets downright funky on the jazzy groover “Maceology,” a tribute to Maceo Parker, James Brown’s longtime saxophonist, featuring two of Minneapolis’ finest, keyboardist Ricky Peterson and guitarist Cory Wong. Professor Cole — he teaches at the University of St. Thomas — has some other heavy hitters on the new disc including bassist Will Lee and drummer Eric Valentine. For his release party, Cole will be joined by an all-star Twin Cities cast of keyboardist Kavyesh Kaviraj, bassist Jeff Bailey, guitarist David Feily and drummer Kirk Johnson.

Part preacher, R&B singer, jazz vocalist, trombonist and New Orleans musical history lesson, he is a high-energy showman, entertainer and improviser. Andrews will get the party started and keep it going, maybe even jumping on tables or parading around the premises. The cousin of Trombone Shorty, this Dakota regular was the only out-of-town act that performed at the club’s 40th anniversary block party last year.

His 2024 live album, “Keys to the City Volume One” won’t give listeners a preview of his six shows at the Dakota because it was recorded during his annual “Robtober” run at the Blue Note in New York City where he was joined by the likes of Norah Jones, Black Thought and Meshell Ndegeocello covering material by the Roots, OutKast and Chick Corea. The album does give insights, though, into keyboardist Glasper’s expansive mind and open-minded musicality. He is returning to the Dakota with his acoustic trio.