“Cole is redefining smooth jazz” – All About Jazz
Join us to celebrate the release of Steve Cole’s twelfth solo album, Sleight of Hand. This dynamic new recording showcases Cole’s signature saxophone sound. Moreover, it features standout guest performances from guitar virtuoso Cory Wong. Additionally, legendary bassist Will Lee (David Letterman Band), and renowned B3 master Ricky Peterson (Stevie Nicks).
Steve Cole is widely recognized as one of contemporary jazz’s most influential and expressive voices. The Chicago native exploded onto the scene with 1998’s Stay Awhile, which fellow Chicagoan Brian Culbertson produced. The disc scored multiple Number One hits and earned Cole the Oasis Smooth Jazz Award for best new artist. Then, he released his sophomore set, Between Us, in 2000. Also, he recorded 2003’s NY LA, 2005’s Spin, 2006’s True, 2009’s Moonlight, 2013’s True, 2016’s Turn It Up, 2019’s Gratitude, and his latest, 2023’s Without a Doubt. Then, Without a Doubt landed four singles on the top of the Smooth Jazz Chart.
Beyond his solo career, Cole has brought his signature sound to collaborations with an impressive roster of artists. For example, Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Boz Scaggs, Larry Carlton, Jeff Lorber, Jim Peterik, Freddie Cole, Cyrus Chestnut, and KMFDM. He has also appeared as a featured soloist with the City of Prague Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, Cole is a founding member of The Sax Pack, the celebrated sax trio with Kim Waters and Jeff Kashiwa.
Additionally, Dr. Cole serves as a Clinical Professor and Teaching Fellow at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. There, he teaches music industry entrepreneurship and mentors the next generation of artists and innovators.
Steve Cole, saxophone
Kavyesh Kaviraj, keyboards
Jeff Bailey, bass
David Feily, guitar
Kirk Johnson, drums
Recommended for fans of Chris Botti, Brian Culbertson, Eric Marienthal and Mindi Abair.
