Freddy Cole - In the Name of Love

There's a good reason why Freddy Cole, despite his 50-year-long career as a jazz vocalist, isn't the household word his brother Nat King Cole was -- his voice is appealing and casually soulful, but hardly as emotional, compelling, or distinctive. But that's a bit like saying Jermaine Jackson isn't as great as Michael Jackson. How could anyone truly measure up? Family connections aside, Cole's low, gruff tone has an easygoing charm that is perfectly suited to the gentle arrangements of classics and new material. The old stuff includes soft pop gems popularized by Boz Scaggs, Smokey Robinson, Bonnie Raitt, and the perennially lovable Van Morrison chestnut "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You." Producer Jason Miles first worked with Cole on A Love Affair: The Music of Ivan Lins, and goes the Brazilian route again on Lins' easy samba-flavored "Remember Me," a likeable romantic duet with Jane Monheit. Now that Cole is back in the mainstream recording world, could a duet with niece Natalie be far off? - by Jonathan Widran, AMG

Like many of the Telarc Jazz releases I am familiar with, this outstanding recording will please the casual easy listener just as much as the vocal jazz sophisticate. Freddy Cole's smooth and loving approach of this material is apparent throughout, and the musicians back him with such warmth and respect that each song is a complete gem. To describe just a few of them - "Habor Lights" swings gently and romantically, effortlessly creating a vivid mental picture of swaying palms, soft breezes, and simpatico companionship. "Just To See Her" is a worthy remake of the song Smoky Robinson opened his 1987 One Heartbeat album with, and the absolute reverence that Freddie brings to Van Morrison's "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" flat puts Rod Stewart's version in the back seat. "Lady Love" swings with such mellowness and pure satisfaction that it puts a new and different luster to this Lou Rawls classic, and one of the most moving heartbreak songs of all time, "I Can't Make You Love Me", is longingly presented through the kind of eyes and feelings that only maturity can bring. I could go on and brag on every song this recording includes, but I shrink from stealing the joy of discovery from anyone who has not experienced Freddie Cole. If you enjoy very mellow smooth jazz vocals - the kind of music that subtly enhances the reflective or romantic moment, you'll undoubtedly enjoy this release. - by John R. Jones, Amazon.com


Artist: Freddy Cole
Album: In the Name of Love
Year: 2002
Quality: eac-flac, cue, log, artw.
Label: Telarc Jazz (2003)
Runtime: 50:49

Tracks:
1.  Harbor Lights (Bozz Scaggs) 5:30
2.  Just to See Her Again (Jimmy George/Louis Pardini) 4:11
3.  Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (Van Morrison) 4:37
4.  In the Name of Love (Ralph MacDonald/Bill Salter/Bill Withers) 3:53
5.  Remember Me (Ivan Lins/Vitor Martins/Brenda Russell) 4:31
6.  I'm Not Alone (Anjo De Mim) (Ivan Lins/Vitor Martins/Will Jennings) 5:07
7.  Save a Little Time for Me (Lionel Cole) 4:39
8.  When It Rains (Jason Miles/Kathy Byalick) 4:45
9.  Lady Love (Von Gray/Sherman Marshall) 4:38
10.  I Can't Make You Love Me (Mike Reid/Allen Shamblin) 4:31
11.  I Love You (Paul Curtis) 4:23

Personnel:
Freddy Cole (Vocals)
Jason Miles (Keyboards,Synthesyzers, Hammond Organ, Drum programming) - 1-10
Romero Lubambo (Acoustic Guitar) - 1,3,5-9
Will Lee (Bass) - 1,4-6,11
Cyro Baptista (Percussion) - 1,5-7,9
Keith Carlock (Drums) - 1,4,7-9,11
David Mann (Soprano and Alto Saxophone) - 4,10,11
Jeff Mironov (Guitar) - 2,4,10,11
Marc Quinones (Congas) - 2,4,10
Cassandra Reed (Vocals) - 4,7
Katreese Barnes (Backing Vocals) - 1,9
Bette Sussman (Piano) - 3
Jane Monheit (Vocals) - 5
Jay Beckenstein (Soprano Saxophone) - 7
Marc Egan (Bass Guitar) - 9
Cesar Camargo Mariano (Keyboards, Strings) - 8
Dean Brown (Electric Guitar) - 1
Barry Danielian (Trumpet) - 1