Podcast 690: A Conversation with Steve Cole

Steve Cole has just released a new CD on Mack Avenue Records, entitled Gratitude. It is an extremely enjoyable and positive collection of tunes, inspired by the saxophonist's recent realization of the goodness of others, stemming from health issues in his family.  Co-produced with longtime collaborator and fellow saxophonist David Mann, Gratitude shows Cole's musical growth, moving beyond the sound that made him successful as a solo artist, and and with the super-group trio The Sax Pack. The ensemble on Gratitude includes his regular rhythm section, bassist Lamar Jones and drummer Khari Parker, along with guitarist Bernd Schoenhart, organist Ricky Peterson and horn players Trevor Neumann and Dan Levine. Mann contributed the album's heartfelt title track, and Sax Pack pal Marcus Anderson delivered the funky "Can't Get Enough." Cole wrote the remaining tunes, which were inspired not just by his new found feelings of appreciation, but for locations he loves to play ("Soho", "Toronto"). Podcast 690 is my conversation with Steve, as we talk about the inspirations for the new album, his delight in rediscovering older tunes live, and his plans for a recording date with The Sax Pack in the near future. Musical selections include the title track from Gratitude, plus "Can't Get Enough" and the mysteriously titled "Five6oh83."