Freddy Cole

This show spotlights the lyrical wizardry and versatility of singer and pianist Freddy Cole. Brother of the legendary pianist-vocalist Nat “King” Cole and uncle of renown vocalist Natalie Cole, the ebullient Freddy jokingly refers to himself as “the Cole nobody knows.” But this musical and conversational encounter delightfully illustrates that Cole is a unique and masterful musician unto himself. The Alabama-born Cole is greeted with resounding applause from an enthusiastic audience of fellow Alabama natives in the town of Opelika. He rewards their attentions with lyrical interpretations of classics like George Gershwin’s “Love Walked In.”

During this performance, it’s easy to see why Cole draws ever-increasing audiences in the US and abroad. Freddy readily admits that the task of following in his inimitable brother’s footsteps was “quite difficult,” but he also says Nat’s popularity was instrumental in “choosing which way I wanted to go.” Perhaps the most unique and divergent aspect of Freddy’s path concerns his exploration of the rich harmonic and melodic contours of Brazilian music and his popularity in that country.

“The Brazilians said that I have a Brazilian heart,” Cole explains. “I found…I had a hit record down there and didn’t really know it…We get off the plane, and there were big signs: ‘We Love You, Freddy Cole’.” Cole then explains how the emotional directness of Brazilian stylists has impacted his own interpretive gifts. “They make you feel as if they’re singing directly to you.” After this exchange, Cole deftly weds the Brazilian rhythmic pulse to a memorable rendition of Ronald Bright’s “Alone With My Thoughts Of You,” accompanied by Dr. Taylor’s musical cohorts, bassist Chip Jackson and drummer Steve Johns.

Cole says he was nurtured in a family in which “everybody played piano.” His fascinating career path has also included successful collaborations with the likes of popular saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr. Freddy has also lent his mellifluous voice and keyboard style to the lucrative world of commercials, which he dubs “the hotel thing.” Cole emphasizes the influence of musical giants such as bandleader-vocalist Billy Eckstine and the great Duke Ellington, who, Cole recalls, would “always come by the house” when his family lived in Chicago. Like Ellington, who detested categories, Cole has avoided being “pigeonholed into one category or another.” He asserts: “I’m a musician.” Cole also informs the audience about recording and performing stints he did with brothers Nat and Ike, both in the US and overseas.

Despite their different styles, Freddy and his late brother Nat were alike in being exceptional interpreters of ballads, as Dr. Taylor points out during the course of the evening. Freddy’s performance clearly reinforces the point. When asked how he chooses material, Cole says “Sometimes its the lyric that grabs my ear, sometimes its the chord structure…Sometimes It's both...Its like you’re buying a pair of shoes.” Cole then demonstrates, infusing his artistry into a serene yet startling version of Jimmy Dorsey’s “I’m Glad There Is You” and Alan and Marilyn Bergman’s “You Must Believe In Spring.”

The reasons for Cole’s success are not limited to his gift for choosing effective material. Throughout the show he displays irresistible wit and charm. When an audience member asks what inspires him to sing, compose and perform, Cole responds “The inspiration is you…Every time we sit down to play or we come on the stage to sing or do whatever, we get as much or more enjoyment than you do.” The lively conversation also covers the rich Chicago blues tradition, and Cole’s love of countless musical genres. Cole offers a humorous response to a question concerning the relationship between jazz and the blues: if an artist “can’t play the blues, they can’t play jazz.” He then delivers a blues-tinged rendition of a ballad associated with Bing Crosby, “The Sinner Kissed An Angel.”

As further proof of his thesis, Cole also mixes different genres with his original numbers. The swinging “I’m Not My Brother, I’m Me” playfully yet lovingly acknowledges brother Nat’s still entrancing influence and the lyrical singularity for which both Coles are noted.

Don't miss Freddy Cole in our Photo Gallery!