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The title is derived from the art of magic, although Steve does not hide behind smoke or mirrors but strives to show his true self. Like many other musicians, he has used the standstill in live performances to give free rein to his creativity and not rest on achieved laurels. In doing so, he has drawn on his proven longstanding partnership with musician and producer David Mann, who is also involved in all tracks on this production. Other backing musicians are Bernd Schoenhardt (guitar), Trevor Neumann (trumpet, flugelhorn), Mel Brown (bass, piccolo bass), Brian Dunne (drums), Ricky Peterson (organ), Mark Egan (bass), and Todd Sucherman (drums). As you would expect, the album bristles from the start with a perfect horn arrangement featuring David Mann on numerous instruments. Living Out Loud is not just the title, it's meant to be. Loves Me, Loves Me Not takes the popular daisy principle and brings it to a lovely realization. Wayman is undoubtedly intended as a tribute to the late bass player Wayman Tisdale. However, if Mel Brown is already playing the piccolo bass, I would have appreciated a significant bass solo. The title track relies on finely crafted harmonies that are also spiced up with creative keyboard sounds. Covent Garden is a famous district in London associated with the Opera House and the former fruit-and-vegetable market in the central square. Steve perfectly expresses his affinity for this location with a memorable melody. The Funk infused It's a House Party blows your mind with hipness. Steve and David claim the next dimension of groove well supported by Ricky Peterson on vintage organ. Steve shows his impeccable talent as romantic with the heartwarming and soulful At A Distance. Trust walks the same harmonic path. David Man develops an incredible spectrum of sonic horn sounds. On The Money is another crown of lyrical bliss with borrowings from James Brown's funky sounds. Justice embraces with its intense emotional sound the hearts of listeners. Steve Cole offers with Smoke + Mirrors a well balanced beautiful mosaic of sounds. Lovers of saxophone will adore David Mann's finest horn harmonies.
Biography
Album Information
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Saxophonist
Steve Cole celebrates the release of his tenth album. After Stay
Awhile (1998), Between Us (2000), NY LA (2003),
Spin (2005), True (2006), Moonlight (2011),
Pulse (2013), Turn It Up (2016) and Gratitude
(2019), he returns with Smoke + Mirrors (2021).
