Search - Freddy Cole :: Because of You

Celebrating Age

Rick Cornell | Reno, Nv USA | 04/06/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Freddy Cole was 75 years old when he recorded and High Note Records released this c.d. in 2006. Many singers--Mr. Cole included--start losing their chops by that age; in particular, their midranges start to wobble, and they don't have the power they once had. But that doesn't mean they can't release great albums. Look at what Shirley Horn did as a senior citizen, for example: some of her finest albums were released when she was a senior citizen. She knew how to use old age to its finest advantage.



This c.d. reminds me of late Shirley Horn. Not only does Mr. Cole make no apologies for his age or try to hide behind it, he revels in it. This c.d. has all the wisdom and worldliness you would expect out of an old pro like this, and then some.



This c.d. is a tribute to another senior citizen who has revelled in his golden years, Tony Bennett. (Of course, in the case of Tony Bennett, you could pick just about any 12 standards and call it a Tony Bennett tribute, by proving that Tony has sung them somewhere along the way!) There are some great songs here. "If I Ruled The World", from Leslie Bricusse in the 1960's, is a great song not covered enough. "I Got Lost In Her Arms" is probably the most atmospheric song in the entire Irving Berlin songbook. And "All For You (Nuages)" is actually a Tony Bennett original, and one that well measures up to the others on this c.d.



Besides great material, a senior citizen singer also needs a great band to bring out his wisdom. Mr. Cole absolutely has that here. John Di Martino (p.), Houston Person (t. sax), Peter & Kenny Washington (b. and d.) and Steve Kroon (per.) are top-drawer studio musicians who are there to support the singer, not overwhelm him, and they do so. In particular, Di Martino's soloing on "Arms" and Person's solos on "World" and "You're My Thrill" are worth repeated listens.



This is a c.d. that will grow on you. My very first reaction on listening to it was 4 stars; but the more I listened, the more I enjoyed. RC"

Quite entertaining

Gail A. Mcelrath | Hawaii | 01/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this as a xmas gift for dad and we both enjoyed listening to it on Xmas day. Thoroughly enjoyable!"