Steve Cole - Moonlight

Reviewed by: Gary James.
 
Chicago-based saxophonist Steve Cole's latest is a collection of classic pop songs and standards.  Everything from The Beatles to James Taylor is featured on the nine track album.  His version of Ray Charles You Don't Know Me is backed with horns and a full orchestra.  The orchestral theme throughout the project is composed and arranged by Michael Cunningham along with elements of brass, harp and woodwind.  Steve's backing band consists of Mike Logan on keyboards (Will Downing), Russell Ferante on piano (Yellowjackets) and Steve Rodby on bass (Pat Metheny Group).  The title track appeared in the 1995 film Sabrina.  Steve said...“I saw the movie a few years ago and heard that song and it was just delightful – after all, it was written by John Williams and I thought this has all the elements I’m looking for. So I just sort of indexed it away, and when I started thinking about this project, I was searching for music that would communicate a big warm blanket – a record that would be enveloping and that’s when I remembered this song.” Other highlights include Undun, The Long & Winding Road, The Look Of Love and Close Your Eyes.  A good mix of classics for any late night.