Want to fall in love with jazz?  Meet the older Cole brother

Local reports
Published: August 21, 2008

The Florence-Darlington Technical College Educational Foundation invites you to “Fall in Love with Jazz” as world renowned Jazz artist Freddy Cole and his Quartet take the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology’s convention center stage during its 44th Annual Celebration and Jazz Gala. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. and tickets are $100 each.
The Cole name might sound familiar. Cole’s older brother was American music icon Nat King Cole, famous for the classic holiday tune “The Christmas Song.” Freddy is also the uncle of recording artist Natalie Cole.
It was back in New York that Cole successfully laid the groundwork for a career that continues to flourish to this day. He developed a vast repertoire of songs in Manhattan bistros and concurrently began to supplement his live performances with television and radio commercial jingle work.
A resident of Atlanta since 1972, he leads a trio made up of himself, guitarist Randy Napoleon, drummer Curtis Boyd and bassist Elias Bailey. They regularly tour the U.S., Europe, Asia and South America. Freddy has been a recording artist since 1952, when his first single, “The Joke’s on Me,” was released on an obscure Chicago-based label.
Cole recorded several albums for European and English companies during the 1970s that helped him develop a loyal overseas following. Cole said he thinks becoming an international favorite made him broadened his scope. He developed a stand-up act, a better rapport with audiences, and learned to sing in other languages. “It made me much more of a performer,” he said.
Cole doesn’t apologize for sounding like his famous brother. There are certain unmistakable similarities. He plays piano and sings and performs live with guitar and upright bass, just like Nat. Yet, his voice is raspier, smokier, jazzier even.
He has, however, emerged from the awesome shadow cast by his brother with phrasing more like that of Frank Sinatra or Billie Holiday and his timing swings a little more. His vocals — suave, elegant, formidable and articulate — are among the most respected in jazz.

If you’re going
WHAT: Anniversary Celebration and Jazz Gala featuring Freddy Cole
WHEN: 7 p.m. Sept. 5
WHERE: Florence-Darlington Technical College, located at 2715 W Lucas St., in Florence
COST: $100, includes dinner
INFO: (843) 661-8001