Most performers would be more than happy to ride on the coattails of a famous sibling, but not Freddy Cole. The title of his 1990 release, "I'm Not My Brother, I'm Me!" clearly states his need to distance himself from older sibling Nat King Cole, one of the most important and most successful jazz vocal and piano stylists.
Freddy started his career in the '50s, at the height of his brother's popularity -- and never really stepped out of his brother's shadow (even after Nat's death in the '60s), until he signed with Fantasy records in the early '90s. In the past 10 years, he has released a series of recordings that exhibit his own talents well and prove that he is one of the best male jazz vocalists working today.
In fact, Freddy does sound like his older brother, both on vocals and on piano. But he sounds even better when he departs from Nat's influence and sings and plays in his own powerful, distinct way. He's got a gravelly, soothing voice, a nimble and inventive keyboard style, and he swings on blues, ballads and standards.
This year's release, "Rio de Janeiro Blue," has him backed by both American jazz and Brazilian musicians. The tunes are well-chosen, lesser-known pieces that sound like old friends under Cole's confident handling. Though the release has lush arrangements, he will be backed by a streamlined trio of bass, drums and guitar for the live shows in Japan. That will leave plenty of open space for him to do what he does best, play piano and sing. Now in his 70s, Cole is a seasoned performer who knows how to create varied and interesting live sets with the energy of a much younger man.
