A Point Of View
Omnivore, 2022
8/10
A jazz singer and pianist who was the arranger for Judy Garland, this 1967 album from Bobby Cole sees the reissue treatment with 13 previously unissued tracks authorized by Cole’s estate, which gives us an even deeper glimpse into the talent that eluded so many during Cole’s short life.
The original album leads with the tumbling drums and swift jazz spirit of the lively “Status Quo”, and continues to the firm keys of the frisky “The Name Of The Game Is Trouble”, as well as the energetic melodies of the soulful “Heat”, which welcomes female vocals.
Deeper into the listen, “A Change Of Scene” trims the pace back with much beauty alongside Cole’s powerful pipes, while “No Difference At All” exits the original with a romantic spirit in a bit of an unusual way that’s actually quite comical.
The bonus tracks are especially exciting, and include the gritty yet tuneful folk nods of “Checkerboard Life”, and the emotive, poetic “I Never Saw The Shadows”. “Get Off Looking Good”, perhaps the best tune present, then glides with acrobatic drumming, warm keys and Cole’s raw yet fluid singing.
Produced for release by the Grammy winner Cheryl Pawelski and remastered by the Grammy winner Michael Graves, this version also includes an essay by Randy Poe, and is sure to turn legions of jazz fans onto Cole’s under appreciated and timeless jazz song craft.
Travels well with: Kenny Shanker- Beautiful Things; Thomas Heflin- Morning Star