(July 10, 2022) Whether a brewing up a quiet storm gem, funking it up or gliding on a reggae rhythm, Nicholas Cole is confident in his piano mastery. Among the North Carolina native’s major inspirations are jazz keyboardist Brian Culbertson and urban gospel royalty Fred Hammond. While Cole may hang his hat in the smooth jazz market, his extensive musical savvy was shaped by his musical family and playing in the church from age four.
Since 2010, Cole has scored a series of Billboard hits, with several reaching #1 (“Snap” and “Soulmate” featuring guitarist Chieli Minucci). In 2019, Cole pulled out his R&B arsenal on The Weekend, including a respectful homage to Michael Jackson, “PYT (Pretty Young Thing),” anchored by a passionate vocal performance by Elliott Yamin.
Forward three years later as Cole delivers his first single of 2022 with bass guitarist Julian Vaughn on the quiet storm-fueled “Feelings.” In this introduction to SoulTracks readers, Cole extends the sultry from “Feelings” with “All the Way.” LeFrance takes the microphone on this Trippin N Rhythm release that goes all the way sexy echoing a nineties R&B slow jam. And Cole’s keyboards provide a proper warm backdrop where the intimate romantic mood flourishes through LeFrance’s honey-tinged tenor voice.
The arrangement clearly leans on the typical smooth jazz hooks and bridges. However, Cole’s seamless balancing act of R&B should produce crossover radio appeal. Take a listen, and welcome Nicholas Cole to SoulTracks.
By Peggy Oliver
Nicholas Cole feat. LeFrance
“All The Way”