Search - Steve Cole :: Spin

Truly Different...And Steve's Fans May Not Like It

Fifty Seven Jazz | Cincinnati USA | 05/22/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard the tune Serenity on Jazztrax.com and I decided to check out the CD. Yes, this is a very different sound than we have grown used to from Steve Cole. He says that his musical tastes and influences have changed and that is obviously reflected in the music on Spin. Most of the tunes have an acoustic pop/country flair that some of Steve's fans may not find to their liking at all. However, an artist needs room to grow and change, so perhaps as fans we can give the music on Spin a chance to grow on us. By the way, the track Serenity,and the hidden track 30 seconds after the end of Confounded, are perfect examples of Smooth Jazz Chill. They are my favorites on the CD!"

Definitely not the Steve I'm used to....

MayaLa | 05/17/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I got this CD expecting to hear that Chi-town funk that is Steve's trademark sound. Its needless to say I was shocked upon hearing the first track. This is a true departure from the music that Steve's fans are used to hearing, and is actually reminiscent of Dave Koz's efforts on his "Off The Beaten Path" release. This is somewhat of a jazz-pop album, not the jazz-r&b he's known for.



After getting over my initial shock, I managed to pay closer attention to what I feel his intentions were, and, well, the only thing I can say is that he remained true to whatever he was doing. :-/



I'm somewhat disappointed, because the little musical interludes he's known for are missing from this CD, with the exception of one constant: he still maintained the two-part final track he's known for that fades in and out.



Some of his fans may take some comfort in tracks 10 and 7, since they seem to hint at his more familiar musicial style, but then again, all they really do is hint, and leave the listener wanting what they didn't get this time around. I will say though that track 5 (dedicated no doubt to his wife) is a beautiful ballad-like instrumental perfect for relaxation.



Overall, I would say this CD is simply "OK," and for a CD by Steve Cole, that isn't the best assessment. My advice to any new listener wanting to get into his music is to pick up his first three albums, to familiarize themself with what he SHOULD sound like, perhaps skip this one, and hope and pray that he returns to what made us adore his music so much to begin with."