Khani Cole




 

 

Khani Cole's amazing sense of expression makes Places, her second Fahrenheit release, one of New Adult Contemporary's most exciting vocal albums of 1998.

Khani Cole's  Fahrenheit debut, Piece Of My Soul, launched her into national prominence. With her four and half octave range and sultry manner, Khani garnered critical acclaim from all sides of the music industry. Jazztimes Magazine remarked that her ''soulful alto reveals uncommon emotion and strength.'' R&R Magazine instantly recognized her as the exciting and new talent in the smooth jazz & vocal (NAC) arena, while closer to her adopted home of Phoenix, the Arizona Republic simply proclaimed the obvious: ''Khani's smoky voice could set off fire alarms.''

Conceptually, many of the songs on her first album grew out of the emotional struggles faced at the ending of a deep relationship. True to the spirit of artistic evolution; Cole's new recording, Places, showcases the same type of R&B, jazz, and blues leanings, but with a new heartfelt freedom, release from the past, and a look to the future. Interestingly, part of this process finds Cole retreating beautifully into a simpler time of life covering three timeless 70's pop-R&B classics as a compliment to the original compositions.

''...The concept this time was slightly less personal and more about how a certain song can take you back in time, to a place where maybe things were different...easier; definitely something people can relate to in difficult times....'' says the Milwaukee native.

''...Overall there's a much happier vibe than on Piece Of My Soul simply because I'm happier...Being my first project; Piece Of My Soul involved so much learning from a performance and production standpoint, that I feel better able, now, to give a truer sense of who I am as a person and an artist....''

Places is co-produced by smooth jazz veteran Marion Meadows and new comer Michael B. The new recording features original material composed by Cole, in collaboration with her producers, and brilliantly inventive arrangements of the classics, Show & Tell, Blood Sweat & Tear's You've Made Me So Very Happy, and Chicago's Call On Me. Coupled with all-star contributions from (saxmen) Marion Meadows, Nelson Rangell, (trumpeter) Tony Guerrero, and Cole's bandmates, Al Ortiz, Billy Moio, Mike Florio, and Michael B., Places makes for some truly magical, musical journeys.

Cole's passionate delivery colors the nostalgic- grooving' opening title cut, then eases into the multiple mood-swings of the B,S, & T gem...from cool and sultry to funky and swinging. The album's most tender moment comes in the form of Time Flies; a touching tribute written for her two children who, in Khani's words are ''...the center of my life and a constant source of inspiration....'' Tony Guerrero's smoky-muted trumpet provides haunting solo support and sets the mood on the funky-swaying Overtime. Cole's remarkable take on the Billie Holiday influenced vocal, along with Billy Moio's funky guitar comping makes this track one of the richest on the album. Cole's cover of the Chicago classic, Call On Me, has her voice breezing across an exotic and energetic Cuban flavored interpretation of one of the legendary groups biggest hits. This sets the pace for yet another classic and uniquely arranged (Babyface influenced) version of Al Wilson's, Show & Tell.

From here, Cole eases back down to the hypnotic passionate declaration Like Love, a composition written specifically for Khani's voice and musical prowess. Rounding out the set are a jazz-R&B ode to the rediscovering of one's love, Our Love, and the funky-swinging feel of Somebody, a song penned by producer Michael B and featuring the George Benson-ish guitar work of Billy Moio. Finally, Call My Job, a simmering blues barn-burner which shows a very different side of Cole; a commandingly sly and seductive vocal performance with a burning guitar solo from Philadelphia Bluesman, Johnny DeFrancesco. Cole explains, ''... I wanted to leave the listener up and happy... you know, let's close this thing out with some fun....'' It was the pain of the breakup of her first marriage and the strength she found in the love of her two daughters which inspired the magnificent music on Cole's debut Piece Of My Soul. ''...Working through the pain led me to writing songs that I think people could relate to, this helped me solidify my vision as an artist....''

Cole and her band toured and played over 280 dates in 1997, including appearance with the Rippingtons, Earl Klugh, and Lee Ritenour, as well as sharing the stage with Nelson Rangell, Marion Meadows, and Jeff Kashiwa among others.

''...One of the greatest experiences of the last year has been touring the country, connecting emotionally with new audiences, and getting those passionate responses to my music...it's inspired me to challenge myself and explore this new phase of my musical life....''

Places; the second chapter; soulful, brighter, and filled with the sense of a happier time. As you listen, let Khani Cole lead your heart on a little time travel excursion...when you return to the present, look for her name to become one of the genre's top divas as we move into the new millennium.

Jonathan Widran
Jazziz Magazine
5/98

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