Customer Reviews

Holly Cole

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Holly Cole in her 9th Studio album, this self titled CD Holly Cole is absolutely stunning.

This is her first studio recording since 2004 and it is more than worth the wait. The album on first listen is both haunting and familiar. Cole has tapped the best sounds of her previous, she parades us through the ranges of her voice and style, she draws us in and tosses us out.

This album classified as Jazz is a mix of all that is good in vocal jazz; rowdy honky-tonk, to smoky smoldering songs that burn your heart.

One of the most stunning tracks is Cole's own 'Larger Than Life' a song that reveals that Cole is not only a student of the Jazz Masters but destined to become one herself.

'The House is Haunted by the Echo' is deep, dark and melodious reminiscent of her version of 'Trust in Me' from earlier albums. Cole's greatest power is that she is a story teller, and with her voice, she makes the jazz classics or standby's her own.

Cole is amazing on this album, and if you ever get the chance to see her life do not pass it up. My only regret about this album is that there is no scat, however with that said there is not one of the 11 tracks I would want to drop from the album to hear some of Cole's scat!

(First published in Imprint in 'Imprint's Playlist 9.14' 2007-09-14.)

Holly Cole's new album displays the jazz singer's dynamic vocal styles, which shift easily from lackadaisical soul on a devilish cover of Marc Almond's "The House Is Haunted By The Echo Of Your Last Goodbye" to the controlled, restrained delivery of the pop-folk, Brazilian bossa nova classic by Antonio Carlos Jobim "Waters Of March" or the emotive, deep lounge timbre of "Reaching For The Moon".
The material itself has minimalistic moments, but is a fantastic collection of arrangements by Cole recorded with a New York nonet.
Some songs, like Cole Porter's "It's Alright With Me" have a huge, vibrant sound with saxophones and clarinets racing alongside trombone and a French horn while Holly's own "Larger Than Life" is pared down with just one sax and piano added to the band.
Other tracks, like Irving Berlin's "Be Careful, It's My Heart" are arranged to spotlight Cole's captivating voice, accompanied only by Aaron Davis on the piano.
While she has an eerie propensity to sound like a few different people, Greg Cohen and Cole's lush yet minimal production here creates a cohesion that makes this album sound very complete.
Turn down the lights, get a bottle of wine, get a lover to hold, and go into ecstasy.
Again, thanks, Holly. I needed that!
Holly Cole
This House Is Haunted

I once heard Holly Cole refered to as "The United States Marine Corps" of Jazz singers! Not a bad description of this woman who can belt them out and still sound great! Holly's unique voice must be experienced by anyone who enjoys Jazz vocalists!

I heard Holly Cole for the first time on the local community radio station. I immediately called, got her name, and purchased the CD. The rest of the CD is as good as the song I heard. She's got it going on, but it's in a new way. Hip but classic at the same time. She's become a new favorite. Love it!

I absolutely love Holly Cole's music. But taken in comparison with many of her earlier recordings, I'm afraid this one falls a bit flat for me. Sound quality is a notch down from her high standard, and the song selections and arrangements are also not quite up to par. Still a good recording that I recommend to all her fans, if not to those who may not be familiar with her body of work. Waters Of March is a high point, though!

I was anxious to hear the latest CD by Holly Cole because I own "Don't Smoke In Bed" and Temptation" and they are 2 of my favorite CD's. Unfortunately, "Holly Cole", just does not appeal to me. What happened to her unique style and the Trios great musical arrangements? This latest CD reminds me of background music and the recording is not nearly as good as the previous CD's I mentioned above. I will continue to listen to "Don't Smoke In Bed" and "Temptation" on a regular basis but "Holly Cole" will probably spend most of it's time in my CD rack.

My introduction to Holly Cole's music. Very good vocals, backup instrumentals and sound quality.

White Line Fever. No, it's not that exciting. White line as in so middle of the road it should have a strip of white paint running down the album cover.

The beautiful Ms Cole has a beautiful voice and she knows how to wield it.

Listening to Holly Cole Holly Cole (featuring Holly Cole) felt like witnessing a magic trick in which the extraordinary was rendered ordinary.

A great dish of ointment.