Holly Cole: The Best Of Holly Cole

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: December 1, 2000

A sensitive, ballad project, The Best Of Holly Cole compiles selected smoky pearls from her ‘90s albums Yesterday & Today, Blame It On My Youth, Dark Dear Heart, Don’t Smoke In Bed, Temptation and It Happened One Night. Nearly half are slow, romantic numbers, while the others drive steadily with a cool detachment. Pop music sentiment and a touch of country-western charm bring Cole’s heartfelt performances closer to a rather large audience. She’s doing for today’s audience what Billie Holiday, Julie London and Carly Simon have done for earlier generations. The songs come straight from the heart, and Cole’s emphasis is on a lyric message. That she crosses in and out of pop, jazz, country, folk, and cabaret need not get in the way. She’s a unique singer with much to share. This 13-song cross-section representing her best work is an intelligent way to get to know Holly Cole.

Track Listing: Trust in Me; Calling You; God Will; Blame it on My Youth; I Can See Clearly Now; Don

Personnel: Holly Cole- vocals; Aaron Davis- piano, Hammond B-3 organ; Jim Cox- Hammond B-3 organ; David Piltch- string bass, percussion; David Lindley- lap steel guitar; Kevin Breit, Dean Parks- guitar; Anne Bourne- cello; Douglas Perry- viola; Anne Lederman- five-string violin; Mark Kelso- drums; Dougie Bowie- drums, percussion; Iki Levy, Helik Hadar- drums, programming.

Record Label: Metro Blue
Style: Vocal