The final curtain has fallen on a beloved Jazz legend
I hope you & your loved ones are well. So much has happened in such a short amount of time... Last weekend alone, we lost a giant in Jazz. A performer who profoundly marked so many of us with his truly unique delivery of song, a master who I've learned so much from both on and off the stage. The Great Freddy Cole lit a new candle and has joined a powerful choir up in paradise, playing tune after tune without tiring.
On June 27th, 2020, Mr. Lionel Frederick “Freddy” Cole re-united with his brother Nat, his niece Natalie & so many others he himself lost including his wife Margaret. He is survived and mourned by his children Lionel & Crystal, four grandchildren, his musical family, the music industry and fans all over the world. It is a particularly tough time for bassist Elias Bailey, who not only lost a mentor and a musical father, but a true friend and life companion. Elias spent the last 15 years traveling the world as a core member of the Freddy Cole quartet. His countless stories offer a scope into another era, of what performing 200+ shows/year meant, hopping from a plane to another constantly, touching people’s hearts around the globe night after night and building a unique bond with band members in the most unusual circumstances. Everyone came together in service of the music: it has always been the essence of it all. With his unique touch & deep sense of Swing, the musical moment is experienced by all sans ego, especially not from the living-legend himself, the maestro: the one and only Freddy Cole.
Also thanks to Elias, I had the opportunity to witness Mr. Cole’s greatness from various stages many a time and as a performer, I will carry each invaluable lessons (and countless tunes!!!) I was fortunate to learn from him forever. Freddy Cole had a very magical quality to deliver a lyric and convey the meaning of a song effortlessly. He was a master of subtlety & class, both on and off stage. I’ll always remember that special night last year at Joe’s Pub when he graced us with his presence and greeted me eagerly after my Edith Piaf tribute show. His positive and thoughtful words still resonate with me.
In company of Mr. Cole last year at Joe’s Pub, after my Tribute to Edith Piaf show for Bastille Day
Freddy Cole was one of the last remnants from that era when “Jazz” was the “Popular” music. He was friends with one of my greatest influences, Mr. Charles Aznavour and even introduced me to Tony Bennett one evening at Birdland! Although he was following a path to sports during his youth, he carried the music deeply within him, so much so that I dare say it saved him. Following an injury that almost cost him his left hand, his career as a football player was unfortunately cut short. However, thanks to his big brother Nat and the music they both cherished, his path to recovery was clear. He loved the music and the music chose him.
His legacy will live on in our hearts and in our stereos. I'd like to share this song which I find hysterical. Although no one could possibly sing a ballad like he did, or rile us all up while playing the blues, his sense of humour perfectly placed in little pockets during every performance was the most endearing thing to me. I hope you enjoy!
Thank you Mr Cole for the music and for being such a pivotal figure in Elias Bailey’s life, but most importantly for teaching us all the meaning of being true to the music and to thyself. Rest in Power Xx