American tenor saxophonist Steve Cole, has released eight albums, each and every one of them well-received, and earning him several awards. Also a professor/adviser of music business at the University of St. Thomas, this Chicago native has been a staple on the airwaves since 1998, when his excellent debut CD Stay Awhile was released. Tracks like "Say it Again" and "Think About it" became instant listener favorites, and deservedly so.

Here on his brand new eighth album, Turn It Up, Cole doesn't break any new stylistic ground, but then again he doesn’t need to. For his supple surroundings and silky improvisations make up for him maintaining the status quo with an effortless 10-track collection of new material that is sure to please all his fans.

This really rather delightful, and perfect for Summer new album kicks off with the breezy funk of ‘Sidechain,’ and follows that up with both ‘Turn It Up!’ (which, in truth isn’t that dissimilar to the opening track) and the late night snuggle fest, ‘Reverence.’ The upbeat ‘She’s The One’ is backed by one of my personal favorites off this album, ‘Bright Side.’ It’s the kind of track, the kind of mid-tempo lush sway vibe that you simply cannot stop from adding your own lyrics to.

Next up is the jazzy blues of ‘Woman’s Gotta Have It,’ a track that fairly reaches for the Heavens with every sax note brought forth, and that’s followed by the jazz-lite ‘Laws Of Attraction’ and the funky beats of ‘Life Is A Groove.’ The fun and poppy ‘Workhouse’ is next with the album being brought to a close with the longest track on the album, the over five minute long, and very thought provoking ‘Mirage.’

1. Sidechain
2. Turn It Up!
3. Reverence
4. She's the One
5. Bright Side
6. Woman's Gotta Have It
7. Laws of Attraction
8. Life Is a Groove
9. Workhouse
10. Mirage