Storm Doesn’t Stop Steve Cole’s Sax Gig

Even a quick late afternoon rain storm couldn’t keep the audience from coming to the Branford Green last Thursday to hear Steve Cole, one of the most celebrated sax players in contemporary jazz.

Initially it looked like the Branford Jazz Series would have to cancel the popular Thursday night jazz program on the Green for the second week in a row. Last week ​‘Opius Bliss,’ featuring Michelle Walker couldn’t perform because of a heavy rain storm that lasted until 6:45 pm.

“Steve Cole was already here tonight to perform (he came from Minneapolis) and it was either wait it out and try to get it in or just cancel like we did last week,” said jazz committee member Charlotte Mattei. ​“Fortunately, the weather cooperated and he performed, and the audience loved him.”

At first it looked like there wouldn’t be a large crowd but after it stopped raining and it was announced to the media and posted on Facebook that the concert was on, it was estimated that between 400 and 500 people came to the Green.

Laura Burban, Director of the Cosgrove Animal Shelter, was there along with her niece Danielle DeFrancesco and her parents Lori and Dave.

And it didn’t take long for them to get into it, dancing to the lively music. 

Cole, a tenor saxophonist from Chicago, has released five albums. He exploded on the scene in 1998 with his album, ​“Stay Awhile.” Two #1 hits earned him the ​‘Oasis Smooth Jazz Award’ for best new artist.

Over the years, he has performed or recorded with the likes of Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Boz Skaggs, Freddie Cole and Cyrus Chestnut. Here he tells the audience ​“thanks for being here tonight” after the rain storm.

Cole was joined by local artists Jay Rowe on keys, Rohn Lawrence on guitar, Dave Anderson on bass, and Trevor Somerville on drums. The group led off with ​“From the Start” followed by ​“She’s the One,” a couple of songs from Cole’s latest album.

Here’s Summerville on drums.

The next concert will be this Thursday, July 21 and will feature soulful jazz organist Lonnie Gasperini.

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