I’m Not My Brother, I’m Me is the fitting title of Freddy Cole’s latest recording. Twelve years younger than legendary brother Nat, it is understandable that the younger Cole—who also sings and plays piano—would have to work hard to establish his own style and reputation. The similarities can not be easily dismissed, however—a smokey baritone, usual configuration of piano with guitar trio. While the voices have a distinctly brotherly affinity, however, their piano styles diverge, as Freddy Cole embraces bebop and beyond. Listeners can make their own comparisons when Freddy Cole settles in for two nights at the Dakota in downtown Minneapolis, March 21-22.

Lionel Frederick Cole grew up in Chicago, the youngest of five children. His three elder brothers--Eddie, Ike and Nat--were all musicians. "I started playing piano at five or six," Freddy remembers. "Music was all around me." The Cole household hosted such visitors as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Lionel Hampton, who had considerable influence on young Freddy, as did Billy Eckstein. "He was a fantastic entertainer," Freddy recalls. "I learned so much from just watching and being around him." When a hand injury ended any hopes of a pro football career, teen-ager Freddy began playing and singing in Chicago clubs. His mother insisted he continue his musical education beyond high school, and he enrolled at the Roosevelt Institute in Chicago. In 1951, he moved to New York for studies at Julliard , where he was heavily influenced by pianists John Lewis, Oscar Peterson, and Teddy Wilson. After earning a Masters Degree at the New England Conservatory of Music, he spent several months on the road as a member of an Earl Bostic band that also included Johnny Coles and Benny Golson.

Performing in Manhattan bistros, Cole developed an extensive repertoire; he also sought work performing television and radio commercial jingles to supplement his income. His first single recording, "The Joke’s on Me," was released in 1952; he went on to record several albums for European and English labels during the ‘70s that led to a loyal following overseas. His international success prompted him to "widen my scope a little bit.;" soon he was performing a stand-up act and learned to sing in other languages. "It made me much more of a performer," he recalls. Over the years, Freddy Cole has played with both giants and new stars of jazz-- Grover Washington, Jr., Jane Monheit, Cyrus Chestnut, Abbey Lincoln, Ann Hampton-Calloway, Little Jimmy Scott, George Mraz, Eric Alexander, Cedar Walton, and many others.

A versatile performer, Freddy Cole has a “gorgeous autumnal baritone, expressive phrasing and pitch-perfect feel for jazz standards, pop tunes and love ballads” (People Magazine). Singer John Hendricks dubbed him a “real Prince of Song, upholding a noble tradition as only he can.” Other musicians have added accolades: “His talent and music are like a fine, rare wine” (Benny Golson); “he sounds wonderful” (Betty Carter); “Freddy bears a standard and is an inspiration to those of us who love the music. It's reassuring to hear the magic he brings…” (Abbey Lincoln); “one of my very favorite singers” (Milt Jackson); “one of few true great ones” (Jimmy Scott); “the warm and intimate grace of Freddy's art moves us to more gladly embrace life's wonder and love's mystery” (Grover Washington, Jr.); “Freddy's a very, very important voice with a special elegance and quality” (Joe Williams).

And critic Stanley Crouch notes, “Through his work, integrity assumes its artistic identity in terms of pace, character and heart.” Of his 2003 release, In the Name of Love, Singer Magazine noted, “It's pure enjoyment to listen to this fine contemporary material delivered by a voice with some fifty years' experience, a voice that burns an indelible signature into every syllable and phrase.”

Freddy Cole appears at the Dakota on Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis, March 21-22, two sets each night at 7 and 9 pm. For more information, see www.dakotacooks.com and www.freddycole.com