Richie Cole Project
CANNONBALL
Filming promotional material for Richie Cole's Album "Cannonball"
CANNONBALL PHOTOS
Promotional Photography for Richie Cole's Album "Cannonball"
About Richie Cole
Richie Cole was a dynamic and innovative alto saxophonist whose vibrant style and boundless creativity made him a standout figure in the jazz world. Born in 1948 in Trenton, New Jersey, Cole was steeped in jazz from an early age and quickly became known for his virtuosic technique and infectious energy. He gained early recognition playing with the Buddy Rich Big Band in the 1970s, where his high-octane solos began to draw attention. His career truly took off with the formation of his own band, the Alto Madness Orchestra, where he showcased his signature style—a unique blend of bebop and playful, genre-defying improvisation. One of his most celebrated achievements was his collaboration with vocalist Eddie Jefferson, which produced the acclaimed album Hollywood Madness. Over the decades, Cole's recordings, including the well-loved Keeper of the Flame, and his relentless touring, cemented his reputation as a jazz icon.
In his final years, Richie Cole found a vibrant new chapter in Pittsburgh, where he continued to create and perform with the same passion that had defined his entire career. Relocating to the city in 2014, he became a beloved figure in the local jazz scene, collaborating with top musicians and recording numerous albums that showcased his undiminished energy and creativity. During this period, Cole focused not only on his signature "Alto Madness" but also on crafting soulful ballads and love songs, adding a new dimension to his already versatile repertoire. A key figure in his late-career resurgence was producer Mark Perna, who played an instrumental role in bringing Cole back into the spotlight. Perna's collaboration helped introduce Cole's music to a new generation of listeners, revitalizing his career and ensuring that his vibrant sound continued to resonate. This partnership, along with Cole's prolific output in his final years, added a remarkable closing chapter to his storied career, solidifying his place as one of the greats in jazz history.
Richie Cole
6 years of filming Richie Cole in studio sessions, interviews and much more
Richie Cole for Mayor
Part of a series of Interviews with Richie Cole, where we embraced a moment for improvisation.