Smooth Jazz Saxophonist Steve Cole went back to basics for his second Narada Jazz album, True. Released in November, the set was recorded with live instrumentation and an organic mentality that is true to the music from his home town, Chicago.

Cole says he was really inspired by some of the classic albums of the past. "For this record, I woke up one day and said, 'I'm going to go back to those records that made me want to do this in the first place, like Grover Washington's Mister Magic, and Spyro Gyra's Morning Dance, George Benson's Breezin', and David Sanborn's Hideaway, Dave Grusin and Lee Ritenour, and Bob James and Earl Klugh's One On One," Cole told SmoothViews.com.

"When I listen to all of these records, I remember what it was that inspired me to attempt to become a recording artist," he continued. "A lot of what was so special about those records was, of course, the artistry of those recording artists who made them, but it was also the interaction between a bunch of fine musicians in the same room together reacting to one another and making great music. That's how it's supposed to be done...together!"

Cole will continue to tour into 2007, including dates with the Sax Pack. For more on the artist, go to his website, www.stevecolemusic.com.