What makes NY LA by Steve Cole notable?

'NY LA' received significant attention within the smooth jazz community, reaching high on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz charts. The album's title track gained airplay on various radio stations, further establishing Cole's reputation as a leading saxophonist in the genre. In 2003, Steve Cole was solidifying his presence in the smooth jazz genre following his previous album 'Between Us' which released in 2001. 'NY LA' marked his third studio release and showcased his growing artistry as he began exploring more contemporary sounds while maintaining his signature style.

NY LA works well if you're into smooth melodies for relaxed evenings, vibrant rhythms for social gatherings and short tracks with varied moods.

How many songs are on NY LA?

NY LA has 10 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

NY LA

Steve Cole · 2003

45 min · 10 tracks · jazz

Smooth jazz melodies intertwine with vibrant rhythms, creating a sonic journey that bridges the energy of New York and Los Angeles.

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Top tracks — play these first

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NY LA — The title track perfectly captures the essence of the album, blending urban sophistication with melodic improvisation reflective of both cities.
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Every Little Thing — This track features a catchy hook paired with intricate saxophone lines, showcasing Cole's ability to combine technical skill with accessible melodies.
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Keep It Live — With its extended format, this closing track allows for an expansive exploration of themes and motifs introduced earlier in the album, highlighting Cole's improvisational prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album offers solid compositions and smooth execution but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its genre.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of smooth melodies layered over rhythmic grooves, with each track maintaining a similar sonic palette.
Several tracks incorporate interludes that provide brief pauses in the flow, allowing for a moment of reflection before returning to the main themes.
The title track opens the album with a strong melodic hook that is echoed and varied throughout subsequent tracks, creating thematic continuity.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

smooth melodies for relaxed evenings
vibrant rhythms for social gatherings
short tracks with varied moods
captivating interludes that enhance flow

Maybe skip if you

prefer high-energy, fast-paced music
seek heavy, complex arrangements

Where this album fits

Career context: In 2003, Steve Cole was solidifying his presence in the smooth jazz genre following his previous album 'Between Us' which released in 2001. 'NY LA' marked his third studio release and showcased his growing artistry as he began exploring more contemporary sounds while maintaining his signature style.
Stylistic neighbors: David Sanborn· Kirk Whalum· Boney James

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 NY LA 3:38
2 Everyday 4:19
3 Tonight It’s On 3:49
4 Love Letter 4:48
5 Off Broadway 4:18
6 Interlude IV 2:05
7 Every Little Thing 3:27
8 Missing You 4:45
9 Close Your Eyes, Free Your Mind 3:38
10 Keep It Live 10:32

What to play next

Listen next

Spin

2005

Go back to

Between Us

2000

Full Steve Cole discography Artists like Steve Cole

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata