Always

by Tim GriggsYou have to hand it to Freddy Cole for breathing fresh air into such overdone classics as Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" and Amanda McBroom's "The Rose," originally made famous by Bette Midler. Cole, whose voice is reminiscent of his much-beloved older brother, Nat "King" Cole, even successfully tackles David Gates' "If," popularized by '70s mellow marvel Bread. Cyrus Chestnut shines on the piano throughout. Always also features Antonio Hart, Javon Jackson, Grover Washington, Jr., and Russ Kunkel. Nice arrangements and understated production.