Into the Cole
Take a musical journey through some of Nat King Cole's Greatest Hits as acclaimed soul singer Aaron Akins presents his solo show 'Into the Cole'. Akins is a passionate vocalist who brings infectious upbeat energy to his performances. Here he pays homage to one of his biggest inspirations, mixing stirring renditions of Cole's masterful songs with anecdotes about how those works have affected his life.
Aaron with his producer Darryl Phinnessee, who starred in
"This is It" with Michael Jackson
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Aaron at Capital Records, admiring the great
Nat King Cole
Aaron, backstage at Joe's Pub in New York, before performing there recently
Aaron Akins
A vocalist of impeccable taste, Akins' voice is a prodigy of sensuality and elegance. Aaron began his career writing his own music playing in nightclubs and venues. His performances caught the attention of many including that of songwriter Henry Nemo, known for writing for artists such as Sarah Vaughn, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and, not surprisingly, Nat King Cole. Mr. Nemo was so impressed he asked Aaron to record some of his previously unrecorded original compositions.
When Aaron performed Mona Lisa the way he envisioned it, he may not have been aware that he was introducing a new concept in music. The late Carole Cole and Capitol Records felt the magic and the tribute to Nat King Cole, Nat 'King' Cole Re: Generations (King Cole Partners, EMI/Capitol, 2009), was born. To acknowledge Aaron’s vision and contribution, his name is prominently listed in the 'everlasting thanks' of the liner notes. Re: Generations features the voice of Nat 'King' Cole with the voices of Will.i.am, the roots, Nas, and Natalie Cole, among others.
Aaron's first album called "Into the Cole" (the album that inspired the Nat King Cole Re: Generations) was produced by Darryl Phinnessee, one of the stars of Michael Jackson's "This is it".
CLick here to read more about Aaron Akins in a recent article by All About Jazz