Sounding grainier than of yore, the veteran Cole (he turned 80 in October) limits himself to the vocal role on this new album, handing over the piano stool to Di Martino, a good New York pro. Allen is exultant on the opening ‘Mam'selle’, the ensemble chart just right, with Napoleon (a member of Cole's regular touring band, as are Boyd and Bailey) showing his skills, if only briefly, before Bill Withers’ ‘Lovely Day’ adds Stafford, the extra zip he brings supporting the song's cheerful intention. Shame it has to fade. He's equally good, on flugelhorn this time, on another Withers tune, ‘You Just Can't Smile It Away’ as is Allen, in Getzian mode, on ‘Talk To Me’. Of course and inevitably, Cole's singing still evokes that of his more famous brother, with the same relaxed, laidback phrasing and silky, buttermilk sound, each performance coloured by his lengthy experience and innate desire to please. Having heard him live more than once, I can attest to his genial persona and warmth, the selection of songs this time, all new to his repertoire, unhackneyed and congenial, typified by Bill's dad, Moose Charlap's lovely song, ‘I Was Telling Her About You’. What with Stafford and Allen in triumphant form, Napoleon not far behind, and Cole putting his own stamp on these songs, this is quite a treat.