A native of Chicago, Illinois, saxophonist STEVE COLE studied music at Northwestern University. As a prize winner in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's concerto competition, Steve was afforded the opportunity to perform as soloist with the orchestra at the age of 18.

Despite his success in the classical realm, Cole opted to focus on his true musical loves, jazz and R&B. Steve began gigging frequently on the local Chicago music scene as a session player, contributing to a number of soundtracks on the A&E network, as well as composing and performing music with keyboardists Bob Mamet and Brian Culbertson.

Cole's solo career began in earnest after his first solo album, 1998's "STAY AWHILE", turned out to be a smooth jazz sensation, featuring a pair of #1 NAC smashes, "When I Think Of You" and "Say It Again," as well as the top 5 hit, "Where The Night Begins." The success of this debut album culminated at the 2000 Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards where Steve was the recipient of the Prism Award for Best New Artist.

Cole followed the record's success by performing and recording frequently, both as band leader and featured guest, with such artists as Brian Culbertson, Junior Wells, Waymon Tisdale, KMFDM, Rick Braun, Peter White, and Boz Scaggs. In addition to his roadwork, Cole has also lent his special sax touch to such records as Larry Carlton's "FINGERPRINTS", Brian Culbertson's 1999 release, "SOMETHIN' ABOUT LOVE" , and Jeff Lorber's "Kickin' It." Now, with the release of Cole's second album, "BETWEEN US," already posting a #1 Hit with "Got It Goin' On," Steve Cole continues to tread fresh musical terrain just as he demonstrates his mastery of the art of contemporary instrumental music.