Steve Cole's seventh solo studio album, 2013's Pulse, is a smooth and funky collection of electronic-infused jazz. The album follows his 2011 orchestral covers album Moonlight, and returns him to a more contemporary crossover jazz sound. Backing Cole here are keyboardists Nicholas Cole and Ricky Peterson, guitarist Bernd Schoenhart, drummer Khari Parker, and bassist Paul Peterson. Also featured are trumpeter Trevor Neumann, trombonist Dan Levine, saxophonist David Mann, and vocalists Nicki Richards and Rico McFarland. This is laid-back yet passionate music that should appeal to Cole's longtime fans. ~ Matt Collar