BLACK as COLE is the brainchild of songstress Cecile Black and bassist Craig Cole, a band of zealous musicians who as friends thought it necessary to express themselves through music. The band performs a genre it calls Jam-on-Dub which basically is a fusion of different genres integrated into the base component of Reggae and Dub music.

The band consists of seven members most of whom became close during their time in the UWI Pop Society, at the Mona, Jamaica campus and each musician brings their own personal touch and expression to the music. On guitar Richard Nelson brings a more alternative/blues sound while Jon-Joseph on keys pulls on his gospel and R&B background. Craig, who is the musical director/producer incorporates his experience in Reggae/Dub-Rock and gives direction to the band ensuring always that the power of Cecile's sultry voice personifies the essence that is BLACK as COLE and that the backing vocals, provided by Toni Blair and Chad-Anthony Smart, compliments her amply. As in Reggae the drum is the heartbeat of the music Mark-Anthony Reid on his drums bridges the gap between the various musical ideas that bounce from member to member.

BLACK as COLE performs mostly original material and cover versions are usually interpretations of songs with significant impact on the band. It has been together for a little over a year but have graced a number of stages including twice at the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival; Red Bones Blues Cafe'; Jamnesia; and Plug 'n' Play @ the Jonkanoo Lounge of the Wyndham Hotel to name a few. To date the band has released two official singles namely, 'Musical Romance' a R&B themed love song of how the founders of the band met; and also a Reggae cover of Adele's 'Hometown Glory'.

When asked the significance of the name BLACK as COLE, the band explains that the meaning is two-fold in that while it incorporates different cultures into the sound it is at the core, black as coal: Afrocentric, positive and reverential to the rich heritage passed down by the pioneers of Reggae music and also simply a creative combination of Cecile’s and Craig’s surnames. BLACK as COLE represents music vested in love.

Stay tuned for more from BLACK as COLE as it seeks to ignite your hearts with conscious uplifting messages of truth and love.

Bookings: (876) 595-0505 | (876) 423-0525

Email: blackascoleband@gmail.com