Jazz saxophonist Xhosa Cole Shares New Single "Come Sunday"
A heartfelt tribute to Duke Ellington featuring Heidi Vogel and Liberty Styles, ahead of Cole's upcoming album On A Modern Genius (Vol. 1).
In anticipation of his third album, On A Modern Genius (Vol. 1), set to release on January 10, 2025, Xhosa Cole unveils his latest single, “Come Sunday.” This poignant rendition of Duke Ellington’s classic offers a rare glimpse into the saxophonist’s reverence for Jazz’s rich lineage, bridging the music of Ellington and Thelonious Monk.
A standout on the album, “Come Sunday” is the only track not composed by Monk, underscoring Ellington’s profound influence on the bebop innovator. Vocalist Heidi Vogel, renowned for her evocative performances, lends her artistry to the piece, marking her second collaboration with Cole after their acclaimed BBC Proms appearance. Vogel’s voice intertwines seamlessly with the intricate rhythm tap of Liberty Styles, a long-time collaborator whose percussive dynamism enriches four tracks on the album.
Reflecting on the choice to include this Ellington masterpiece, Cole shared, “Ellington has such a strong musical resonance with Monk. I wanted to honor these tunes that have given so much to this vast family tree that is music and to celebrate their composer, a person who epitomized grace.”
Recorded live during an ambitious 38-date UK tour, On A Modern Genius (Vol. 1) captures the raw energy and camaraderie of Cole’s quartet. The project is both a tribute to Monk and a deep dive into his compositional genius, with Cole describing the album as “our first documentation of a long and ongoing dive into his world.” For more on this groundbreaking album and its first single, “Trinkle-Tinkle,” read our earlier coverage here.
Xhosa Cole’s star continues to ascend following his earlier releases, K(no)w Them, K(no)w Us (2021) and Ibeji (2022). The Guardian calls him “highly gifted” with “the rich expressive range and technical skills that characterize significant soloists,” while Jazzwise lauds his “genuinely thrilling flights of invention.”
Listen to "Come Sunday" now and experience the artistry of Xhosa Cole as he celebrates Jazz’s enduring legacy with heartfelt reverence and creative ingenuity.