Xhosa Cole Announces Third Album On A Modern Genius (Vol. 1), Shares New Single "Trinkle-Tinkle"
The celebrated saxophonist pays homage to Thelonious Monk with a live recording captured during an extensive UK tour
Xhosa Cole, a rising star in contemporary Jazz, has announced the release of his third album, On A Modern Genius (Vol. 1), set to drop on January 10, 2025, via Stoney Lane Records. Alongside the announcement, Cole has shared the album’s lead single, “Trinkle-Tinkle”, a fresh interpretation of a Thelonious Monk classic, available now. The release coincides with a headline performance at London Jazz Festival this weekend at Kings Place.
This live album, recorded during Cole’s ambitious 38-date UK spring tour, is a tribute to the enduring legacy of Thelonious Monk. The project captures the energy and camaraderie forged on the road. “It’s a snapshot from back-to-back dates in the middle of the tour playing this music—we were in a van trekking up and down the UK,” Cole shared, recounting the group’s journey from St. Ives to Sheffield and beyond.
The album features Cole’s quartet exploring nine Monk compositions, reimagining them with fresh spontaneity and reverence. It also incorporates collaborations, including celebrated vocalist Heidi Vogel on Duke Ellington’s “Come Sunday”, and American tap dancer Liberty Styles, whose percussive artistry adds a rhythmic dimension to four tracks. “This album is a celebration of friendship, joy, and improvisation—a musical connection to life,” Cole reflected.
Cole’s connection to Monk began through Sonny Rollins, another Jazz titan, and has grown into a deep appreciation for the master’s distinctive melodies and improvisational spirit. Monk’s Caribbean influences and collaborative ethos resonate strongly with Cole, who describes the album as “our first documentation of a long and ongoing dive into his compositional world.”
Following the acclaim of his first two albums, K(no)w Them, K(no)w Us (2021) and Ibeji (2022), this latest release underscores Cole’s commitment to pushing boundaries while honoring Jazz traditions. With On A Modern Genius (Vol. 1), Xhosa Cole continues to affirm his place as one of today’s most dynamic and visionary voices in Jazz.