The Koles featuring Arlene Kole
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The Koles featuring Arlene Kole

Simi Valley, California, United States | SELF

Simi Valley, California, United States | SELF
Band Folk Acoustic

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"We highly recommend them!"

We were thrilled to host Arlene Kole and The Koles. They put on a particularly entertaining and enjoyable performance. Their individual virtuosity on multiple instruments cleverly showcases their original arrangements and great songwriting. The Koles' enthusiasm for the music and genuine enjoyment of performing together carried smoothly to our audience and left everyone smiling. We really enjoy their music, but it's the Koles as people that really make them extra special. We highly recommend them!
Russ & Julie
Russ & Julie's House Concerts
www.houseconcerts.us - Russ & Julie's House Concerts


"Arlene named HOT 100 Live Performers in the USA!"

Music Connection Magazine's December 2009 issue named Arlene Kole in their annual list of the nation's HOT 100 unsigned live acts. Arlene was surprised and delighted by the announcement. Arlene performs with her husband, Bill, Wyatt Stone, as well as Jim Rolfe under the moniker of "the Koles". The Koles recently sold out the Cultural Arts Center in Simi Valley, CA to showcase their latest CD release and record a live DVD. - Music Connection Magazine


"National Radio Show "Art of the Song" calls CD "Brilliant""

Nationally syndicated public radio show "Art of the Song" (www.artofthesong.org) featured Arlene and her album in a one hour interview. Here's what Viv Nesbit co-host had to say:

"We simply weren’t prepared for what we received in the mail. Arlene Kole’s debut CD “One Day” stopped us in our tracks. The lyrics, the arrangements and instrumentation are amazing, but it is the voice that grabs your heart with the gentle firmness of an artist, mother, bombshell blonde and says “Listen, I have something to say.” Brilliantly produced by her husband, Bill Kole supports with elegant production and astounding lyrics. This team is non-stop musicality and heart. We love this CD and these people and so did our listeners. Arlene & Bill Kole appeared as the featured guests on Art of the Song Show #248. It is our most responded to show yet, with comments filled with praise and identification with their remarkable story."
- Viv Nesbitt


""A World Class Songwriter. The Real Deal!""

“Arlene Kole is a world-class
songwriter. She's lived a life
rich with experience, and writes
about it with zero B.S.
Arlene is the real deal!”

Michael James, Producer/Mixer
(New Radicals, Robben Ford, Hole)
http://indiepromix.com
- Michael James - Producer/Mixer - New Radicals, Robben Ford, Courtney Love


"“Two things stand out about the Koles’ music.   First is the songwriting.  Then there are those voices...""

"For me, two things stand out about the Koles’ music.  First is the songwriting.  The Koles write songs that hit deep, that go where few writers can take us on the emotional spectrum.  And then there are those voices.  Arlene’s voice is clear, true, and strong.  Combine it with the voices of daughter Skyeler and Arlene’s husband Bill, and you get sweet harmonies that can only come from a family that loves to sing together.  That love permeates the music and brings joy to all who hear it." - Steve Brogden - Vice President, Far West/ Folk Alliance


"THE HARMONIES ARE KNOCKOUT! ...A WELL OILED COHESIVE UNIT...."

I was very impressed by the live show put on by Arlene Kole and the Koles this past Sat evening. I already knew that John Batdorf (and Michael McLean) were hugely impressed by their music and, as many people know, my taste in quality independent music runs toward the type of music John likes. In fact, in many cases, John Batdorf is the bar to which an artist is raised when I'm looking to take an artist on for my social media management work. And I already knew that John was very impressed by Arlene Kole and the Koles. This is what I saw all evening ....

This was the first time I'd seen Arlene Kole and the Koles perform live and I hope to catch them again very soon (and to advise that others do the same). They are as comfortable together as well-loved worn bluejeans - they're enjoying their own performance and each other - they're loving giving the music to the audience. They are fresh and different, shiny and new, professional and practiced to perfection. The harmonies are knockout. The solo vocals are excellent. The guitar work is precise but performed with emotion. They are a well-oiled cohesive unit comprised of four very talented and spirited individuals. Become a fan - listen to the music - go see a show soon - you will not regret it! Go. Run, don't walk - Check out the music and the become a fan!!!

There was a lot of love in the room last evening - I was very glad to be there.
- Jeanette Lundgren - Review of Arlene Kole and the Koles - at Kulaks Woodshed, Sat 2/6/10


"I Could Have Listened to her for Hours!""

"I had the pleasure of hearing Arlene Kole play at a Relay for Life event.  Her talent is AMAZING on an individual level and with her band it's truly exceptional.  I could have listened to her for hours!" - Linda Curtain - Entertainment Director - Relay For Life - Long Beach, CA


""A Superbly Crafted Album!""

"A superbly crafted Album. Arlene's voice is achingly passionate and the
songs are heartfelt, honest and above all, REAL! To anyone who has given up on music, this is the CD for you. No fluff here, just stirring, emotional and relatable lyrics that remind us that it's really all about a great artist and a great song! I highly recommend it."

Tim Feehan
Juno Award winning Artist
Producer/Album credits- Tiffany, Krayzie Bone, David Foster, Chicago, Boyz II Men, Caz,
Backroom Studios
Glendale, CA - Tim Feehan - Juno Award Winner / Producer - Tiffany, David Foster, Chicago, Boyz II Men


"...A Band That Sounds as Good (or Better) Live, as Their Videos and Recordings!"

"The Koles are a musical delight - we've hosted them twice at Acoustic L.A.-LIVE! and our audience loves the energy and musical harmony they bring to their performances. It is a rare delight to encounter a band that sounds as good (or better!) live, as their videos and recordings. - Sabrina & Craig - Hosts of Acoustic L.A. - LIVE!


"EVERY AUDIENCE LOVES HER IMMEDIATELY!"

”Arlene Kole is a captivating performer not only because her voice, intonation, and musical choices are fabulous but also because her songs are excellent, melodically, harmonically and lyrically! Every audience I’ve witnessed loves her immediately!”
- Harriet Schock - Multi-platinum songwriter/recording artist / author and songwriting coach


"It's All About the Vocals...THE HARMONIES ARE EXCEPTIONAL!"

”The Koles featuring Arlene Kole are an immensely enjoyable live act, energetic and polished, with a range of material and instrumentation that always keeps things interesting. “It’s all about the vocals” Arlene told the sound tech at the performance I saw, and the harmonies, as one would expect from a family act, are exceptional.  Arlene has a vast vocal range, from delicate, reflective songstress to power-ballad belter. Catch them live – you won’t be disappointed.” - Steve Dulson - President, Folk Alliance Region-West (FAR-West) 2003-2011


"Arlene honored as “Best of the Best” for 2008"

Singer-songwriter Arlene Kole honored by LAWIM “Best of the Best”

Since releasing her critically acclaimed debut CD “One Day”, Arlene Kole - mother turned singer/ songwriter - is making waves in the Southern California music scene. In June, she appeared as the musical guest on a new HD nighttime women’s talk show pilot (for Lifetime Network) & was a featured performer for Netteradio showcase; July sees her honored by the highly respected Los Angeles Women In Music (LAWIM) as among the “Best of the Best” of Los Angeles for 2008. Arlene will perform in Hollywood on July 9 with other prominent male and female LA Singer/ Songwriters at the LAWIM “Best of the Best” soiree. Arlene’s song “One Day” will appear on the LAWIM Compilation CD slated for release to the media later this summer.

- Los Angeles Women in Music


"The Koles play with Glen Campbell!"

The Koles were thrilled to grace the stage at the Glen Campbell Celebrity Golf Tournament in Malibu. The Koles accompanied Glen on a set that included his hits Rhinestone Cowboy, Galveston and By the Time I get to Phoenix. They then serenaded Glen with a special arrangement of Witchita Lineman. "It was a thrill meeting Glen and an honor to perform with the legend.....his voice sounded amazing" said Arlene Kole. - Randall Williams


"Excellent CD! Beautiful production..."

CBC RADIO CANADA
Excellent CD! Beautiful production and a lovely package all-round. I'll be playing songs from it..."

Katherine Duncan
Host/Producer, CBC Radio One, Canada - Katherine Duncan CBC Radio, Canada


Discography

One Day is Arlene's debut album and is filled with incredibly insightful music about life as a wife, a mother and a woman. The raw emotion of the songs and performances is breathtakingly beautiful as she fuses folk, jazz, pop and bluegrass.

From the hauntingly beautiful "Ghosts", a retrospective on raising a family, to the anger of "I'm Leaving", a snapshot of the bumps in the road in a marriage, Arlene's voice digs into your soul in a way few artists can. "Skin Deep" addresses the concern of aging in a society that places such a high premium on youth and beauty. And "16" speaks to every parent on the pain of watching a child try to "fit in" during those turbulent teenage years.

The Koles second release is "Odds & Ends"
Funny thing about this record...it was originally a collection of songs that we performed live. However, with the addition of Wyatt it started taking on an interesting life of its own. With now four lead vocalists, a beautiful instrumental song from Jimmy and a couple of cover tunes, this album has truly earned the moniker "Odds & Ends." We hope you like listening to the songs on this CD as much as we enjoyed the recording process.

Photos

Bio

The Koles are a Los Angeles based folk pop group whose original songs, stunning vocal arrangements and, wonderfully engaging personas captivate audiences. Influenced by the progressive bluegrass sounds of Nickel Creek and the harmony of the Manhattan Transfer, the Koles challenge modern day pop with their musically stimulating offerings. The songwriting is deep and heartfelt and the nationally syndicated public radio show “Art of the Song” dedicated an hour long program to the critically acclaimed album “ONE DAY”, calling it “Brilliant”. The Koles are also pleased to announce that 21 year old wunderkind, Wyatt Stone, has joined the band. Wyatt toured the world for 4 years with Rickie Lee Jones and is an amazing multi- instrumentalist.

Though the Koles are relaxed and positive, they rock, they roll, and move audiences to tears while injecting hilarious moments throughout their show. Their performances warranted them recognition in Music Connection Magazine’s list of the Top 100 Live Indies in the USA. Steve Brogden, President FAR West / Folk Alliance says: “Two thing stand out. First is the songwriting. Then there are those voices...”

The Koles are excited to be releasing & debuting songs from their new CD, “Odds & Ends”.
For music and video, visit www.thekolesmusic.com