Rebecca Cole

A recent conversation with Heart's Nancy Wilson struck a chord about the titty dancer ideal many young women choose for their musical personas. That image is usually developed at a national level, not local, where female musicians are outspoken and strong. They're also capable, however, of charmless drivel, such as Burleson native Kelly Clarkson's Miss Indepedent DVD (RCA), but then who expects much from the canned appeal of American Idol? Clarkson's got the pipes, but the overproduced material sounds synthetic. Better to seek out Girlie Action favorite Rebecca Cole, returning to form with Bloom (RRP). Re-recording a trio of tunes from her 2003 EP and adding five new originals, Cole's sultry vocals embrace her eclectic style with genuine warmth, particularly on the spiritual "Gates of Heaven." Guest Guy Forsyth adds musical saw with appropriate panache to the tender "White Satin."
- Austin Chronicle, 10/22/04

Bloom combines intimate singer/songwriter aesthetics with a bit of sass. Songs like "Gates of Heaven" and "Tidal Wave" are saturated with a cool, soulful demeanor that has life of its own. While each song is worthy of mention, a highlight is definitely, "Flavila Cates". This pastoral little shanty gallops atop swift cadence and yearning harmonica accompaniment......."
- Ryan Hoffer, A&R, 08/04

"Rebecca Cole's style is diverse, ranging from original folk to rock to blues. But her voice is what makes people sit up and listen."

- KUT, 90.5 fm, 1/14/04

"Rebecca Cole's eponymous three song EP (Mix O Rama) breaks nearly every rule: Opener "Tidal Wave" is a slow, soulful ballad, "Gates of Heaven" is contemporary Christian blues, and "Flavila Cates" is sweetly country. Cole's self-assured vocals and excellent accompaniment land her short disc into the Watch This Artist file."
- The Austin Chronicle, 8/1/03

"Rebecca Cole's Drink the Rain features Carolyn Wonderland, and they sing up a gospel storm that reaches the heavens ("Sit Down Servant", "Prayer"), while raising a little hell."
- The Austin Chronicle, 8/26/02

"An eclectic mix of heartfelt gospel, earthy blues and hook laden pop, Rebecca Cole's Drink the Rain heralds the arrival of a distinctive new musical voice. Music straight from the heart and at once introspective and exuberant plus great guitar work and backing vocals from special guest artist and local legend Carolyn Wonderland."
- Barnes and Noble, Steve Uhler, 2/1/02

Rebecca Cole Band offer up Bloom to the masses. Bloom is comprised of 3 songs re-recorded from her 2003 EP and 5 all new original songs. Rebecca's style fits somewhere between folk and bluesy rock. As a matter of fact, I can totally imagine Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers performing a lot of these songs. Almost all the songs have that "downtrodden hero" feel to them that Dylan (in recent years) and Petty are so good at. The songs here are incredibly strong both musically and lyrically, Rebecca and her band seemingly have a knack for writing catchy tunes that speak to the common man...."

-Mark Fisher of Coffeehousetour.com, May, 2005

- Mark Fisher