It is always interesting to see two musicians with the same instruments perform together. You always know you’re in for a great show as each one plays off each other. This was the case tonight as saxophonist Steve Cole brought out his tenor, and Jackiem Joyner joined him on alto and soprano. They both hit the stage at the same time, joined by four local musicians that provided excellent backup throughout the evening. Cole’s “Off Broadway” had them jamming together right away and gave notice that this was going to be one to remember from the beginning. Steve left the stage and allowed Jackiem to carry on.

He started off with some new work called “The Reunion” from his latest self titled disc. He soared on alto and played to the crowd on both sides of the stage and the band was right in step all the way. It was a perfect lead in to the ever popular “Take Me There” from his Lil Man Soul release. I enjoyed this one a lot too, as it was accompanied by some great keyboard work and long solos by Joyner. “People Make the World Go Round” had an awesome bass solo that was followed up by one of my all favorites, “Summertime.” The delivery was slow, deliberate, and very soulful. The sax soared on the chorus, and it made us all long for the warmer months ahead.

Jackiem mixed in a couple of Michael Jackson tunes that got everyone going, including “Off the Wall” from his new disc as well as “I Want You Back.” He really got down and jammed to “Just Groove” from Baby Soul. This one included some great jams with the guitarist. He finished out his set on soprano with his latest single “Dance With Me.” This mid tempo number featured Cole on tenor as he rejoined Joyner on stage. The two played off each other well, and brought the audience to a rousing ovation.

Steve stayed on stage and began his set with “Thursday” from Spin that kept the crowd going followed by “Curtis” which slowed the pace down considerably. This tribute to Curtis Mayfield from his True release showed some of Cole’s appreciation for the history of jazz. “When I Think of You” is always a crowd favorite and a great one from Stay Awhile. I was anxious to hear how some of his new music would come off in a live setting. His latest release entitled Moonlight is full of classic pop songs and standards set amidst an orchestra back drop. Playing it live would be a challenge. With full strings from the keys, Steve delivered “Angel” as one of the most soulful and intense numbers of the evening. It really did give me a better appreciation for his new work.

Stepping back a few years, he continued on with a Stanley Turintine number called “Sugar” that had an old club feel to it. Cole brought out his Chicago roots. This one included a long guitar solo as well as a nice groove on the drums. “Just A Natural Thang” built slowly with the keys and continued to grow as Steve came in heavily with his tenor. He followed it up with some really great blues that included more guitar as the crowd really got into it. He finished the set with everyone’s favorite, “Our Love” from his Stay Awhile disc. The chorus here was ever so soulful as he brought the crowd to their feet and a rousing ending.

The two sax men came out for the encore and played Cole’s “Bounce” from his Truerelease. It was fun seeing them go back and forth with each other as well as the band. Considering these two were not touring with each other, they really played well together and were appreciated by the packed house. Billed as a Valentine’s concert, I really believe the patrons loved what the heard tonight!