JAZZ REVIEW : Cole Makes Gutsy L.A. Debut

Holly Cole has guts, and promise.

The Canadian singer sidled on stage Friday at the Mayfair Theatre in Santa Monica and hit her audience with a come-hither ballad. “Talk to Me, Baby” was delivered at the pace of ice cream melting in the summer sun, and was highlighted by breathy, intimate tones.

This nervy, unadorned quality marked the best selections in Cole’s L.A. concert debut. Working with empathetic support from pianist Aaron Davis and bassist David Piltch, the youthful chanteuse used soft tones to drive home the nail-hard bite of Cole Porter’s “Get Out of Town.” And her hushed reading of “Blame It On My Youth” gave the song’s story of infidelity a telling authenticity.

Cole’s effectiveness, and individuality, diminished when she let the power of her chameleon-like, robust voice run rampant, particularly when she hit high notes that were narrow and gleaming--headlights reflecting off the walls of a tunnel.

Davis and Piltch buoyed the show with crisp rhythmic accompaniment--as when Piltch thumped his bass to create drum-like effects--and several natty solos.