‘I still call it home’: Jazz singer Holly Cole attributes Nova Scotia upbringing for shaping her character

Jazz singer Holly Cole is releasing a new album inspired by the moon.

Renowned Canadian jazz vocalist Holly Cole released her 13th studio album, Dark Moon, on Jan. 24. The album showcases Cole’s distinctive interpretations of songs from the New American Songbook, featuring works by Peggy Lee, Hal David, and Johnny Mercer.

“I really wanted this album to embrace the spirit of spontaneity,” said Cole in an interview with CTV’s Katie Kelly.

“At the same time, a quintessential part of the sound of my music is in the arrangements. So, we did very little rehearsal in advance, and the songs were incredibly fresh for us while we were in the studio.”

Cole says the album includes an array of different types of songs, some of which she’s always wanted to sing.

“On this record I really have my dream team of musicians and so I felt confident enough to do all the songs I wanted to do,” she said.

Cole, who grew up in Halifax, N.S., says she still feels a connection to the province and adds her East Coast upbringing had a strong impact on her character.

“I still call it home, even having lived here for 30 years almost, I still call Nova Scotia home,” she said.

“I think that I’m a pretty down-to-earth person, and I think that’s from the Maritimes. I think my sense of humor comes from Maritimes, and that’s in the music and in the shows.”

Cole is set to tour extensively in 2025, with performances in Japan, Canada, and Europe. She will also grace the stage at the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal on July 2.

Dark Moon is now available on various platforms, including CD, 180-gram black vinyl, and digital formats.

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