Writer: Erick Lattrell
Photos: Anne Lattrell

As Cool Cool Cool released their new single ‘Never Noticed’ last November, it was evident the group’s distinctive blend of R&B, House and Funk music has taken on an exciting and fresh sound, all while the members have played together for a decade and a half. Now on the tail end of their single’s eponymous tour, the septet, often billed with the subtext ‘Ft. Former Members of Turkuaz’, are demonstrating that they soon could drop their marquee’s subtext. 

The warm reception of Cool Cool Cool’s music by their fanbase was aptly demonstrated in their performance at Stowe Cider in Stowe, Vermont on March 14th. Despite the show being announced as an add-on mere weeks prior when the tour was already underway, the Shakedown Lounge at the Cidery was bustling, full, and electric on the brisk Thursday evening. The response to the band’s tour and all new material was summed up elegantly by Sammi Garett (Vocals) stating: “It’s been amazing everywhere we have been. The love and support has been incredible.”    

The love and support by the crowd was just one part of the equation Thursday night as Cool Cool Cool deftly defined how connection, support, and love has carried the septet through so many years working together. The subtlety of the band’s appreciation for each member’s emotional and physical space was shown in a myriad of ways during their Stowe performance. Be it smiling eyes at their fellow band members, exuberant grins after solos, or simply creating physical space on stage when various members were featured. The band navigated each part of their hour and forty five minute marathon set with experienced precision. The group’s musicianship was even further evidenced by the seamless, and recent, on-tour addition of Rodrigo Zambrano (Electric Kif, Roosevelt Collier) on bass. 

Michael Carubba (Drums) began the night with a driving four on the floor that soon broke into his signature powerhouse drum grooves which have shown time and again why he has earned the moniker “Thunderfoot”. With the addition of Zambrano and Craig Brodhead (Guitar/Keyboard/Synth) the rhythm section could easily have stormed the music scene as a groove-tastic power trio to the delight of all. Soon, however, Shira Elias (Vocals) and Sammi joined in with their seamless and lush harmonies. Additionally, as each instrumental layer joined, space was made for more as renowned ‘The Horn Section’ jumped into the fray. Chris Brouwers (Trumpet/Keyboard/Synth), Greg Sanderson (Tenor Saxophone/EWI) and Josh Schwartz  (Vocals/Baritone Saxophone) graced the song and each thereafter with their seemingly effortless, however years practiced, harmonies and horn stabs. What followed the show opening ‘Tied Up’ was nothing short of a masterclass in musical layering, vocal prowess, rhythmic interplay and how to foster a good old fashion dance party. From the smooth EWI synth solo of ‘Hold On’ to the three part harmonies on ‘Once in a Lifetime’, the band kept the crowd on their toes and listening with rapt attention. 

The addition of ‘Once in a Lifetime’ as the night’s closing encore was fitting, not only due to Cool Cool Cool being the bedrock band of Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew’s Remain in Light, but as a danceable meditation on celebrating what one experiences in life, despite the passage of time and all it’s consumer trappings. 

As the March/April tour wraps up Josh Schwartz recently announced his departure from the band after Sunday’s performance at Buffalo Iron Works in Buffalo, NY. Mirth Films was thankful to have had an opportunity to speak with Josh about his experience and pending departure.   

Josh continued the night’s theme in his impassioned admiration for the musical family he has spent his whole adult life in. He reiterated that he will continue to be part of that family, not only as he continues to play a part of the indomitable ‘The Horn Section’ but also with ‘Remain in Light’. He summed up the emotional gravity of leaving the band stating “The decision would have been so much harder If I wasn’t playing with them in the other groups.”   

As the world shifted for so many four years ago, so did Josh’s life which brought him from his longtime home of New York City to the warmer climes of Miami with his family, wife Karen, and adorable cat and dog Simon and Moses. He explained that putting down roots in the new city brought with it a new musical experience rich in an amalgamation of jazz, funk, African and Latin sounds, among others. He exclaimed how excited he was to explore the new musical scene further as he takes more time from the road to focus on his health and wellbeing. Some of the work closer to home includes his solo material under the title JOSCH, as well as the possible exploration of more studio work, and of course, select live performances.  

The rigors of life on the road take their toll on everyone eventually, but it was evident Josh’s love and appreciation for his time with his music family has been, and continues to be, seemingly endless. To take the intersection of family and music even further Josh reiterated an incredible story. He shared he was adopted, and in time met members of his biological family. When the then Turquaz was playing Moonshiner’s Ball in Kentucky he later found out that one of the members of the booking committee is a biological sister he never knew he had. That same sister is the one who unknowingly booked the band for the show. This story, and ones like it, are extraordinary. They speak to the power of music bringing people together, whether like a chosen family, or in some instances discovering that family. The power of music is greater than the sum of its parts.

A band is more than a sum of its constituent parts as well. Cool Cool Cool exemplifies how the intersection of admiration, vulnerability, growing together over time, a staggering dose of musical creativity, and years of practiced skill in a family makes for a powerhouse of a band that will knock you off your feet, and stand the test of time.

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