REVIEWS & FAN MAIL

AMAZING, BRILLIANTLY PRODUCED, WE LOVE THIS CD!

We simply weren’t prepared for what we received in the mail. Arlene Kole’s debut CD “One Day” stopped us in our tracks. The lyrics, the arrangements and instrumentation are amazing, but it is the voice that grabs your heart with the gentle firmness of an artist, mother, bombshell blonde and says “Listen, I have something to say.” Brilliantly produced by her husband, Bill Kole supports with elegant production and astounding lyrics. This team is non-stop musicality and heart. We love this CD and these people and so did our listeners. Arlene & Bill Kole appeared as the featured guests on Art of the Song Show #248. It is our most responded to show yet, with comments filled with praise and identification with their remarkable story.

Vivian Nesbitt
Co-Host/Producer "Art of the Song" Nationally Syndicated Public Radio Show

Tim Feehan
Juno Award winning Artist / Producer (Tiffany, Krayzie Bone, David Foster, Chicago, Boyz II Men, Caz) - Glendale, CA

CBC RADIO CANADA
Excellent CD! Beautiful production and a lovely package all-round. I'll be playing songs from it on CBC's 'the Key of A"

Katherine Duncan
Host/Producer "the Key of A" CBC Radio One, Canada

SHE'S THE REAL DEAL
"Arlene Kole is a world-class songwriter.  She's lived a life rich with experience, and writes about it with zero B.S. Arlene is the real deal!"

Michael James
Producer/Mixer (New Radicals, Robben Ford, Courtney Love) - Los Angeles, CA

KULAK’S WOODSHED (Los Angeles Singer/Songwriter Showcase Club)
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2010

John Batdorf and Michael McLean - Arlene Kole and the Koles - at Kulaks Woodshed, Sat 2/6/10
I was very impressed by the live show put on by Arlene Kole and the Koles this past Sat evening. I already knew that John Batdorf (and Michael McLean) were hugely impressed by their music and, as many people know, my taste in quality independent music runs toward the type of music John likes. In fact, in many cases, John Batdorf is the bar to which an artist is raised when I'm looking to take an artist on for my social media management work. And I already knew that John was very impressed by Arlene Kole and the Koles.

So I was looking forward to this show. First of all, there is always magic in the room when Michael McLean - Johns' good friend and writing partner - joins a show with John. It is always as plain as the huge smile on Michaels' face as he accompanies John on piano or guitar. Plus Michael has the gift of verbal story and turn of phrase that precedes a song that they've authored together, leading in perfectly to the song itself. Out of all the duos that John Batdorf has performed as part of, I love seeing John and Michael performing together the best. So that was a huge star of the evening for me. A sorely-needed inspirational star, peppered with live songs that prior to this, I'd only heard on CD. When accompanied and backed-up by Michaels' piano or guitar, Johns' vocals just soar.

The other very equal star of the evening was Arlene Kole and the Koles. I love live music and I don't get out as often as I'd like; but I've seen a lot of acts perform at the various conferences and I used to host an open mic and coffeehouse weekend gigs. I love seeing a professional and polished act, and though several of my favorites are practiced, they don't sometimes know what they will perform when they reach the stage. Some - even though they are excellent nonetheless - aren't necessarily practiced - they just wing it when they reach the stage. Whatever works for an individual, as long as they are tuned and not flat (and remember 98% of their lyrics) is fine with me.

It is, therefore, an extra special performance when the band or singer/songwriter is out to give you the best performance they can and they plan and practice beforehand. So I can especially appreciate a well-planned act. This is what I saw all evening ....

This was the first time I'd seen Arlene Kole and the Koles perform live and I hope to catch them again very soon (and to advise that others do the same). They are as comfortable together as well-loved worn bluejeans - they're enjoying their own performance and each other - they're loving giving the music to the audience. They are fresh and different, shiny and new, professional and practiced to perfection. The harmonies are knockout. The solo vocals are excellent. The guitar work is precise but performed with emotion. They are a well-oiled cohesive unit comprised of four very talented and spirited individuals. Become a fan - listen to the music - go see a show soon - you will not regret it!

There was a lot of love in the room last evening - I was very glad to be there.

Go - Run - Don't Walk - Check out the Music and the Artists - Become a Fan!!!

Jeanette Lundgren
Mother Hen Promotions - Los Angeles, CA

HOLLYWOOD BOOK FESTIVAL
"A fresh new voice with an enchanting sound and a gentle, insightful style that stands out from the pack."

RELAY FOR LIFE
"I had the pleasure of hearing Arlene Kole play at a Relay for Life event.  Her talent is amazing on an individual level and with her band it's truly exceptional.  I could have listened to her for hours!"

Linda Curtain
Entertainment Director Cancer Relay For Life - Long Beach, CA