Freddy Cole’s latest HighNote release, his eighth in 10 years, is a sort of 50th anniversary gift to himself, and to his listeners. In 1964, Cole made his LP debut with a fine, blues-tinged collection called Waiter, Ask the Man to Play the Blues. It should have set him on the path to stardom, but he sounded a bit too much like big brother Nat. Backing Cole this time out is a superb ensemble of musicians including pianist John di Martino, drummer Curtis Boyd, bassist Elias Bailey, and guitarist Randy Napoleon. This is urbane yet earthy vocal jazz performed by a true master of the genre.