Biography:

The route toward creating one’s own greatness varies. For Brooklyn emcee/producer Coole High thus far it’s been a path comprised of crucial interlocking life experiences, aiding his development both as man and as artist. A striking figure in the NYC music scene, aspiring to be relevant in a much larger global space, he’s recognized the importance of musical diversity in Hiphop, while fearlessly building a repertoire in Smooth Jazz, R&B and House. Now residing in Las Vegas, Coole now incorporates live production in his performances.

Perhaps it’s in his blood. Son of a Trinidadian saxophonist, Coole pursued piano initially. In his youth he discovered his ability to write and like many young musicians found excitement participating in talent shows and school concerts. Of course in order to be a successful musician it takes more than sheer enthusiasm and a love for music. In an age where we’re made to believe that anyone can become famous over night, often overshadowed is the importance of a true aptitude for art as well as a desire to create a legacy. Coole has owned both attributes from the beginning.

In 1998 Coole produced his debut album "From The Ground Up". “I fell in love with the idea of embracing a genre that allows one to convey many thoughts and ideas... I’ve always been told that I have a voice and what I speak has meaning” he recounts. ReddOktoba Productions was incorporated in the year 2000. In addition to releasing his material through the newly formed company, for two years he produced a showcase creating a space that supported a burgeoning artists scene. During those showcase years he met and forged kinship with friend and collaborator Tah Phrum Duh Bush also from Brooklyn. The duo since have recorded a number songs together, headlined Tim Sweeney's Music Strategies conference in Los Vegas at Caesars Palace and toured the west coast. Both artists being pretty savvy with promotion decided to merge their most recent Hiphop projects (Coole’s “Futuristically Speaking” & Tah’s “Luminous Dark Alleys:The Insomniac Works”) to form “Future Insomniac” a Hiphop play directed by Gus Gauntlet (Hiphop Theatre Festival). “Future Insomniac” opened to a sold out crowd at NYC’s Santos Party House presenting a collaborative effort unlike anything New York’s independent underground scene has ever witnessed.

<p>As a student of the martial arts for over a decade and member of Harlem’s “Fight Back School of Martial Arts and Self Defense” dojo it’s entirely fitting that Coole High be hired to work as music supervisor for the martial arts/action film “The Empty Hand” written and directed by Prof. Mahaliel Bethea head of the Manhattan facility. With a predominantly African American cast the film also features a cameo by an especially major influence on Coole, the legendary Issac Hayes. “I felt honored and proud to have done work on a film with a legend who's done scoring for many classic films. I wished he were still alive when I finished it” says Coole.

Coole High has not only become known as the go to guy for his signature production style, but also as an engineer with a trusted ear. As an executive producer (Ciph Diggy - Untitled Wave [2010] / Top $ Raz’s - The New Flesh [2011]) he’s gained even more attention for his ability to help other artists reveal their own greatness. Building an incredible relationship with lower Manhattan's performance venue “Sullivan Hall” he’s also tried his hand at producing a number of successful shows most notably, album release concerts for both underground Hiphop vets “Sleepwalkas” and emcee “MegaCiph”.

Tracing Coole’s path now leads us to where the culinary word and beat-smith meet culinary artist. In 2009 he devised an ambitious promo package pairing his Smooth Jazz release Casual Attire with a homemade, personally delivered pumpkin cognac cheesecake exclusively for orders made within the five boroughs. Needless to say, this extreme measure of direct to fan marketing was well received. Now like eggnog appears in every market during the holidays, distribution of this unique cd/pie package has become a seasonal event.

Season’s change. In the winter of 2010 a less cheerful one arrived. Coole and his family lost their residence to a devastating fire. Fortunately no one was harmed. Still much was lost, including the majority of Coole’s studio equipment. But, then something wonderful occurred. When word spread that Coole High and his family had suffered such a tremendous loss, friends and fans showed their support. “I guess that pivotal moment was shortly after the fire, and cats put together 2 benefit concerts to get me back on my feet. Fans didn't want me to quit. I realized then that I impacted a lot of people through my music and it was really important to continue that.” Coole says. The ever resilient and optimistic Coole High entered 2011 with a refreshed mindset, moving positively forward from a life altering situation only to gain increased strength and confidence. Confirmation that the path he’s chosen is the correct and only one, his newest single releases “How Ya' Feelin’” and “Capital Greatness” reflect an immense energy and openness, spreading a message of belief in life's limitless possibilities.

With a steady momentum built around travel, a healthy amount of performances and radio appearances Coole was once again ready to show the world something new. Somehow between recording material for 2012 releases and locking in an agent for licensing his music, he assisted label-mate El-Blen in the development and production of ReddOktoba productions “House of Blen Volume 1”. Coole fabricated another interesting campaign “Rare Wolf Sightings” involving a series of videos and photos of El-Blen’s Big Bad Wolf character being spotted in various neighborhoods in NYC leading up to the albums release party.

With each musical venture Coole High leaves a defining mark much like the piano notes and keys that tattoo his arm’s sleeve.

On with the journey.