Personnel: Paula Cole (vocals, hand claps); Dean Parks (guitar, dulcimer); Mark Goldenberg, Steve Khan (guitar); Billy Childs (piano); Jamshied Sharifi, Jeff Lorber (keyboard); Tony Levin , David Piltch (bass instrument); Billy Kilson, Jay Bellerose (drum); Brahim Fribgane (percussion); Hassan Hakmoun.
For 2007's COURAGE, her debut on the Decca Label and first album in more than seven years, Paula Cole downplays Lilith Fair dreaminess in favor of a sound that leans towards folk and jazz. Opening with the delicate acoustic-driven number "Comin' Down," COURAGE signals a sparer approach for the Massachusetts-based singer-songwriter, allowing more attention to fall on her expressive voice. Other highlights include the elegant "Lonely Town," which features jazz legend Herbie Hancock on piano, and the string-augmented "14," a song that warmly celebrates optimism. One of the finest pop/jazz comebacks since Madeleine Peyroux broke her eight-year silence, COURAGE marks Cole's welcome return, and points to a promisingly reinvigorated career.