George Cole Revives Nat King Cole's Christmas Classic

Written By Steven Roby

Bay Area guitarist, vocalist, and bandleader George Cole returns to SFJAZZ with an expanded ensemble devoted to Nat King Cole's beloved holiday album The Magic of Christmas. Cole channels the warmth and effortless swing of Nat's singing and guitar work while leaving room for his own personality and for his bandmates' voices.

The program moves through carols and seasonal favorites associated with Nat King Cole, framed by arrangements that foreground lush harmonies, brushed-swing grooves, and concise solos. Intimate yet polished, these sets offer a nostalgic holiday experience with a distinctly local twist.

TICKET INFO

Performance dates, showtimes, and tickets: December 18–20, 2025, 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and December 21, 2025, 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Joe Henderson Lab, SFJAZZ Center – tickets at SFJAZZ.org: https://www.sfjazz.org/tickets/productions/25-26/george-cole-plays-nat-king-coles-the-magic-of-christmas/

Steven Roby

Steve Roby is a seasoned radio personality and best-selling author. Roby’s concert photos, articles, and reviews have appeared in various publications, including All About Jazz, Billboard, Rolling Stone, and Guitar World. He also hosts the podcast Backstage Bay Area.

https://www.backstagebayarea.com
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