The Weeping Angel
The life and times of a jazz legend and master: Richie Cole

a new fim project written by - Gino Maccaroni -

CONCEPT: The Weeping Angel is a film that explores the depths of the creative genius behind the life and music of the world famous Alto player, Richie Cole. In many ways it explores and reveals the memoirs of madness behind the scenes of Richie’s journey into the fantastic high’s and the debilitating lows of his career. This film is a compelling, harrowing real-life portrait of a living jazz master. Filled with beautifully written original scores, The Weeping Angel is a deeply moving, courageously honest film about the psychological inner journey of a master of music and his rite of passage from the dead, dryness of mental and emotional wilderness to his abundant joy living in a land flowing with milk and honey. This is a film essay of great gravity and significance that transcends the life and times of one man and connects and arouses a shock of recognition in audiences of all walks of life who are touched by the twisty, torturous processes of the creative energy.

Features: The Weeping Angel will:

 Provide the viewer with insight, motivation and understanding of the creative principles and processes behind the creative energy. They will learn through the experiences of one man, Richie Cole, how they may free themselves from the toxic effects of the Eros-Angel which includes self-criticism, defensiveness, contempt and isolation;

 Beautifully written original scores, rare, never released footages of a living legend, deeply stirring and compelling poetic stories and insights that every creative artist can connect with;

 Supply not only vision, but the roadmap to transform vision into reality by embracing the struggles in the life and times of Richie Cole and understand the path that challenge, direct, guide and secure one’s future success.

BENEFITS: Viewers of The Weeping Angel will:

 Inspire the viewer to understand the history of a jazz legend, and gain insight on how one man courageously fought to achieve his highest potential;

 Explores the necessity of self-reflection and establishing the importance of creating one’s unique image and sound before trying to market oneself. Excellent for all musicians and artists who are seeking to influence their times;

 Understand how and why everything they do carries a certain energy or vibration that other people pick up on and will ultimately lead to their success or failure;

 Experience the power of the music of a true, creative genius;

 Realize the power of possibility in creating a tangible vision for their future rather then focusing on the negatives;

 Discover the hidden, almost spiritual principles that create an authentic and meaningful life as they connect to the life and times of a Jazz Master.


Richie Cole

MESMERIZING – BRILLIANT – EXCEPTIONAL - CREATIVE AND ORIGINAL – PURE GENIUS!

Richie Cole, the master jazz/bebop improvisation artist who was recently listed in the 2006 edition of Marquis Who’s Who in America, is recognized worldwide for the brilliant and melodious sounds of his alto sax and the creative genius behind the Alto Madness Orchestra. Cole, a child prodigy who continues to this day to mesmerizes his fans, is prolific in his composing and arranging, having amassed over five thousand original works of the latter. A completely transversal player and composer, Richie Cole is an inexhaustible arranger for full big band and Symphony Orchestras.

The Alto Madness Orchestra was developed by Richie in the early 90’s and its continuing attractiveness to new fans is proof of its uniqueness. “The idea of the Orchestra is the concept and sound of an eighteen-piece big band using only seven instruments, four of which are horns,” explained Richie with pride. “Not only does this have the big band ensemble sound, it also allows us plenty of room for improvisation as if we were in a quartet setting,” he added enthusiastically.

Cole’s musical knowledge is honored in Master Classes at Universities and Colleges worldwide. His “Alto Madness Orchestra” course has recently entered its sixth year at the University of Madrid in Spain. When Cole was touring Siberia he premiered his Jazz Suite, “A Night in Siberia,” which was performed by the Red Army Big Band. The mayor of Tomsk, Siberia and the concert promoter are currently arranging a state department tour of their Orient Express route.

Cole and his saxophone, one of three Selmer Paris saxes, has performed with the Manhattan Transfer, Bobby Enriquez, Freddie Hubbard, Sonny Stitt, Boots Randolph, and Nancy Wilson, to name just a few of his musical collaborations. His serious professional career began in 1969 when he joined the Buddy Rich Big Band. From there he launched his solo career by becoming a part of the Lionel Hampton Big Band, then he joined the Doc Severinsen Big Band. In 1975 Richie teamed with the great Eddie Jefferson, until Jefferson’s untimely death.

Cole began developing and perfecting his Alto Madness concept when he started touring on his own. Those tours included performing in Australia, Japan, Africa, Finland, Russia and throughout Europe. He was appointed to the Board of the National Jazz Service Organization, and the Board for the National Endowment for the Arts where he served as chairman for one year. He is also a long time member of the International Association of Jazz Educators and has performed at their annual convention and in 2005 was awarded the State of California Congressional Certificate of Lifetime Achievement in Jazz on behalf of the Temecula Jazz Society

Cole has recorded over 50 albums and CD’s, his newest, “Back On Top”, is on Jazz Excursion Records and is his first release utilizing the power of Internet Jazz radio marketing and sales.

Richie Cole’s unwavering commitment to his art is revealed in his amazing ability to constantly renew himself and creating original music that is powerful, fresh, and modern, perhaps – postmodern. He exhibits all the hallmarks of a true artist. Over forty years in the industry and he still gets critical raves!

“Richie Cole constantly shows that there is life, humor and creativity still to be found in classic bebop,”

“Cole is at the height of his creative powers, and he sure wasn’t a slouch before.”

As a musical genius, Richie always show strong individuality and imagination, not only intelligent, but unique and innovative.

His live performances, seasoned liberally with the madcap humor that has become his trademark, continuously delight audiences that extend well beyond hard core jazz purists. His popularity as an entertainer has netted Cole a sizeable and enthusiastic following - one that consistently places him high in reader’s polls conducted by Down Beat, Swing Journal, and other jazz publications.

Enchanting, Fresh, Original, Brilliant …
Richie Cole is the last of a breed—a spirited musical master acquiring near-legendary status for his willingness and ability to demonstrate his command of the Jazz / bebop language. Now, a seasoned senior of jazz, the evidence of his discography, beginning in the early 1980s and extending to his newest recording, shows Richie Cole has definitely retaining the fire in the belly that has always made him such a superlative player.
The real deal and keeper of the flame!

For More information: Contact Gino Maccaroni at Spectrumlm@comcast.net