Rising Star Vocalist Stella Cole Releases New Single, “Polka Dots and Moonbeams”
Acclaimed vocalist Stella Cole releases her version of “Polka Dots and Moonbeams”, a lovestruck song first popularized by Frank Sinatra about a chance encounter at a country dance. On Stella’s version, her comforting vocals evoke an autumnal warmth while pianist Michael Kanan’s crystalline notes pay homage to original composer Jimmy Van Heusen. Recently, Stella announced her third full-length studio album, Imagination, out October 30 on Decca Records US. The album features a new collection of Great American Songbook classics, delivered with warmth, elegance, and effortless charm in an intimate voice-and-trio setting.
Imagination captures Stella’s effortless approach to legendary songs as she sings with heart and timeless sophistication. Backed by the trio of Michael Kanan (piano), Michael Migliore (bass), and Hank Allen-Barfield (drums), Stella approaches the songs on their own terms, leaving no space between her voice and the lyrics, interpreting the song’s messages as her own. The album’s elegant nine tracks were produced by Grammy-winner Matt Pierson and recorded and mixed by Grammy-winner Christopher Allen.
Hailing from Springfield, Illinois, Stella first garnered widespread attention through luminous interpretations of classic American standards shared online, quickly building a devoted following and earning praise from artists such as James Taylor and Michael Bublé. Her rise has since taken her to stages like Birdland, Carnegie Hall, and Madison Square Garden, while her performances continue to resonate with audiences discovering this music both digitally and in live settings.
Her most recent release, Live at Café Carlyle, captured a sold-out residency in one of New York’s most iconic venues. Receiving a four-star review from DownBeat, the album preserved one magical night in amber, offering listeners a front-row seat to an evening of nostalgia, elegance, and timeless song.
Bridging generations through her interpretations of classic repertoire, Stella maintains a nonstop touring schedule, bringing her live show to audiences near and far. Full tour listings can be found here.
Imagination Track List (CD and digital):
- As Time Goes By
- Singin’ In The Rain
- Imagination
- Polka Dots and Moonbeams
- It Had To Be You
- I’m Old Fashioned
- Soon It’s Gonna Rain
- Till There Was You
- That’s All
Tour Dates:
Nov 28-29 – Blue Llama Jazz Center – Ann Arbor, MI
Dec 2 – North Shore Center for Performing Arts – Skokie, IL
Dec 3 – Hancher Auditorium – Iowa City, IA
Dec 5 – Manchester Craftsman’s Guild – Pittsburgh, PA
Dec 6 – Ludlow Garage – Cincinnati, OH
Dec 9 & 10 – Carpenter’s Performing Arts Center – Long Beach, CA
Dec 12 – Lesher Center for the Arts – Walnut Creek, CA
Dec 13 – Alex Theatre – Glendale, CA
Dec 14 – Performing Arts Center – San Luis Obispo, CA
Dec 15 – SFJAZZ Center – San Francisco, CA
Dec 17 – Newman Center for the Performing Arts – Denver, CO
Dec 18 – Kingsbury Hall – Salt Lake City, UT
Dec 21 – The Town Hall – New York, NY (w/ The Broadway Sinfonietta)
Dec 22 – Jimmy’s – Portsmouth, NH
Keep Up With Stella Cole