B. J. Cole (born Brian John Cole, 17 June 1946, Enfield, Middlesex) is an English pedal steel guitarist who is best known for playing in the band Cochise.

He also played with Elton John on his albums Tumbleweed Connection and Madman Across The Water, specifically on the songs "Country Comfort" and "Tiny Dancer". For a few select appearances in 1998, Cole joined R.E.M. for live performances of the latter's "Daysleeper", "Country Feedback", "Man on the Moon", and a cover of Iggy Pop's "The Passenger", which closed out the band's appearance on Later with Jools Holland. He has also worked with Kevin Ayers, Richard Ashcroft, The Verve, Luke Vibert, Graham Coxon, Roger Waters, Juno Reactor, Rockin Dave Taylor, Depeche Mode, Doll by Doll, Devon Sproule, Björk, Chumbawamba, David Gilmour, Ian Siegal and Sting. Cole features on the track Then I Close My Eyes on David Gilmour's 2006 album "On An Island".

Cole also appeared (as 'Manley Footwear') in the Hank Wangford band. When The Verve's lead guitarist Nick McCabe left in the summer of 1998, Cole took over from him for the live dates.

He currently plays once a month at Darbucka World Music Bar in Clerkenwell, London alongside Steve Lawson and other experimental ambient/jazz musicians as part of The Recycle Collective.

Discography

With Luke Vibert

• Drum 'n' Bass 'n' Steel (1999)
• Stop The Panic (2000)
• Spring Collection (2000)

External links

• Official website