Talking Book
-
Chasing
The Green
The
term smooth jazz is often defined as instrumental music. This is
certainly an unnecessary restriction of this genre. Since Sade we all
know that vocals are a fundamental part of smooth jazz. Keeping that
in mind we are standing in front of a wide field of creativity.
Main actor on this
field is the group Talking Book. J. Kari formed Talking Book as a
studio group to record his original songs. A super indie band with
veteran experience is presenting their debut album "Chasing The
Green" (2006). Their motto: "We're putting the cerebral soul
sound into smooth jazz!"
The album starts
with The Story Of Life featuring
the mellow voice of soul singer Mr. Jonz. The song is about struggling
in the city and overcoming all daily problems. Sam Skelton, an
accomplished sax player with academic background, sets moody jazz
accents.
From time to time
I listen to songs which have the quality of a classic. Your
Soul Baby is beyond all doubt such a song with a great timeless
charm. Short and attractive.
Now
is featuring prolific lead singer Sam Salter who is
together with Mr.Jonz, Michael Anthony, Kiana Teal, and J. Kari member
of Talking Book. Smooth vocals with an appealing potential.
Eye
For Love is a romantic ballade of singer Sam Salter whose
vocals reminds me at the young Babyface. That's not a mere accident.
Salter's debut album " It's
On Tonight" (1998) was a collaboration with Kenneth Edmonds.
His second album "The Little Black Book" (2000) was only
released in Japan. Currently, Salter is in the studio working on his third album,
tentatively titled "Strictly For Da Bedroom", and set for
release in 2007.
Love isn't the
only theme J. Kari is writing about. One also finds songs against
violence like No Stopping The War.
J. Kari a successor of Marvin Gaye?
On
A September Morn is featuring Mr. Jonz in the style of Jon
Lucien ("Endless Love"). This song was the first single of
Talking book which was recorded in 2005.
Sam Salter's
languishing vocals are melting with awesome acoustic guitar sound to
the divine Two Wings.
The title track Chasing
The Green is featuring Michael Anthony and Kiana Teal in an
awesome song between despair and hope. Kiana Teal a 24 year strong
soulful new voice that can be heard both on lead and background
vocals, Michael Anthony a young singer who has already released his
first song.
On
The Movie Sam Salter is shining again in wonderful
celestial harmonies.
Sam Salter's
sultry vocals with other nuances can be heard On
Your Knees. A critical song about ghetto life.
The album closes
with an instrumental version of the tune Now.
Sam Skelton's sax is the lead instrument in this smooth tune. Sam
Skelton is a member of the R & B band The Neons and a member of
the Praise and Worship team at The Church Of The Apostles in Atlanta.
He also
can be heard on recordings by artists as
Train, Matchbox 20, The Gap Band and The Ohio Players.
Jaared Kari has created with "Chasing The
Green" a little wonder combining the best of soul and smooth
jazz.
