You may recall the Teddy Pendergrass hit "Love T.K.O." It's featured on several of the soul man's albums. The tune was also covered by a myriad of stars, the likes of Bette Midler, Daryl Hall and Regina Belle. The song was written in 1978 by pianist/keyboardist Eddie Gip Noble and now, nearly 30 years later, the author has released it on his (believe it or not) debut album.

The music veteran's exciting new release will appeal to Smooth Jazz fans with its confidently cool blend of R&B, funk and groove along with some sizzling jazz piano solos! An admitted fan of Herbie Hancock, Noble definitely captures that jazz funk fusion. The primarily instrumental release features some skilled vocal layering that adds color and texture to the deep mix. You wouldn't expect anything less than serious jazz jams from this musical whiz. He has toured extensively with such R&B notables as Brothers Johnson, Gladys Knight & The Pips and Barry White. He's performed and recorded with jazz and blues greats like Etta James, Patti Austin, Randy Crawford and Gerald Albright. Special guests on LOVE T.K.O. include drummer/co-producer David Williams (O'Jays, Patti LaBelle), Smooth Jazz bassist Andre Berry, and saxman Louis Taylor (Ray Charles, Michael Bolton).

Stand out tracks include the funky "Desert BC," his jazzy version of "Love T.K.O," the sophisticated "Noble Cause," and the romantic "Nite Song."

Eddie Gip Noble, a former child prodigy turned jazz patriarch, can clearly do anything he sets his mind to. Welcome to the world of Smooth Jazz!

SANDY SHORE, SmoothJazz.Com