Positive images of #BlackLove are always welcome on our timeline. And when you combine those depictions with good music, it becomes must see TV. Jazz chanteuse Laurin Talese certainly fits the bill with the visuals for her new single, "I Like You, You're Nice."
Over sentimental keys played beautifully by Eric Wortham II, the Cleveland-bred/Philly-based songstress delivers a pitch-perfect cover of the Blossom Dearie classic. Her luxurious vocals melt like butter over pancakes as she sings of an infatuation on the verge of something deeper. The song is sublime on its own, but the endearing visuals by WFRSON truly make it something special. We see an elderly couple during a chance encounter in the park. While it's clear that the two are old acquaintances, the mutual affection that they display reminds us of young lovers on a first date. As day stretches into night, the smiles on the lips of the cute couple lead to the sweetest goodnight kiss.
Laurin provides further insight into the visual concept and explains just why it's so special to her. "One reason is that COVID 19 is greatly impacting our elders," she says. "We often don't see depictions of the elderly falling in love and it's truly heartwarming. To me it symbolizes possibility. The couple featured in the video is Dr. and Mrs. William Woods. Dr. Woods was my high school jazz instructor at the Cleveland School of the Arts, mentor, and a large part of why I even considered a career in music. Even after over 40 years teaching, he's still as witty as sharp as ever! As we are all experiencing many unsavory things right now, my hope is that this video makes you smile during these unprecedented times."
As if the touching video wasn't enough to make our day brighter, she also reveals that the restaurant scene was filmed at Edwins, a charitable eatery in Cleveland committed to providing formerly incarcerated adults with education, support and employment in the culinary and hospitality industry.
"I Like You, You're Nice" is exactly the kind of positive energy we need right now. Download a copy and be on the lookout for more new music from Laurin Talese.
