Soft Touch

Released in 1999 on Instinct Records, Soft Touch is Brian Tarquin's third studio effort and a significant document of the 'radio-ready' production trends of the era. Originally recorded in London with Galliano's Ernie McKone to capture a live acid jazz feel, the label intervened following industry trends toward programmed grooves. Producers Tony Campbell and Chris Ingram were brought in to re-record and program the tracks, a move that frustrated Tarquin but resulted in a commercial powerhouse. The album yielded the hit 'Tangled Web,' which dominated New York's CD101.9 and reached #9 nationally. Musically, it features a blend of original compositions and notable covers, including The O'Jays and Jeff Beck. Despite the artist's personal discouragement regarding the production process, the album remains a quintessential example of late-90s smooth jazz, blending technical guitar virtuosity with the sleek, synthetic textures of the time.