Image Credit: Unsplash via Tolga Ahmetler

The Top Note | Vol. 19

Community · Luxury · Art · Perfume

February 5, 2026

Opening Note

“There are simply two kinds of music, good music and the other kind.”
— Duke Ellington

Mannnn… I love me some good jazz music.

In particular, there’s a station I listen to here in New Jersey — WBGO Jazz 88.3 FM. Just a few days ago, I was out making trips when I heard the voice of Anita Baker on a track I had never heard before… and I couldn’t find my phone fast enough to tag it. The torture. Lol.

I am a full-on Anita Baker fan.

So when I later visited WBGO’s site and located the song through their playlist feature — time stamped and all — man, it made my heart jump for joy. Nothing like some good jazz.

Shout out to all the independent musicians and artists out here providing a good sound for our ears and our hearts.

WBGO Jazz Station:
https://www.wbgo.org/

“Summertime” — Anita Baker (the one I never heard before):
https://youtu.be/lIb80BVCJiE

Featured Fragrance: The Wood

Leather couch.
Fireplace crackling.
A hot chocolate in hand — spiked with a little umph to make things even warmer inside. Ha.

That’s the vibe of The Wood.

Pure class.
Woodsy elegance.
This fragrance is like jazz in a bottle.

Client Spotlight

“Beyond my expectations…

I was completely blown away by The Wood. The fragrance is unisex and SEXY. It smells very rich — you can tell the oils are high quality.

I’ve received so many compliments and I can’t stop smelling myself!

Because of this fragrance, I no longer want to purchase from big brand names knowing I can get high-quality niche fragrances at an affordable price. Big brands inflate prices for their marketing.

Thank you to The Taliaferro for producing high-quality, great-smelling products. I am absolutely in love with The Wood and B.E.D.”

— Samantha K.

The Blend — Fragrance as History

Perfume deserves to be displayed in museums.

Not just as bottles — but as time capsules.

Fragrance captures eras, movements, moods, and memory. A single scent can tell you what people valued, what ingredients were available, what cultures were colliding, and what stories were unfolding in that moment of history.

Much like music, fragrance becomes a centerpiece of conversation about the times. It’s not just something you wear — it’s something you remember.

Community Connection — Black Owned Fragrance Week

Black Owned Fragrance Week is happening right now.

Founded in 2021 by Mr. Cologne76 (@mrcologne76), this week-long online celebration highlights and uplifts Black-owned fragrance brands across the globe.

We encourage everyone to visit the page, learn more, and support the movement.

To celebrate, we’re offering 26% off for a limited time.

Shop with Code BOFW2026:
https://www.thetaliaferro.com/discount/BOFW2026

Follow Mr. Cologne76:
Instagram

Follow Black Owned Fragrance Week:
Instagram

“I say, play your own way. Don’t play what the public wants. You play what you want and let the public pick up on what you’re doing — even if it does take them fifteen, twenty years.”
— Thelonious Monk

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