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Rendevous In Rio

Michael Franks

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Album Review

Michael Franks' laid-back vocals have made him the choice of a new generation of cool school attendees. With Rendezvous in Rio, his debut release for Koch Records, Franks continuously shows why he is still at the top of his game with brand-new songs that will soothe, undo your stresses, or put you in a romantic mood. The various musical styles on the CD include two Brazilian sambas, one titled "Under the Sun," pointing you toward the Southern Hemisphere and the warmth of Rio de Janeiro and Bahia. A master of phrasing and elongated notes, Franks tells his great stories in several tempos that literally have you wanted to take this journey with him. "Rendezvous in Rio" starts with Café's percussive whistle and the rhythmic flow of Romero Lubambo's guitar. Chris Hunter's sax and flute solos also heighten the imagery of Franks' sexy vocals. "The Cool School" starts with the beautiful guitar accompaniment of Chuck Loeb and continues under Franks' vocals with a hushed flow of cool/smooth riffs that make this song one of the best on the CD. With the artistry of such respected contemporary jazz artists as Jeff Lorber, Jimmy Haslip, Chuck Loeb, and Alex Al and the lilt of the carnival whistle, Michael Franks has conspired to entertain you, and has succeeded. You're sure to enjoy this very special Rendezvous in Rio. Recommended.

Customer Reviews

Aaah, Michael's Back

Age has been kind to my hero, the graceful Michael Franks brings together ten performances that will rank among his best, ten performances with his signature breezy Brazilian influences, wordplay, and his cooing female backing vocalists. Michael's wistful style will pull you in, enjoy the trip!

Thank you again, Michael.

For more than 30 years, Michael Franks' music has been the soundtrack of my life. His incredible music and lyrics have the ability to transport me to that magical place and time where palm trees sway in the breeze, love is in the air, crystal turquoise waters sparkle in the sun, and I am young and beautiful forever. There is no one else like him. He is magic.

the master of understatement

I've been an admirer of Mr. Franks since 1977 when "The Art OF Tea' stole my ear. I was 15 and didn't know (or care) about the concept of jazz. That all changed because of him. Always using the best musicians counts for a lot and his albums have proved that (even the not so great ones). What I admire about Franks is that he works well within the limitations of his natural voice and doesn't try to ham it up (like many overated singers) with overkill scatting and corny phrasing. Great lyrics and truthful insight more than make up for lack of a herculean vocal range. Mr. Franks inspires one to sing along and subliminally absorb the tale he weaves with his witty and insightful lyrics. The star players on this offering are "Samba do Soho" "Hearing Take Five" and "Songbirds". The whole album is well worth the price offered here (I also suggest buying the CD, this one's a keeper, folks).

Biography

Born: September 18, 1944 in La Jolla, CA

Genre: Jazz

Years Active: '70s, '80s, '90s, '00s, '10s

Michael Franks occupied a uniquely popular niche in the world of soft jazz and pop music in the 1970s; he was one of those crossover artists who defied easy category on the radio (which made him ideal for FM radio of the period), and found an audience mostly among college students. He was born in La Jolla, CA in 1944, the son of Gerald and Betty Franks. His parents weren't musicians, but they were music lovers and he was soon immersed in swing music and vocal jazz and pop. Franks' early idols included...
Full Bio
Rendevous In Rio, Michael Franks
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