Michael Franks: The Art Of Tea

Michael Franks

The Art Of Tea

Reprise

Edición en vinilo de 180 gr de Speakers Corner

Musicians
Michael Franks, vocals
David Sanborn, saxophone
Joe Sample, keyboards
Larry Carlton, guitar
Larry Bunker, vibes
Wilton Felder, bass
John Guerin drums, percussion
Jerry Steinholtz, conga

Side One:

1. Nightmoves
2. Eggplant
3. Monkey See - Monkey Do
4. St. Elmo's Fire
5. I Don't Know Why I'm So Happy I'm Sad

Side Two:

1. Jive
2. Popsicle Toes
3. Sometimes I Just Forget To Smile
4. Mr. Blue

Michael Franks is a master of words. Not only did he study American Literature, he is also a song writer and a composer of film music, which he demonstrates in his début album with a major label, where music and language are on a par.

Originally a jazz musician, Franks reached out to pop and rock fans with The Art Of Tea. Sensually inspiring and playful numbers such as "Popsicle Toes" and "Eggplant" are full of crafty wordplay and almost Henry Mancini-like, airy jazz-pop. With a similar approach as Steely Dan, Franks' singing and songwriting creates the basis for a sound that is founded on the support of top-notch musicians, many of whom are among the finest studio jazz musicians on the scene.

The allstar line-up blazes with Dave Sanborn on the saxophone. Guitar guru 'Mr. 335' Larry Carlton on the semi-acoustic guitar, Joe Sample at the keyboard, along with Wilton Felder on the bass contribute their Crusaders touch to the recording. Responsible for this impressively meticulous recording is a.o. chief recording engineer Bruce Botnick, who also expertly taped the Doors and Beach Boys. The present production occupies the highest status in Franks' discography, and has seldom been surpassed.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head.