Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 52 - Electric Keyboards and Synth Albums that Adorn Music

■ Multiple Producers Coloring Michael Franks' World of Sound (Part 2)

This post of the "Vagabond Synth Nerd’s" brings us to the second part of the Michael Franks feature. This series is written from the perspective of the producers. In the transition of producers—from Tommy LiPuma, to John Simon, to Rob Mounsey—Michael’s albums, with the exception of Blue Pacific (produced by Jeff Lorber), shifted toward productions involving multiple producers in the latter half of his career.

*For more on the album Blue Pacific, please see Part 40 of “Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal," which featured Jeff Lorber (Kb).
■ Vagabond Synth Nerd's Journal: The Electric Keyboards That Colored Music and Numerous Masterpiece Synth Albums ~ Part 40

Jazz and bossa nova flow through the undercurrents of Michael's musical style; while the touch of his albums changes depending on the producer, the fundamental direction never wavers. This is what leads to the sense of comfort found in Michael Franks' music. It is just like the flavor of a long-established restaurant that never changes.
The two albums I will cover in this second part list multiple producers, including Jeff Lorber, The Yellowjackets, Matt Pierson, Chuck Loeb, and Gil Goldstein. The remarkable thing about Michael Franks is that even with multiple producers, his music remains consistent, and his excellent sense of balance is conveyed throughout the albums.

■ Recommended Album: Michael Franks, Dragonfly Summer (1993)

An album titled after the summer of the dragonfly. The production is handled by Jeff Lorber, The Yellowjackets, and Gil Goldstein.
The Yellowjackets are a band led by keyboardist Russell Ferrante, who has deep ties to Sadao Watanabe, and they play straight jazz. They are a band of hope for the jazz world following the dissolution of Weather Report. Bassist Jimmy Haslip is also deeply involved in the production, just like Ferrante. On the follow-up album, Abandoned Garden, the production credit changes from "The Yellowjackets" to "Russell Ferrante & Jimmy Haslip." Naturally, the songs produced by The Yellowjackets have a stronger jazz flavor, while the tracks produced by Jeff Lorber have a stronger pop sensibility.

Recommended Track: "Dragonfly Summer"

A masterpiece with a bossa nova touch that begins with a nylon-string acoustic guitar played by Steve Khan. The fretless bass playing by Jimmy Haslip is also effective. The way the riffs are constructed between the vocal lines is skillful. Bob Mintzer's soprano sax solo also creates a mood of dragonflies dancing, true to the title "Dragonfly Summer."

Recommended Track: "The Dream"

A song also featured on The Yellowjackets' live album, Live Wires. What was unusual for a Michael Franks song, it’s an almost rock-oriented pop tune. When I listen to this song, I am reminded of The Police's hit song "Every Breath You Take."
In the latter half, Steve Khan's guitar solo contrasts with the pop melody; both the tone and the phrasing are jazzy and wonderful. It is the trebly Telecaster sound that is so characteristic of Steve Khan.

■ Recommended Album: Michael Franks, Abandoned Garden (1995)

Released as a tribute album to the bossa nova giant Antonio Carlos Jobim. Michael Franks had a deep relationship with Jobim and deeply respected him, having even written the masterpiece "Antonio's Song" on his third album, Sleeping Gypsy, dedicated to him. There is no doubt that Michael was inspired by Jobim throughout his songwriting process.
Antonio Carlos Jobim was a composer, pianist, and singer who participated in Getz/Gilberto, the eternal masterpiece of bossa nova. Jobim is a Brazilian composer who introduced many classics to the world, such as the bossa nova super-standards "The Girl from Ipanema," "Wave," and "Corcovado." Reflecting his great achievements, Rio de Janeiro International Airport was named Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport.
Jobim passed away in December 1994, and this tribute album is the most jazz-oriented in Michael Franks' discography. It became an album with a simple and matte jazz taste, distinct from the flashy arrangements of Rob Mounsey.

Recommended Track: "This Must Be Paradise"

A bossa nova song that is Michael's specialty. The verse sections of the song sound similar but are not quite the same; while they sound easy, they are actually quite intricate. The guitar solo by Chuck Loeb, right on the eve of his joining Bob James' band Fourplay, is wonderful.

Recommended Track: "A Fool's Errand"

A masterpiece with a strong jazz flavor, even among Michael Franks' songs. The acoustic piano is played by Eliane. Eliane is the female pianist of "Steps," a band she formed with Michael Brecker (Sax), Peter Erskine (Dr), and Eddie Gomez. She is a powerhouse from Brazil who was married to Randy Brecker, the older brother of Michael Brecker. She plays the piano as beautifully as a watercolor painting. I was surprised when I saw her at a live venue in Yaizu City. Since she plays such delicate piano, I had imagined her to have a slender build, but she was quite large (laughs). Of course, her performance was delicate, and she played wonderfully across genres from bossa nova to jazz.

■ Musicians, Albums, Recommended Songs, and Keyboards Featured in This Installment

• Artist: Michael Franks, Russell Ferrante, Eliane, Jimmy Haslip, etc.
• Album: Dragonfly Summer, Abandoned Garden
• Song Titles: "Dragonfly Summer", "The Dream", "This Must Be Paradise", "A Fool's Errand"
• Equipment Used: Acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes electric piano, etc.

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