Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 53 - Electric Keyboards That Colored Music and Various Iconic Synth Albums

■ Multiple Producers Added Synths to Michael Franks’ Musical World – Resort Edition

In this edition of "Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal," we will delve into Michael Franks' Resort period. The focus of this feature on Michael Franks will be an exploration of his music through the lens of the producers and musicians involved, and this is the fourth part of this series. Michael Franks has released 18 albums to date, and among them, the ones with a particularly high resort theme are his 14th album Barefoot on the Beach, the 15th Watching the Snow, and the 16th Rendezvous in Rio. Both Barefoot on the Beach and Rendezvous in Rio evoke a summery feel, while Watching the Snow leans more towards a winter theme, so this time we will focus on Watching the Snow and Barefoot on the Beach.

Barefoot on the Beach had multiple producers, including guitarist Chuck Loeb and Yellowjackets' bassist Jimmy Haslip. Watching the Snow was produced by Richard Brezsing, the keyboard player who also composed many of the tracks for Barefoot on the Beach.

■ Recommended Album: Michael Franks – Barefoot on the Beach (1999)

This album is a rare release from Michael under the Windham Hill label. The album is themed around summer, and on the front cover, there are footprints on the beach (barefoot). The back cover features a muscular chest shot of Michael emerging from the water.

Recommended Track: “Barefoot on the Beach”

This track, brimming with a resort vibe, starts with programmed drums. The song was written by pianist Charles Blasing, with Michael credited for the lyrics. The ambient atmosphere created by synthesizer pads evokes the languid summer air. Charles Blasing's restrained Fender Rhodes piano solo is a highlight (the scale-out is quite stylish). Charles Blasing is a keyboardist who can often be seen in Michael's live videos. Additionally, Chris Hunter's alto sax solo in the latter part of the track is fantastic. Chris Hunter was a member of Gil Evans' Monday Night Orchestra. I also witnessed him perform beautifully when I saw him at the Sweet Basil in Manhattan. He is known as a first-call musician in New York.

Recommended Track: “Double Talk”

The lineup here is impressive! Bob James (piano), Steve Gadd (drums), John Patitucci (bass), Dave Samuels (vibraphone)—this is pure jazz! The performance, full of space and subtlety, is backed by the sophisticated skills that only this group could pull off. Michael’s chic vocals are captivating. It’s rare to hear Bob James on a Michael album, and his piano solo is outstanding. Toward the end of the track, there’s a beautiful interaction between the piano and Dave Samuels’ vibraphone, and Samuels’ refined solo is also a real highlight.

■ Recommended Album: Michael Franks - Watching the Snow (2003)

This album is themed around winter and Christmas. While Michael Franks is often associated with the "summer" vibe, even when the setting is "winter," his signature style is still very much alive. The bossa nova-inspired tracks are supported by tasteful brass ensembles, creating a warm, pleasant atmosphere. Instead of evoking cold, desolate winter landscapes, it brings cozy fireplaces and crackling fires to the mind, full of Michael's signature charm.

Recommended Track: “The Way We Celebrate New Year's”

This classic track begins with a nylon-string acoustic guitar, laying the foundation for a bossa nova-based melody. The lyrics mention Charlie Parker (saxophone), writer J.D. Salinger, and others. Throughout Michael's lyrics, you'll find references to jazz musicians like John Coltrane (sax) and Miles Davis (trumpet). It’s a perfect example of Michael’s unique songwriting style. The acoustic guitar solo in the latter part of the track is also a highlight. I personally have fond memories of listening to this song with my family while on a skiing trip.

Recommended Track: “Christmas in Kyoto”

The lyrics of this track feature a delightful mix of Japanese words like Kyoto, sake, kappa maki with wasabi, and kimono, which inevitably brings a smile. When I first heard the song, I mistakenly thought "Kyoto" sounded like "Kiyorou," so I was surprised when I saw the lyrics and realized it referred to Kyoto. The three-piece brass ensemble creates a refined, Michael-like vibe, making this a wonderful track.

Recommended Track: “Island Christmas”

The beautiful acoustic piano and the subtle interplay with the trumpet in the final part of the song are absolutely stunning!

■ Musicians, Albums, Recommended Tracks, and Equipment Featured in This Column

• Artists: Michael Franks, Bob James, Charles Blenzing, Chuck Loeb, Jimmy Haslip, Will Lee, Jeff Mironoff, etc.
• Albums: Barefoot on the Beach, Watching the Snow
• Tracks: “Barefoot on the Beach”, “Double Talk”, “The Way We Celebrate New Year's”, “Christmas in Kyoto”, “Island Christmas”
• Equipment Used: Acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes electric piano, etc.

The column "sound & person" is made possible by our reader submissions.
For more details on how to submit, click here.