Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal, Vol. 54 - Electric Keyboards and Synth Albums that Adorn Music

The Sonic World of Michael Franks – the Final Chapter Featuring His Latest Works

This article of “Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal” is the final chapter on Michael Franks. Michael Franks made his major debut in 1975 (having released his first album earlier) and maintained a long-lasting career, continuing his musical activities through 2021. His musical style is sophisticated and brimming with intelligence. Despite releasing 18 albums, Franks has consistently maintained a high level of musical quality—a feat worthy of admiration. The essence of Michael Franks’ music lies not only in the skilled performances by a musician with remarkable songwriting abilities but also in the exceptional production talents of the producers who helped shape his sound.
In this final chapter, we will focus on his two most recent works.

■ Recommended Album: Michael Franks – Time Together (2011)

Michael Franks’ 2011 album Time Together features production primarily by Chuck Loeb, whose work forms the backbone of the record. Alongside him, longtime collaborators such as keyboardist Charles Blenzig and pianist Gil Goldstein also contributed as producers.
The tracks produced by Chuck Loeb showcase guitar mainly, with keyboards mostly providing subtle synth pads. In contrast, Gil Goldstein’s productions focus on piano-centric arrangements that emphasize spaciousness and silence between notes. These arrangements strip down the sound even further than those produced by Yellowjackets’ Russell Ferrante (keyboards) and Jimmy Haslip (bass).
The album balances songs produced by different contributors, all crafted into Michael Franks’ signature elegant sound. Additionally, the inclusion of new horn players like Till Brönner and Eric Marienthal adds fresh color and texture to the music.

Recommended Track: “Now That the Summer’s Here”

A signature bossa nova-style song by Michael Franks, produced by Chuck Loeb. Featuring Till Brönner on trumpet and Eric Marienthal on saxophone. Brönner’s trumpet and solo add a refreshing, cool vibe to the track!

Recommended Track: “Summer in New York”

Produced by Chuck Loeb, who balances guitar, drum programming, and keyboards on this track. Bassist Mark Egan, known for his work with the Gil Evans Monday Night Orchestra and the Pat Metheny Group, also joins in. This arrangement perfectly showcases Chuck Loeb’s deep understanding of Michael Franks’ musical style and his versatile production skills.

■ Recommended Album: Michael Franks — Music in My Head (2018)

This is Michael Franks’ latest album to date that was released seven years after Time Together. The production features multiple producers following Michael’s recent style. Familiar names like Chuck Loeb (guitar), Gil Goldstein (keyboards), Scott Petito (bass), Charles Blenzing (keyboards), and Jimmy Haslip (bass) contribute again. In addition to the producers, top-call musicians like David Spino (guitar), Rachel Z (keyboards), and Jay Anderson (bass) also participate.
What’s truly astonishing is Michael Franks’ vocal performance. Despite this being his 18th album, there is no sign of decline. His consistent commitment to an easygoing and unpretentious vocal style may be the key to his enduring stamina. Since singing is closely linked to physical condition, it seems impossible that he has been able to sustain a powerful, shouting style for over 40 years. While many musicians struggle with health issues due to a reckless lifestyle or substance abuse, Michael’s poetic lyrics and musical style suggest he avoids such pitfalls, which has likely helped him to maintain his vocal style over decades.

Recommended Track: "As Long as We’re Both Together"

Produced by guitarist Chuck Loeb, this bossa nova tune opens the album with a stylish intro theme and a melodious melody. Strings, soprano saxophone, and guitar provide tasteful accents. The jazz-infused guitar solo is performed by Chuck Loeb himself.

Recommended Track: "Waterhole"

This restrained ballad begins with a beautiful acoustic piano and acoustic guitar duo. A subtle Fender Rhodes electric piano gently supports the acoustic piano in the background. The delicate piano solo that’s reminiscent of a watercolor painting and complementing the guitar solo is by producer Gil Goldstein. One of the wonderful aspects of Michael Franks’ music is the presence of outstanding musicians’ solos within vocal tracks.
As a side note, when I interviewed a trombone player from Shizuoka City who was producing Lisa Ono at the time, Gil Goldstein was among the recording members. In a hotel room in Bali, just before Lisa Ono’s album release, I listened to a DAT tape where a piano sound that’s strikingly similar to Antonio Carlos Jobim’s playing came through. Since Jobim had already passed away, I asked, “Is that Jobim?” They said to me, “Gil can play the piano just like Jobim.” I vividly remember that beautiful solo echoing in the humid hotel room as if it were yesterday.

Featured Musicians, Albums, Recommended Tracks, and Keyboards Used

• Artists: Michael Franks, Gil Goldstein, Chuck Loeb, Jimmy Haslip, and others
• Albums: Time Together, Music in My Head
• Tracks: "Now That the Summer’s Here", "Summer in New York", "As Long as We’re Both Together", "Waterhole"
• Instruments Used: Acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes electric piano, and more

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