Michael Franks – Rendezvous In Rio
(US Koch, 2006)
1. Under The Sun 2. Rendezvous In Rio 3. The Cool School 4. Samba Do Soho 5.
The Critics Are Never Kind 6. Scatsville 7. The Chemistry Of Love 8.
Hearing Take Five 9. The Question Is Why 10. Songbirds
My love of Michael Franks and Brazilian rhythms has never been in jeopardy.
The thought of Michael merging his sublime style with this beautiful bossa sound
was something that I was seriously looking forward to hearing. This is indeed a
marriage made in heaven, and a pairing that I hope will be showcased more
often than not in the future. His admiration for the late, great Antonio Carlos
Jobim, and his touching 1995 album, "Abandoned Garden" flirted with all
things Latin, and it is here where he has definitively rendezvoused in Rio.
Michael may be a little greyer in the hair department but his sheer presence
diminishes not one jot. Vocally and lyrically Michael has not skipped a beat;
he is as sound today as a performer as he was back in the mid-1970s and is
equally as important as far as being fully ensconced in the current music scene.
To me, Michael is a poet of our time if not also a genius. As has been stated
elsewhere, Michael cannot simply say, "I Love You". His philosophy is more
ethereal than this as his vocal journey in getting there. It is a lyrical
fountain using the most beautiful, whimsical, inspirational and novel of words,
phrases and visions. Take a listen to his excellent Christmas album to hear an
illustration of this. I like the way he looks at life, love, and the plain and
simple everyday. He must enjoy life so much as I get the distinct impression
that where we – the general public at large, that is – simply ‘see’ things,
he has more of a capacity to ‘observe’, ‘relate’ and assimilate thoughts,
feelings and actions into music and melodies of the highest standards.
I guess from this ramble of mine that you have realised I love this album.
Well, I make no apologies for this as it is a seriously fine album of gentle
melodies, lyrical warmth and delivered with the passion and expertise of a
master who knows his craft.
Any doubters out there will do no better than listen to the opening song,
"Under The Sun". Simply glorious and so spot-on if you ever have been sick of
cold winters, rain and all the snow. One for those who suffer with SAD syndrome!
LOL! The gentle sashaying bossa, the plucking acoustic guitar, and percussive
undercurrent serve well as a backdrop to Michael’s wistful, thoughtful and
gentle vocal. A livelier approach is taken on the excellent titled song,
complete with Latin percussion and whistles; this is so typical of a Franks’
groove and as such is essential.
Echoes of his "Abandoned Garden" album can
be heard on the beautiful "The Cool School" which is extremely laid back and
jazzy and almost fits into a more lively dinner mode. Chuck Loeb is unmistakable
in his performance and excels, as we would only expect. "Samba Do Soho" is
a seriously irresistible mover and is helped to sparkle with the support of
vocalist Pamela Driggs and flautist Chris Hunter. Perfect
accompaniment for the lovely climes this ragged old Isle is experiencing at
the moment! If you really want an intelligent tune to get your teeth into,
then look no further than the pointed "The Critics Are Never Kind".
Do they know, he muses, what it’s like to get high on sweet inspiration?
I bet the answer to that is a resounding ‘no’ for the majority. I hope
Michael finds this particular reviewer kind and understanding at least.
Today music is a throwaway commodity aimed at the young. True art, longevity
and beauty is missed on a lot of people, but like the old Tabu label creed has it,
"the world has music for those who listen". Take a listen to this artist, this
album and see where it takes you. It should transport you to warmer climes,
poetic places and warmer feelings. From a thinly veiled swipe at those who
deem themselves in a position to judge we move onto more traditional territory
with the pure whimsy of "Scatsville". Jeff Lorber is evident here on production,
and Gary Meek and Michael White eagerly deliver their musical talents
to good effect.
I could continue my praise for this set ad infinitum but suffice to say that
along with all the talented musicians and executive producer John Rozenberg,
Michael has delivered one of the best albums for some time. I really and truly hope
to hear more like this, and whatever Michael deigns to give us I will be happy
to embrace it with open ears and open arms. A must-have CD.
- Barry Towler
