Michael Franks – Dragonfly Summer
Released 1993

Years ago, the Washington , DC area had a jazz station that truly was jazz. It was the place to tune in to when wanting to hear the well-known favorite artists, as well as up-and-coming new discoveries. It was the place where I learned about the music I have come to love. And it was the place I first heard the smooth voice of Michael Franks. I distinctly remember a warm, summer day, turning on the station while relaxing at home and hearing “Dragonfly Summer.” I loved it from first listen and sought out the CD of the same name. That was 12 years ago, and this CD remains one of my favorites and regularly finds its way into my rotation.

Michael Franks is the master of metaphors and innuendos. He paints pictures so vivid with the words he chooses that you cannot ever misinterpret his meaning. Dragonfly Summer was no exception. Before examining the tracks, you couldn't help but know this would be a tremendous effort after reading the cast of musicians and producers involved with this CD. While all 12 tracks are original compositions by Michael Franks, production was done by several different people including Jeff Lorber and the Yellowjackets. Artists include Dave Koz, The Yellowjackets, Paul Jackson, Jr., Peggy Lee, Dan Hicks, and a host of others. These diverse musicians blend so well to give this CD a unique flavor of mellow and up-tempo music.

The CD starts out with a fairly upbeat tune, “Coming To Life.” This song is a great opening because it takes you right to the start of warm weather, springtime, when winter is shedding its skin and everything emerges. Terrific flute and piano work on this one. Warmer weather is often synonymous with relationships, which is why “Soul Mate” is so perfect. The keyboards, provided by Jeff Lorber are really the highlight of this tune. The title track, “Dragonfly Summer,” is a very peaceful song that truly takes you away to a lazy summer day. “Monk's New Tune” is a throw-back to the smoky jazz club sound, with tremendous sax work throughout. This was produced by the Yellowjackets and Russell Ferrante provides some wonderful piano alongside the sax of Bob Mintzer.

“Learning What Love Means” and “Practice Makes Perfect” are two completely funky, sax driven tunes. The sax on both is provided by Dave Koz. “I Love Lucy” has always been a little out of place for me on this CD, but adds some quirkiness. This really is the theme song to the old television show of the same name. It's a very sweet song, but I wondered why it was done as part of this CD. “String of Pearls” has been one of the favorites of mine since hearing this CD so many years ago. It makes you think of exactly how precious life is and how much love is needed in our lives.

There are two duets on this album. “Keeping My Eye On You,” with Dan Hicks, is a very playful, old-time tune. The piano and bass lead the way in this track, with the gentle brushes on the drums keeping a steady, quiet beat. The words are true to Franks' form. “You Were Meant For Me,” a duet with Peggy Lee, is mostly a guitar piece with gentle voices relaying the message of two loves finding each other. There is a touch of Latin rhythms and a background sax that add a touch of romance.

“The Dream” is an upbeat song that gives you a clue into the feelings of Michael Franks regarding the state of the world. The words “Keep the faith. Keep the dream alive” are words that we can always live by. And the question of “why must it only be just a dream” is the thread of the song. The final song, “How I Remember You,” is nothing short of perfect. Michael's voice against the light guitar is gentle. But it's his words that take you away. I remember this song being one that brought comfort after 9/11.

Dragonfly Summer will forever be one of those special CDs in my collection. The artists, the words, that smooth voice of Michael Franks…are all like comfort food for the ears and the soul. It leaves you with that all-over peaceful feeling that I don't think can ever be matched or created again.

- Bonnie Schendell