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Buy this CDMichael Franks, the consummate writer of metaphorical lyrics and innuendos, has done it again with his newest offering.  Rendezvous in Rio, released on Koch Records, is the latest in a long career filled with whimsical wordings and pictures painted so vividly.  This time around, Michael brings in a terrific group of musicians to join him on some fun tracks, as well as a few more sophisticated offerings.  Notables such as Jeff Lorber, Chuck Loeb, Eric Marienthal, Dwight Sills, Alex Al along with longtime members of Michael’s band, Charles Blenzig, Chris Hunter, and Veronica Nunn, add diversity and flavor to this CD.

The CD opens with “Under the Sun,” a story of Michael’s annual trek out of the New York winter and into the Florida sunshine.  This track is produced by Chuck Loeb and also features his wife, Carmen Cuesta Loeb, on vocals.  The title track, “Rendezvous in Rio” is up next, again painting a picture of warm breezes and beaches.  Charles Blenzig gives a truly classic piano solo mid-song, and the samba beat makes you want to dance along.

Things are slowed way down with “The Cool School.”  As always, Michael tells his story with vivid images.  Chuck Loeb provides a steady, melodic guitar that adds a soft and gentle feel.  Continuing with the Latin rhythms, the playful tune “Samba do Soho” offers wonderful harmonizing by Michael and Pamela Driggs.   “The Critics Are Never Kind” is a very interesting song.  With three male vocals, Michael, Robbie Dupree and Larry Happen, the song is about the lives of Degas, Gauguin and Van Gogh and is from the musical Noa Noa.  The lyrics are very introspective and razor sharp.  It talks about how critics thrive on the negative and don’t understand creativity and the inspiration behind it.  Another introspective tune is “Hearing ‘Take Five’.”  This is a personal tribute to the tune “Take Five” and how it resonated with Michael.  Along with his voice, we are treated to Eric Marienthal, Andy Suzuki, and Jimmy Haslip bringing this old classic to life.

Now onto two tracks that were produced by Jeff Lorber.  “Scatsville” offers terrific, fun-filled lyrics and an up-tempo melody.  This is a classic Michael Franks tune, with picturesque wording and catchy music.  Jeff Lorber provides the keys and there is a nice little sax solo from Gary Meek.  Michael does awesome scatting on this, too.  “The Chemistry of Love” is a gentle and peaceful track that just showcases Michael’s sweet voice.  Gary Meek this time provides the flute that sings right along with Michael and feels like a gentle breeze.  If you like the old-time feel of a Michael Franks song, then tune into “The Question Is Why” featuring Eric Marienthal on sax.  The song starts off with a great jazz feel and morphs into a melodic, beat-driven tune.  Eric offers a solo that adds richness to the song.  The CD closes with “Songbirds.”  This is a tribute to songwriter Randy Vanwarmer, who died at age 48, and was famous for the 1978 song “Just When I Needed You Most.”  This is a tender tune designed to let the listeners know who Randy was and how his creativity will never be replaced.

For fans of Michael Franks, you will thoroughly enjoy this CD.  Once again, Michael has not only given us his playful lyrics, but a glimpse into his personal thoughts and experiences.  This is a wonderful addition to the Michael Franks collection.

- Bonnie Schendell

 

CD Reviews return to home page interviews CD Reviews Concert Reviews Perspectives - SmoothViews State of Mind Retrospectives - A Look Back at a Favorite CD On The Side - The Sidemen of Smooth Jazz On the Lighter Side - A Little Humor News - What's New in Smooth Jazz Links - A Guide to Smooth Jazz on the Web Contact Us About Us Website Design by Visible Image, LLC