Michael Franks
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I first heard of MF when my brother played the Art of Tea late one night that he had picked up the other day jst for something different from Deep Purple and Led Zepellin. That day changed my musical life as I knew it. I was so impressed I caught up on the albums I could find (still don't have Sleeping Gypsy can you believe it!) and have waited eagerly for the next release. How I envy you people who are able to go to his concerts and I just sit here in Australia awaiting a tour. One day...
It is probably the combination of the smooth voice, the phenomenal ability to write such great music and the brilliance of the words which make you just wanna play it one more time. I would say I have quite a varied taste of music from classical, pop, some good rock and even fusion (can't stand rap but), and at the top of that list is this man who is first onto the CD player. And of course there is the plethora of brilliant musicians that he works with, or is it the ones that want to play on his albums?
I have followed his music since the late 70's and his consistent change in style is just remarkable. My favourite album for quite some time was probably the turning point in his music as far as I am concerned, Passionfruit, I wore that record out and the tape and now have it on CD. Then he started doing all sorts of great stuff and things that make you say, who would have thought of that (e.g. the table-tennis ball in Dr Sax). I don't know if I have a favourite now and can get as much enjoyment out of any of them.
Unfortunately most of my peers think I am an MF nut. bad luck for them I say.
Peter
>>By Dr Fronkensteen (Sunday, 16 Mar 2003 12:59)
I've been a fan of Michael's since I first heard "Your Secret's Safe With Me" in the mid-80s. While I enjoy all his CDs, my favorites are "Passionfruit," "Skin Dive," and "The Camera Never Lies." I wish he'd record an entirely upbeat album -- with songs in the vein of "Doctor Sax" and "I Surrender." And a duet with Daryl Hall would almost certainly be great.
Thanks for the music, Michael!
>>By Kevin (Tuesday, 18 Mar 2003 09:59)
I first heard MF on a broken tape I had patched together which originally belonged to my cousin. Like everyone else I got captivated by it. I played it until I wore it thin. I was really glad when our paths crossed in HMV music store in London. I picked as many CDs as I could find. I must confess that of all musicians, MF continues to be an enigma and a mystery.Still can't get my head round the lyrics in Adandoned Garden. Completely miffed by it. Pls can anyone tell me where I can find video recordings of him? since that will be a substitute for never seeing him play live. Secondly, to MF himself or any of his cohorts, is there even the slightest chance of playing a gig in London?
>>By nika (Friday, 21 Mar 2003 01:05)
I'm a fan, too. His songs that center around the pleasures and pathos of relationships are the one's that touch me the most. "Sanpaku," "Tiger in the Rain," "Barefoot on the Beach," and especially "Tahitian Moon" are just some of my favorites. I also appreciate the fine accompaniment of musicians on each and every disc. This includes everyone from the Crusaders on SLEEPING GYPSY to Astrud Gilberto and Toots Thielemans on PASSION FRUIT. Pretty remarkable. And like so many others I anxiously await the next CD.
>>By George (Friday, 21 Mar 2003 02:52)
I first heard Michael Franks' music when I was in graduate school back in 1979. TIGER in the RAIN had just been released and I was floored by it's lyrics and lyricism. Quickly purchased the earlier lps and have since obtained all the subsequent discs. DRAGONFLY SUMMER may be my favorite though I keenly enjoy them all. Have turned many a friend on to Mr Franks music. However, I've never been to a concert featuring Michael so I'd be interested in hearing from others what they are like.
>>By Tom (Sunday, 23 Mar 2003 05:52)
Just learned that Michael Franks has signed with the GRP recording label. That's the label that includes Lee Ritenour and other so-called "smooth jazz" artists. Hope this means that there will be a release in the near future.
>>By Dave (Tuesday, 25 Mar 2003 06:35)
Forgot to mention that I have hopelessly forgotten my "Rock" days because of this man. There are atleast 3 of his CDs in my car constantly and the song 'Rainy night in Tokyo' begs to be left alone. My favourites by MF are purely because of the voice and sound and had nothing to do with lyrics. However, reading thro' the liner notes after a bunch of listens bring back the magic once again in every song! "How I remember you" , "Without your love" , "The moon behind the clouds", "Blue pacific" take me to a different plane altogether.
I seriously doubt if there's another artist that can sing as passionately and seductively as this gentleman. Or is there anyone coming close?
-mani.d.v.s (Tuesday, 25 Mar 2003 21:14)
Hi Mani.d.v.s - Like you I really enjoy Michael Franks' voice and sound, too. However, without a new disc you might try Jon Lucien's LISTEN LOVE or MOTHER NATURE'S SON or even Al Jarreau's L IS FOR LOVERS or LOOK TO THE RAINBOW as stop gaps until Mr Franks releases his next cd. Best, Tom
>>By Tom (Wednesday, 26 Mar 2003 04:14)
I was living in South Africa in the early 80's and used to listen to a local station which regularly played Michael Franks. One day it dawned on me that every song was magical. I searched the local stores and bought 'Passionfruit' which confirmed what I already thought. Since then I have bought all Michael's albums and they are all beautiful so I find it difficult to pick a favourite. The early albums are as fresh today as they were back then. I have a 6-cd changer in the car which ALWAYS holds at least one MF album. I took out 'Passionfruit' yesterday and replaced it with 'Abandoned Garden' and enjoyed it all the way home thru the Manchester traffic. There is no artist who has consistently provided me (and my wife) with so much pleasure over the years. I could go on.....but I will just carry on listening to Michael and hope for a new album shortly. from Nick in the UK
>>By Nick in UK (Thursday, 27 Mar 2003 22:20)
I have just recently discovered MF. Does anyone have 'every time she whisper' lyrics? pls email to salcis@hotmail.com
>>By Sal (Tuesday, 1 Apr 2003 21:57)
Love Michael Franks' songs and have virtually all on disc. Each is a gem. Have looked for new listings including on the GRP website as suggested by the poster above but see nothing yet. Does anyone have knowledge of a release date for a new album? BAREFOOT came out in '99 right? How come so long a delay? Anyway I find his lyrics quite poetic and the accompanying music both well-played and delightful. First heard him in 1980 while in college in Kentucky with the release of TIGER IN THE RAIN. Was completely charmed and still am. Thanks in advance for any info.
>>By Charles (Sunday, 6 Apr 2003 12:01)
Hi, Sal!
The lyrics to "Everytime She Whispers" can be found in the CD booklet of the last Michael Franks album "Barefoot on the Beach".
There isn't any part of me she does not know
We've been together 'bout a thousand years or so
Still almost instantly my love begins to show
Everytime she whispers.
It makes no difference if I'm down upon my luck
When she invites me in, my gloom becomes unstuck
I feel the barriers around me deconstruct
Everytime she whispers.
Tensions dissolve when we touch
In her arms, the world is erased when it's too much
All of my deep blue disappears
As soon as I hear her whisper.
Passion evolves when we touch
In her arms, I measure success counting how much
Music she composes in sighs
And how many times she whispers my name
She whispers my name.
Love is the weakness that we need to make us strong
How can a hundred million Frenchmen all be wrong?
And I'm completely at the mercy of her song
Everytime she whispers.
Tensions dissolve when we touch
In her arms, the world is erased when it's too much
All of my deep blue disappears
As soon as I hear her whisper.
Passion evolves when we touch
In her arms, I measure success counting how much
Music she composes she sighs
And how many times she whispers my name
She whispers my name.
Inside, everytime she whispers
High tides can not be tamed.
Of course, everytime she whispers
Love force rages unchained.
(I'm guessing at the improvised part of the song, Sal. I think that's what I'd heard when I first listened to it the summer of '99. Hope this helps.)
>>By Medina (Monday, 7 Apr 2003 21:28)
I am looking for the band Crossfire. This band is on the album Michael Franks Live With Crossfire. (1980). I have an old tape from the album "hysterical rockchords" from this band. In Holland I can't find anything.
Wim
>>By wim the dutch (Monday, 7 Apr 2003 22:23)
Michael is playing Kimballs East, the Jazz club in Emeryville, CA in late May and early June this year, 2003. I can not wait! I've never seen him live and just love his music.
>>By Kevin (Wednesday, 9 Apr 2003 00:24)
Hey Kevin - You and others in the bigger metropolitan areas are lucky to be able to experience a live show by Mr Franks. Those of us that live in the hinterlands are unlikely to ever get the opportunity. So ( if you would ) please post a description of the show including the line-up of tunes, sidemen, etc. Thanks.
>>By Tom (Wednesday, 9 Apr 2003 02:35)
I LOVE his music. The emotion in the chords, the passion in his voice, the clever but intriquing words that come as much from his heart as his mind. What more could a music lover want? I was first introduced to Michael by a friend with "The Art Of Tea" and I've bought every other album. I think my favorite might be Passionfruit. I really wore it out for a long time. I think if you have someone that you love, his music really gets to your heart and you can imagine "living out" some of the romantic songs with that person. With the right person, his music makes you feel confident that you are sexy but not in a selfish way. You get the sense that he writes from a perspective of someone who is ANXIOUS to please his lover, not worried that his pleasure will be neglected. In fact, he is deriving most of his pleasure from pleasing her. It's the highest pleasure to know that you are able to completely satisfy your lover. It's true what they say, it's better to give than receive.
>>By jerel.flynn@bethsteel.com (Saturday, 12 Apr 2003 15:11)
I LOVE his music. The emotion in the chords, the passion in his voice, the clever but intriquing words that come as much from his heart as his mind. What more could a music lover want? I was first introduced to Michael by a friend with "The Art Of Tea" and I've bought every other album. I think my favorite might be Passionfruit. I really wore it out for a long time. I think if you have someone that you love, his music really gets to your heart and you can imagine "living out" some of the romantic songs with that person. With the right person, his music makes you feel confident that you are sexy but not in a selfish way. You get the sense that he writes from a perspective of someone who is ANXIOUS to please his lover, not worried that his pleasure will be neglected. In fact, he is deriving most of his pleasure from pleasing her. It's the highest pleasure to know that you are able to completely satisfy your lover. It's true what they say, it's better to give than receive. I also really like "Blue Pacific". I saw him live once in Baltimore. Larry Carlton was the opening act! I would love to be able to talk to Michael. I also like the art he uses on some of the albums. I think if a person doesn't appreciate Michael's music, they don't understand music OR art. Jerel Flynn p.s. I, too, hope a new album is forthcoming!
>>By jerel.flynn@bethsteel.com (Saturday, 12 Apr 2003 15:16)
I feel like I have known Michael Franks, I first heard him in 1980 and have been a fan ever since, Mike is so smooth and you really have to have you ear in your foot not to hear his awesome command of the english language. There really is not much to say but I LOVE him dearly.
>>By Sonja (Tuesday, 15 Apr 2003 01:43)
To All - Yes, Michael seems to be able to put into words feelings one's heart is unable to express. Plus the music for each song is timeless and nearly perfect. I'm delighted that so many others feel the same. Best Wishes,
>>By Tom (Wednesday, 16 Apr 2003 04:15)
Michael,
We sure would like it if you'd do another gig in Seattle, it's been 15 years or so. Thanks for the music.
>>By Jeff (Thursday, 17 Apr 2003 08:39)
I have been listening to MF since 1976 when my friend's sister turned us on to him. I have every album and now have replaced them all with CDs. The only one I don't have in CD is Previously Unavailable. I started dating my husband in 1980 and his favorite way to patch up a fight was with a MF album and a bottle of wine. It did the trick every time!! I had the pleasure of meeting MF in Dec. 1983 at the Ripley Music Hall in Phila. It was a small place and the ladies room was upstairs as well as the room for the musicians. He was leaving the room as I was going up the stairs. I got him to sign my ticket stub and told him how lucky his wife was to beable to hear him sing at home. Pretty silly but everytime I hear his voice I'm in awe. I saw him in concert again in 1996 and I'm hoping he will be in my area soon because I'ld love to see him again.
>>By Cindy (Friday, 18 Apr 2003 15:12)
I've been listening to M.Franks for at least 15 years. Now I 'm 33 years old and have a 2 year old daughter who doesn't go to bed without listening to him. Tiger In The Rain is my favorite. I think it's the best song ever made in the music history, that was inspired by a painting, Henri Rousseau's Tiger In A Tropical Storm (1891), National Gallery, London. While you listen to it, you can easily feel the curvy moves of the big cat in the rain.
>>By omer yigit (Friday, 18 Apr 2003 18:59)
Emeryville, CA!! Yay!! I'm booking my ticket(s) for the show on 30th May. Just cannot wait. Trying to find a way to meet Michael in person. He has inspired me to be a more passionate man. I've bought 'Passionfruit' three times in the last two months -gifted away two of 'em. I'm a big-time promoter of his music among my friends and colleagues. One part of me says , "Preserve his music and don't expose it too much to others". The other says that it's a disservice to music if I didn't preach about him!
"Sunday morning here with you" always take me to a distant island , to my home with open doors and windows surrounded by lushs-green trees and lots of pet animals running around while I clasp my beloved's hands and stare into the distant horizon beyond the ocean (Phew! that took some effort).
I think that essentially is the reason why I like his music so much. He 'transports' me into different worlds with each of his songs.
(Sorry for the many "I"s and "Me"s ...)
love
mani.d.v.s
>>By mani.d.v.s (Friday, 18 Apr 2003 21:12)
The word on another link is that Mr Franks started recording a new cd in March of this year for GRP/Verve. Release date has not yet been set. Can't be soon enough! I'm hopeful that with four years of "marination" this could be the definitive musical statement of his career.
>>By Dave (Saturday, 19 Apr 2003 20:23)
I couldn't agree more with mani.d.v.s about Sunday Morning Here With You. He has many other songs like that. I also have all his albums and cd's and I promote his music as well. Lately, I have been listening to Abandoned Garden. I hadn't paid enough attention to that before now. What great songs and sounds! The title song is especially moving. I just recently became familiar with Jobim's music. I now can hear his influence on Michael's music. I have so many favorites. There's "now love has no end", "All I Need", "Chez Nous", "Vincent's Ear", "Amazon", "Rainy Night In Tokyo", "Somehow Our Love Survives", "Without Your Love", "Please Don't Say Goodnight", "When I Give My Love To You", "The Lady Wants To Know", "Tiger In The Rain", "Wonderland", and how can you leave out, "Your Secret's Safe With Me" and "Popsicle Toes" (by the way, Diana Krall does an excellent version of Popsicle Toes; she also has a great sound!). As a matter of fact, I need to listen to every song again because it's been a while since I've heard some of his music! I also agree with Sonja concerning Michael's use of the language. He's one of a kind.
>>By jerel.flynn@bethsteel.com (Tuesday, 22 Apr 2003 08:37)
Growing up in Detroit, Michigan there was a radio station that my dad always listent to, WJZZ, which is no longer on the air, but it will be forever itched into the souls of all Detroiters and the surrounding cities. I can remember listening to and singing along with Micheal Franks as the cours sang "Don't Touch That Phone". His smooth sound was as much apart of our family, and Detroit as well, as the Motown Sound is. Being youngest of five children, my older brother's "Camera Never Lies" album was a constant request on the family stereo. I joined the Army in 1988, and I took "The Camera Never Lies" with me, I would play it during the evenings and I found that guys had never heard of Micheal Franks, much to my amaze. He was a constant request, from the guys in my platoon, during my early training years in the Army. I can remeber the all the guys tapping their toes, singing along, snaping their fingers, as Mike allowed us to unwind from the days activities. I was later stationed at Ft. Hood, TX and I fell in love with a wonderful girl who was in the Air Force and I use Micheal tool to win her love and affection. Growing up an Army bratt, she had never heard of Micheal Franks and told me that he sounded corney, but soon smooth lyrics and sound won her over as she fell in love with me and Mike, which I didn't mind. "Sunday Morning" from the Passisonfruit album became our theme song. During Desert Storm I took all my Micheal Franks cassetts with me. They were as much apart of my combat gear as my M-16 was, I didn't go anywhere without my walkman and cassetts. When we had down time Micheal Franks sung us to sleep and allowd us to escape the realities of war, Thanks Mike! I must say more Micheal Franks fans were gained during the war. Growing up I never had a chance to see Mike live, I was either too young, or either not stationed close enough to a venue where he would be playing. I have since gone back to college to obtain my degree in Deaf Education at The Univerisity of Southern Mississippi, I so happend to search the web to find where and what concerts were close enough for me to see. Micheal Franks was playing a gig at The House of Blues in New Orleans, LA back in 2001. Being an adult now, I bought the fron row tickets. I sat close enought to the stage where I could see everything, but not close enough that I would have to strain my neck, from being too close. The experience was awesome! He sounded just as he did on every album and as he did when I was a kid. I wanted to stay after to meet him, but my date was in a rush. I just want to say, "Thanks! Mike" for all the joy that your music has brought me! Keep doing your thing! May God contiue to bless and keep you are my prayers. Thank you for taking time and reading this message. If you would like to make comments to be about this message please e-mail me at pj3134ever@yahoo.com
-Paul D. Jones
>>By Paul D. Jones (Tuesday, 22 Apr 2003 22:53)
Michael Franks has been one of my main musical influence in my life. I'm a french songwriter and singer.
The perfect mix between soft jazz, pop and ballads. He's a reference for me in the middle of a the troubled environment, a kind of cool tropical,optimistic, human island in an ocean of confusion.
It happened that when Tahitian moon was released I moved to Tahiti and lived 7 years there. Michael songs have accompanied my sentimental life.
He also has a spiritual aspect which can be felt between the words and music.
He is a soul brother for me.
Thierry Oger Paris France
>>By Thierry Oger/France (Wednesday, 23 Apr 2003 03:09)
Here's my situation. I have all of Michael Franks' released recordings. That's unusual for me and most music appreciators. Every few years I impatiently await new Franks album. Now it's 2003 and I am really getting testy this time. However, as a result Michael's starving us from new offerings, I have begun collecting jazz, loving and collecting Brazillian music, searching for clever and romantic composers, listening for craftsman-like musicians on recordings, taken up playing multiple instruments, performing in bands, and, most importantly, begun writing music which is not by any means a copy of Michael's, but in which I stirve to deliver melody, wit, whimsy, smooth love themes and instrumental interest: just what Michael Franks has subtly taught us with his recordings. I have to wonder if the withholding of frequent Franks recordings has indirectly spurned a legacy of rabid music listeners and restless, budding music creators. I cannot be alone. Our musical heroes can either feed us or teach us to feed ourselves and others. Song composers offer and reveal a bit of themselves in their art. When it is offered in metered doses, and when it is really good, is that when we force ourselves to learn, to share in the vision of that artist? A revered professor or teacher's class cannot last forever. We learn while we are there, and we apply what we absorb from him to the rest of our lives. Much like what happens when super jazz artist releases albums too infrequently for his insatiable fans.
>>By Byron D. Magbee (Wednesday, 23 Apr 2003 11:07)
I discovered Michael's music some years ago. I love it. My favorite song il "When i give my love to you". I'd like to know something more about him and his music. Please mail to meloni.18@katamail.com. thanks
>>By Ross (Tuesday, 29 Apr 2003 12:16)
"Elmo Song" not with our daughter who is only 2 years old. India has to be Michael's youngest and most loyal fan. She request to listen to his music EVERY SINGLE DAY. She goes to Pop-Pop and Nan-na house so does her Michael Frank CDs. On May 9th India is going to have her 5th open-heart operation...knowing how much she loves to SING (just imagine) and listen to his music we wouldn't dare take her to John Hopkins with out it. We are going to surprise India with a new CD (to add to her collection). Just like at home...by time India leaves the hospital I'm sure she will introduce his music to some doctors and nurses. I'm finding that I have to do leg work to get more info on his music because people (strangers included) will ask me "What are you listening too?" I reply SHE is listening too Michael Franks. Now come the questions.
It is something about his voice that relaxes her...we are hoping that Michael's voice/music will continue to be great therapy for India while she is recovering.
If any one can provide us with some pictures of him for a scrap book for India please do so at www.nadirrebo@aol.com.
Thanks a million!! :o)
The Nasheeds
>>By Nasheeds (Thursday, 1 May 2003 22:16)
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