MICHAEL FRANKS — The Art of Tea (review)

MICHAEL FRANKS — The Art of Tea album cover Live album · 1975 · Vocal Jazz Buy this album from MMA partners
4.5/5 ·
Rokukai
If you would have told me in high school 20 years later I'd give this album a 4.5 star rating, I'd have thought you crazy.

I have to thank Sams for this; he turned me on to Steely Dan in 96 and that opened the floodgates for my soft rock fantasy. I had only heard the FM favorites up to that point, then I heard "Caves of Altamira" and "Sign In Stranger"

My wife thought this was dentist office music, then I threw on "Monkey See Monkey Do". Coulda been a hit, where is it on all of those I love the 70's comps.

I think it's clever pop that straddles jazz lines perfectly. It's Steely-lite--catchy tunes with literate lyrics enhanced by fabulous melody, mostly Franks' keys.

As I've aged and mellowed, this album suits my taste like 3 year smoked Gouda from Pine River Dairy.

Fans of vocal jazz, as well as fans of seventies AM pop should find a lot to like on this nugget.
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