Customer Reviews

Sleeping Gypsy

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Daddy's just like Coltrane
Baby's just like Miles
The Lady's just like heaven
When she smiles"
~ The Lady Wants To Know ~
(Words & Music by Michael Franks)

Michael Franks, whom I've watched live in concert way back in the eighties, is one of my all-time favorite singers/songwriters of our time. He is also one of the many jazz/pop artists who are greatly inspired with Bossa Nova rhythms and this is very evident with his sophomore album, "Sleeping Gypsy," a follow-up to his debut album "Art of Tea" (my first MF album). This enjoyable CD has eight original compositions of Mr. Franks and backed up by great jazzers such as David Sanborn & Michael Brecker (sax), Joe Sample & Joćo Donato (piano), Larry Carlton & Helio Delmiro (guitars), Wilton Felder (bass), Joćo Palma & John Guerin (drums) and Ray Armando (percussion). The lush and flawless orchestration was done magnificently by none other than one of the greatest arrangers/conductors of all-time, Claus Ogerman.

Since Mr. Franks has a Doctorate degree in contemporary songwriting and taught music courses at UCLA and UC Berkeley, his works are truly unique and noteworthy. You'll enjoy listening to his soft and mellow original songs starting with the initial track "The Lady Wants To Know" which has reference to the great jazz legends John Coltrane and Miles Davis. Pianist Joe Sample composed the music on track #7 "Chain Reaction" and drummer John Guerin wrote the music for "Don't Be Blue."

The winning track for me is "Down In Brazil" and I just love its samba-ish rhythm, not to mention that this track was actually recorded in Rio. Another highlight is a song he wrote as a tribute to another great composer, Antonio Carlos Jobim, "Antonio's Song" (The Rainbow). These songs have authentic twist of Jobim that makes them so endearing to one's ears.

This is one of the best among his earliest recordings and through the years, I still find it very enjoyable to listen to these timeless songs. When great musicians combine their talents and artistry and make beautiful music together, the end result is an awesome recording such as this. Highly recommended not only to Michael Franks fans but also to those who love mellow pop/jazz at its very best.

Released at the height of Disco, this album served as a refuge to those who wanted music to caress, the lyric to actually mean something, the singer to converse, the Brazilian backbeat to serve as a catalyst to our escapist fantasies. I love this album. It has the same electric piano as "Art Of Tea," but this album has a more finished sound to it overall, the strings suggest a bigger budget in the studio, and that's alright. Artists used this album, as they do "Art Of Tea" as a reference to Michael's compositions. "The Lady Wants To Know" is referred to by some as "Jazzy Soul" and is featured on Rhino Records "Jazzy Soul, Volume One." "B'wana He No Home" was covered by the Carpenters and featured as the opening track of their 1977 album "Passage." Their version is a little more "rock" than Michael's and they incorporated backing vocals. The one track that suggests "outtake" from the previous "Art Of Tea" is the bouncy "Don't Be Blue." The song is good in it's own right, it stands out from the others due to lack of strings. This album was recorded as a homage to Michael's hero Antonio Jobim, who passed away a few years ago and who's death inspired Michael to return to straight-forward Brazilian influenced music to produce "Abandoned Garden," the album dedicated to Jobim's memory.

I suspect that I should preface this review with a dedication of sorts. I am rarely able to listen to Michael Franks "Sleeping Gypsy" without thinking of an ex-coworker and one time friend Harry. Being an avid fan of Mr. Franks, it was he who introduced me to this wonderful artist and his completely original lyrics and melodic style of jazz. And so it is to Harry that I give thanks.

That being said, "Sleeping Gypsy" is a delicious slice of jazz, Brazilian tempos, R & B, all tied together with a wonderful 'pop' sensibility. Starting off with perhaps the discs strongest track, "The Lady Wants To Know" a song that is simply indescribable but with a melody so compelling that it's a stand out song that Michael performs at each of his concerts. Also included is Michael's ode to Antonio Jobim, an artist he has always admired and he pays his respect with "Antonio's Song" and "Down In Brazil" two numbers with a Bossa Nova feel tha work incredibly well. The other highlight, at least for me, is "B'wana He No Home" a song that I certainly can't describe but nonetheless is extremely humorous. Now if I could only figure out what it means! Plus, let's not forget that Michael has the good sense of using some of today's truly great jazz musicians such as Wilton Felder, David Sanborn, Joe Sample and Larry Carlton. Altogether a wonderful package and since the majority of these discs have been reduced to budget prices I can't imagine not starting your collection with "Sleeping Gypsy" and moving through Mr. Franks entire back catalogue.

In ending, Michael Frank has consistently put out a wonderful product year after year and while his recent discs don't quite live up to his earlier recordings I can still wholeheartledly suggest having at least this cd in your collection. Any artist who can throw in "...I hear from my ex on the back of my checks", is one that I can truly appreciate! And as for Harry, a man who taught me a little about wine, a little of France and a lot about living the "Good Life"....thank-you. I still owe you!

This superb groove was recorded more than a quarter of a century ago and a young Michael Franks was already on his way to becoming the hippest kid on the block.

On this, his third album, we see the fusion of musical influences that would create the trademark Franks "sound" - a highly sophisticated soft rock, heavily laced with cool jazz and Latin nuance.

Downbeat jazz rears its beautiful head in the opening track "Lady Wants to Know" - musically and lyrically - "Daddy he's like Coltrane, baby's just like Miles, lady she's in heaven when she smiles...".

"Antonio's Song" and "Down in Brasil" both have the sound, feel and potential to become classics of the Latin American genre. The former was written as a tribute to his hero (later friend and mentor) Antonio Carlos Jobim.

Michael Franks is an exceptional talent - a writer, musician and singer of the first order.

His compositions are beautifully crafted and draw upon the finest musical influences of our time.

"Sleeping Gypsy" remains a treat for the ears these many years after its initial release date.

It's hip and cool - five stars, at least!

Yes sir! this is the very best of all Michael Franks albums (followed by "Tiger in the Rain").And without question one of the best albums ever recorded.
This is the only album I have in all formats and in all possible places to listen to. Home, bedroom, office, car.
I am just waiting for a DTS 5.1 version!! Or a concert DVD.

Left to me Micheal Franks goes in as one of the greatest stars ever to hit This planet.

Why he doesn't get the attention and awards others get is still suprising to me.

I heard His music First in Africa in the early eighties and still Have Him at the top of my mind.

Buy all His tracks partiularly the early ones you will not regret it.

In 1977, I heard "The Lady wants to know" and was blown away! Later, I went on to buy the album and was floored! The standout tracks for me are, of course, "The Lady wants to know" and "I really hope it's you." Don't get me wrong, the whole album is very, very good. We are talking about someone who was financing his graduate education by writing (and singing) songs (he has his PHD in songwriting). He is a definite talent...go Michael Franks...Five Stars!

My father almost played the grooves off this in the late 70s when I was growing up. When I got my CD player, this was one of the first I bought. Michael Franks combines a wonderfully subtle voice with some of the best jazz session players around at the time. One of the best relaxing records you'll own.

As I in my review of "The Art of Tea", I bought this album at the same time. "Lady Wants To Know" struck a chord in me and all my friends back when we were in college. We immediately became "Franks-O-Philes" and made it a point to always catch him when he came to Chicago. Full of great songs, just like "Tea". "Bwana He No Home" is a killer cut. I just loved the Brazilian flavor, and the lyrics, "I hear from my ex, on the back of my checks" nobody other than Donald Fagen or Sting writes lyrics as well or as consistently as Michael Franks.

So soothing; a masterpiece: every song is so refined and so well executed. I heard 'in the eye of the storm' on a flight; bought the album afterwards and since than am hooked to michael franks. What a great artist he is!