Although he’s a different genre, the only songwriter I can even begin to compare Michael Franks with is a semi-local hero by the name of Willis Alan Ramsey. If you’ve never heard of Franks OR Ramsey I’d say get right down to the record store n stock up…as in now!

Franks is a smooth jazz kinda guy…really a romantic at heart with 18 studio records under his belt stretching all the way back to 1976 with The Art of Tea. Actually, there was a previous record called Brut which was later reissued under the title Previously Unavailable. A likely story huh, but it’s true.

Anway, Art of Tea gave Franks one of his signature songs, Popsicle Toes. Written for her birthday, he compares his girlfriends’ figure to South America “You got the nicest North America this sailor ever saw./I’d like to feel your warm Brazil/But Your Tierra del Fuegos are nearly always froze.”

The concept of island life and blue water is a prevailing theme in many of Franks’ songs.

Art of Tea featured Joe Sample, Larry Carlton and Wilton Felder of the Crusaders and firmly established Franks in the jazz community with his talent as a lyricist setting him completely apart. After the show I asked him what inspires his lyrics and he looked at me and said “I don’t know, they just happen”. Keep happening brother…sheer brilliance.

My personal favorite will always be The Camera Never Lies released in 1987 followed very closely by Barefoot on the Beach released in 1976.

Franks came on stage in just the unassuming manner that I thought he would. I had never seen him even on video before, but this is how I imagined him. From the first song ‘I Really Hope” he showed the 230+ crowd that even at age 69 he’s still as humorous a wordsmith as he’s always been. The Big Barn was as packed as I’ve ever seen it.

Tonight’s show featured Willard Dyson on drums, Charles Blenzig on keys and Sean Conly on bass.

Holding the crowd in the palm of his unassuming hand was a natural as he unwaveringly gave us a tour de force of highlights from his long career.

The first full band song was Under the Apple Tree “Underneath the apple tree/Mama’s got her eye on me/Just wearing suntan lotion/This is how we spend each day”/ See what I mean? Popsicle Toes was the last song of the two song encore set.

The rest of the show was as incredible as any I’ve ever seen. Franks didn’t disappoint in the slightest for the entire 90 minute set. Thanks Dosey Doe for yet another memorable evening! Steve..you’re one of the bravest dinner club owners I know.

Franks doesn’t tour too much these days, but he will be in Dallas in August. Anyone for a road trip?

Michael Franks Setlist

I Really Hope It’s You

Meet Me in Deer Park

Under the Apple Tree

Tiger in the Rain

Eggplant

Cookie Jar Empty

Rainy Night in Tokyo

Monk’s New Tune

Summer in New York

B’Wana He No Home

Lady Wants to Know

Antonio’s Song

Popsicle Toes