Natural Information Society – Since Time is Gravity
The quintessential dinner soundtrack, The Art of Tea encapsulates the best of Michael Franks. With an elite group of jazz side-men, he explores a range of styles, jumping from slow-funk (“Monkey See, Monkey Do”), swing (“Jive” and the minor hit “Popsicle Toes”) ridiculous humor (“Eggplant”), and touching jazz-pop ballads like “I Don’t Know Why I’m So Happy I’m Sad.” Taking the Steely Dan approach, Franks roots the music with insanely lush 70’s production that would eventually earn Walter Becker’s seal of approval. Romantic, intelligent, and full of winking symbolism, the whole record is steeped with sophistication and an infectious, relaxing nature that suggests a kettle of finely brewed tea.
Franks recalls the album, saying: “My first project at Warner Bros., The Art of Tea, in which I found myself surrounded by Joe Sample, Wilton Felder, Larry Carlton, and my late friend, John Guerin, was a most auspicious beginning. Though I had released a self-titled album two years earlier, which also included an impressive list of sidemen, The Art of Tea sessions really helped to crystallize my sound.”
Recommended – Full Listen
Tags: Bargain Bin / Cult Classic / Soft Rock
Tracklist:
A1 Nightmoves
A2 Eggplant
A3 Monkey See-Monkey Do
A4 St. Elmo’s Fire
A5 I Don’t Know Why I’m So Happy I’m Sad
B1 Jive
B2 Popsicle Toes
B3 Sometimes I Just Forget To Smile
B4 Mr. Blue
Credits:
Arranged By [Strings] – Nick De Caro*
Art Direction – Ed Thrasher
Bass – Wilton Felder
Congas – Jerry Steinholtz
Drums, Percussion – John Guerin
Guitar – Larry Carlton
Keyboards – Joe Sample
Mastered By – Doug Sax
Mixed By – Al Schmitt
Photography By – Linda Levine
Producer – Tommy LiPuma
Recorded By – Al Schmitt, Bruce Botnick, Lee Hershberg*
Vibraphone [Vibes] – Larry Bunker
Written-By – Michael Franks (tracks: A2 to B4)
