RENDEZVOUS IN RIO

Personnel: Michael Franks (vocals); Robbie Dupree (vocals, background vocals); Carmen Cuesta-Loeb, Larry Hoppen, Pamela Driggs (vocals); Chuck Loeb (guitar, piano, keyboards, programming); Dwight Sills, Marc Shulman, Mike DeMicco, Romero Lubambo (guitar); Gary Meek (flute, saxophone, tenor saxophone); Chris Hunter (flute, saxophone); Andy Suzuki (woodwinds); Roger Burn (piano, keyboards, vibraphone); Jeff Lorber (keyboards, programming, drum programming, percussion programming); Charles Blenzig (keyboards, programming); Scott Petito (keyboards); Jimmy Haslip (electric bass); Jerry Marotta (drums, percussion); Michael White , Michael White , Wolfgang Haffner, Brian Dunne, Vinnie Colaiuta (drums); Caf? (percussion); Leslie Ritter , Veronica Nunn, Beth Reineke (background vocals); Eric Marienthal (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); David Sancious (piano, keyboards). Audio Mixers: Dennis Wall; Rich Breen ; Scott Petito. Recording information: Burning Down The House; Dogmatic; Hedgehog Sound; J.H.L. Sound; JHL Sound; La Cocina, Hilton Head Island, SC; NRS, Catskill, NY. Photographers: Megan Denver; Dion Ogust. Unknown Contributor Roles: Billy Arnold; Jay Anderson; Mark Anderson; Willard Dyson; Sean Conly. Arrangers: Chuck Loeb; Jeff Lorber; Scott Petito; Roger Burn; Charles Blenzig. Michael Franks' laid-back vocals have made him the choice of a new generation of cool school attendees. With Rendezvous in Rio, his debut release for Koch Records, Franks continuously shows why he is still at the top of his game with brand-new songs that will soothe, undo your stresses, or put you in a romantic mood. The various musical styles on the CD include two Brazilian sambas, one titled "Under the Sun," pointing you toward the Southern Hemisphere and the warmth of Rio de Janeiro and Bahia. A master of phrasing and elongated notes, Franks tells his great stories in several tempos that literally have you wanted to take this journey with him. "Rendezvous in Rio" starts with Caf?'s percussive whistle and the rhythmic flow of Romero Lubambo's guitar. Chris Hunter's sax and flute solos also heighten the imagery of Franks' sexy vocals. "The Cool School" starts with the beautiful guitar accompaniment of Chuck Loeb and continues under Franks' vocals with a hushed flow of cool/smooth riffs that make this song one of the best on the CD. With the artistry of such respected contemporary jazz artists as Jeff Lorber, Jimmy Haslip, Chuck Loeb, and Alex Al and the lilt of the carnival whistle, Michael Franks has conspired to entertain you, and has succeeded. You're sure to enjoy this very special Rendezvous in Rio. Recommended. ~ Paula Edelstein