After his debut on the tiny Brut Records (a short-lived record label of the famous cologne company),
Michael Franks established both his unique sound and a recording process he has continued throughout his career. Primarily a jazz artist,
Franks crossed over to pop and rock fans through heavy FM airplay beginning with
The Art of Tea. Sensually suggestive and playful tracks, such as "Popsicle Toes" and "Eggplant" contain sly wordplay and almost
Henry Mancini-like, breezy jazz-pop. Employing a similar approach as
Steely Dan did with its music,
Franks' singing and songwriting formed the basis of a sound rooted in the support of top-notch musicians, many of whom were the hottest studio jazz players on the scene. Here, the killer rhythm section of drummer
John Guerin and bassist
Wilton Felder is augmented by horn pros
Michael Brecker and
David Sanborn, with
Franks and
Larry Carlton handling all the guitar work. This winning combination of players, styles, singing, and songwriting would be reshuffled and refined over the years, but perhaps with no finer results than on this official major label debut. ~ Steve Matteo