After the disappointing
Skin Dive, this album signaled a move back, at least partially, to the winning
Franks formula. The title cut, "Island Life," and "Doctor Sax," although all occasionally missing the mark, reflected a strong recommitment to the kind of songs that
Franks was capable of writing. With
Rob Mounsey producing, which gave the album the right balance of a modern sound with no gimmicks, and players like
Mark Egan,
Dave Weckl, and
Richard Tee adding some much-needed jazz muscle,
Franks was making exciting music again. Additionally,
Earl Klugh was the perfect guitar foil for
Franks' music.
Lani Groves and
Art Garfunkel also fit just right, demonstrating that the right vocalists on a
Franks album enhance the possibilities for genre crossover. ~ Steve Matteo