Dragonfly Summer

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This disc finds the eloquent Franks easing into a characteristically mellow jazz/blues mood with guests the Yellowjackets, Peggy Lee (duetting on "You Were Meant For Me") and Dan Hicks. --Jeff Bateman

Tracks:

Coming To Life
Soul Mate
Dragonfly Summer
Monk's New Tune
Learning What Love Means
I Love Lucy
Practice Makes Perfect
String Of Pearls
Keeping My Eye On You
The Dream
You Were Meant For Me
How I Remember You

Amazon.com

This disc finds the eloquent Franks easing into a characteristically mellow jazz/blues mood with guests the Yellowjackets, Peggy Lee (duetting on "You Were Meant For Me") and Dan Hicks. --Jeff Bateman

Customer Reviews:

can do better.......2007-06-07

not the best of franks output, but it is a franks, so how bad could it be? there are some musicians that i listen to everything they produce (miles, monk, billie, chet, elling etc). franks is one of them. listen & enjoy.

Surprised and disappointed.......2007-05-25

I've been a Michael Franks fan since I first heard "Popsicle Toes" on AM radio back in 1975, and for the record own five of his albums on vinyl and four on CD. I purchased Dragonfly Summer based on the reviews posted, and, quite frankly, because of the number of 5-star reviews, was EXTREMELY disappointed. Multiple listenings, over two different headphones setups, and on the big sound system in the living room through very good speakers didn't change my opinion. While this IS decent Franks music, it does not compare favorably to earlier works like The Art Of Tea, Sleeping Gypsy, and Tiger In The Rain, or his recent Watching The Snow. If you're considering beginning a relationship with this fine artist, I suggest you start with The Art Of Tea, and put Dragonfly Summer on the long list.

Michael Comes Full Circle To Make His Best Work.......2006-07-12

Dragonfly Summer is my favorite MF album. The key thing to consider is everything that happened previously. The first five albums (Art of Tea - One Bad Habit) were mostly smooth jazz with great arrangements played by the Crusaders, etc. Then for the next several albums (Objects of Desire - The Camera Never Lies) Michael became more (not totally, just more) electronic and synthesized using producer Rob Mounsey. Good material because it was Michael but a severe dropoff for those desiring the more acoustic sound of the previous projects. Then after a break came Blue Pacific which combined the acoustic with the electronic. A wonderful project...but only a setup for the true masterpiece: Dragonfly Summer.

Dragonfly Summer was in the same vein as Pacific except Michael's method of compiling multiple styles was more polished and consistent. The result was an album that showed Franks coming full circle and showering us with the cumulative knowledge of his experiences on both sides of the fence. Without going into a blow by blow of each individual song I'll just leave you with this challenge. By the time you get to "I Love Lucy" you'll be blown away, and that's just the first half. When you get to "How I Remember You" which ends the last half you'll be in love with love and all else that's special to you.

For anyone who liked Michael Franks but was wary of his new directions: Don't be afraid...it's okay, come on into this CD...the water's warm again. For those who know MF a little: It's okay. Come inside and relax to the warmth and shelter of Dragonfly Summer. As for the rest of you: there will be much weeping and gnashing of teeth once you go through life and find out what you missed out on.

BRILLIANT ALBUM TO START WITH !.......2003-12-31

I discovered that album one day in a store and was hooked right away. I used to have older albums by Franks, which I loved, but this was incredible because Franks had managed so brilliantly to adapt to a more modern sound.

This remained my favorite Michael Franks album until 'Abandoned Garden' came out. I'd say it's the perfect album to get started on his music, as it displays a variety of uptempo and slow songs, jazz numbers and pop tunes, funny and nostalgic lyrics. There's something for everyone in this album, but the genius of Michael Franks is to make it all sound like a coherent piece of work.

Great album which will provide hours upon hours of exciting listening.

Blissful escape.......2003-06-23

Ever since i heard one of Michael Franks songs some years ago
i knew that i had to be a fan and that holds true today his C.D.
Dragonfly summer is awesome and i recommend it to all fans who
appreciate good music.