The Art of Tea

This 1976 album finds Michael in the studio with the Crusaders as his backing group along with a small string section. Having the same session musicians throughout this production gives this album a balance and most of these selections were recorded "live" in the studio and errors are left in, like the popping of "p" on the song "Eggplant" giving the sessiona an organic feel. "Eggplant" and "Popsicle Toes" are the two most popular tracks but the deep cuts is where the magic is. "Mr. Blue" is poetry with wonderful imagery "We danced like water colored fawns" "Monkey See Monkey Do" was covered by Melissa Manchester and "Popsicle Toes" by Manhattan Transfer but to no great effect, "Jive" is a great bouncy tune a bit off meter. The mastering of this cd is the best sounding of all Michael's Warner reissues, I wish the engineer who worked on this one worked on the rest, "Sleeping Gypsy" should sound like this. Michael changed up the theme of every album he did, no two sounding alike and usually when an artist has the same backing on an entire album it can make the artist sound like he's guesting on his own project but not the case here, Michael and the Crusaders gel perfectly.

Michael's best music, such fond memories everytime I hear this album....young at heart forever.

One of the greatest.

My favorite Micheal Franks album. I was only 16 when this came out but what memories I have while listening to these songs. Lyrics Outstanding! Highly recommended.

Excellent LP. Strong top to bottom. BOB, denver, co

This album is excellent in every sense. Given that Michael Franks is not a great vocalist, it is still a modern classic. The song writing is first rate. The musical talent on this album is incredible. This album is the perfect fusion of jazz and rock. Michael Franks as a jazz singer-songwriter is excellent. Highly recommended.