Spring will be coming soon with Michael Franks this year!? In 38 years since his 1973 self-titled debut for Burt Records, Michael Franks has constantly released 18 studio recording original solo albums as at end of 2011. In Japan, Michael Franks' first 9 studio recording albums from1975 to 1987, that is to say, from his major solo debut album "The Art Of Tea" (1975) to "Camera Never Lies" (1987) and the much sought-after album MICHAEL FRANKS WITH CROSSFIRE LIVE (1980) will be re-released as limited collector's items with miniature LP style paper artworks on SHM CD (Super High Material CD), needless to say Remastered, which will be available on 25th April 2012 as the second releases of Warner Japan Light Mellow 2012 Collection.
Turning my eyes to Europe, Warner Rhino France has published that they will release Michael Franks Anthology box set titled "Dream 1973-2011" on 26th March 2012 with 73 Remastered Tracks on 5CDs, featuring unreleased tracks, rarities & many more. This Box Set supervised by Michael Franks (including tracklisting) offers the most complete anthology of Michael Franks work. 5CDs focusing on 4 themes; [POP & FUNKY GROOVE], [JAZZ & EXOTIC SUMMER], [SOFT & COOL SCHOOL] and [RARITIES & PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED TRACKS + DUETS & SOME COVERS] . As you see below-listed track listing of 4th CD, you must be surprised to know what would be featured because it will include previously Japanese only tracks; "Antonio's Song / The Rainbow" (duet with apanese popular female singer named ANRI, originally appeared on her 1996 album "Angel Whisper" )and Michael's Japanese pops cover "Somewhere In The Rain" (originally performed by Japanese female superstar over the decade Yumi Arai (later, Yumi Matsutoya), known aka Yuming, in 1975, taken from 2003 Japanese only compilation album "OVER THE SKY : Yuming International Cover Album") The 5th CD contains the rare and mythical live recording of Michael Franks with Crossfire with miniature LP style paper artworks. A 16 page booklet with a foreword by Michael Franks and track-by-track liner notes + photos, Box Set supervised by Michael Franks.
Other Michael Franks Japanese Limited Edition Collector Items
Janey Clewer's new solo effort “Fallen For Brazil” complete version will be finally released in January 2012! "Fallen For Brazil", Janey's neo-Brazilian styled album will be officially released in the complete shape after 3 years since its limited pre-release version was released on CD-R for the fans and digital downloads in January 2009. ItThis complete version would include 3 new tunes not on the pre-release; "Samba Sky", "Paparazi" and "One At Heart". There is one cover of “This Masquerade” an all-time personal favorite of Janey’s with 9 tunes appeared on the pre-release version as well as revised mixes and fully mastered tracks. Every track is drenched with timeless string arrangements and the incomparable John Patitucci on bass. Also featured is the vocal magic of Marc Jordan on the duet “ Make Her Mine” and Michael Sembello sings haunting Portuguese background vocals on “The Summer Wind”. The album also features the awesome acoustic guitar work of her husband, Bruce Gaitsch, flutes by Dave Boruff, vibes by Alex Poston and trumpet by Nick Newman. The timeless string arrangements of Boh Cooper and Janey brush each song with beautiful strokes of color. The string players are Nashville’s finest led by David Davidson, concertmaster of Orchestra Nashville. Open your finest Malbec, sit back and let your ears take you on a passionate musical journey to Brazil and beyond.
(Remarks)Please note that the track listing shown on the VIVID SOUND official website and/or Amazon.co.jp would be by mistake the pre-release version's one, which should be amended properly in due course.
"The Baked Potato Super Live!" Vinyl was released only in Japan in 1982 and was reissued twice on CD. 1999 remastered reissued version was one of the miracles done by Cool Sound, but due to the copyright issue, 1999 version could not use the original album artworks. This album should be well-known treasure because this live materials recorded at the famous "The Baked Potato" in Los Angeles on December 13, 14, 15, 1981 revealed how great Jeff drummer Porcaro was. Another important information I should add is that there were mistakes of tracklisting info of its original vinyl release; Track 3 was not "Go" but "First Time Around" and track 4 was not "First Time Around" but "Goe" (not "Go"), which are confirmed by Greg Mathieson at the time of 1999 reissue. Now in 2011, Cool Sound will re-release this masterpiece 2011 remastered edition with the original artworks LP style paper sleeve! This must be added to your collection if you are real Jeff Porcaro Fan. For your information, Tower Record Japan will distribute this CD from 25th April, a little bit earlier than other retailers.
It was December 2002 when Peter Friestedt released his 1st leader album,"The LA Project". The album was recorded in North Hollywood, between December 1999 to July 2000. The album features co-written with and lead vocal performances by Bill Cantos, Michael Ruff, Joseph Williams and Bill Champlin. Among the players we find legendary names, such as Russell Ferrante, Jimmy Haslip, Abraham Laboriel, Brandon Fields, Jeff Richman and Michael Shapiro. Zink Music, Sweden has updated the booklet, adding lyrics and additional liner-notes from Bill Champlin, Bill Cantos, Michael Ruff and Peter himself, designed an overall more up to date look, still using the original cover picture! The expanded edition has been added 4 bonus tracks, a live version of “Peace Of Mind”, with Bill Cantos from 2004, a cool alternate version of “Livin’ in Your Eyes”, a tremendous instrumental version of “Take A Little Chance” and a never before released instrumental called “Cruisin”.
This highly praised album is a must if you are into Chicago, Toto, Airplay, Maxus and all othr giants of the genre! Well produced in HDCD, well crafted songs all performed by the best there is!
"The Consummate Bobby Caldwell" showcases the celebrated blue eyed soul singer's forays into big band, swing and vintage torch songs from the '40s. The collection of timeless songs draws from Bobby's two top selling albums "Blue Condition" (1996) and "Come Rain Or Come Shine" (1999) that were recorded in real time with a 45-piece orchestra and 20-piece jazz band at the legendary Capital Studios where Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin and Nat King Cole recorded many of their biggest hits. The album features 5 previously unreleased tracks including "All Of Me", "Only The Lonely" and 3 tracks taken from the motion picture soundtracks; "Oh Boy (You've Really Got It Made)" from "Lake Boat (2000)", "The Tender Trap" from "Forces Of Nature (1999)" and "Young At Heart" from "Living Beyond 100 (1998)". And this album also features a rare track; "Luck Be A Lady" taken from the motion picture soundtrack CD "The Cooler (2003)".
I wonder if I said that there is not so many hidden treasures left to be reissued on CD. This recognition has not changed for me, however, OMEGA SUNRISE's 1983 album "Feel The Change" must deserve the hidden treasure for AOR / Westcoast / Fusion / Contemporary Christian music lovers. Omega Sunrise was a band that recorded and toured from 1979 through 1986. In 1983 they recorded their first album on New Jerusalem Records titled "Feel the Change" produced by Kim Hutchcroft well-known as the sax/flute player of the legendary "Seawind". The music of OMEGA SUNRISE was very close to that of Seawind featuring Debbie Seibert who sang like Pauline Wilson, backed by good horn section. On this album, you can listen to the cover versionof "Follow Your Road" originally performed by Seawind on their 1979's album "Light The Light".
The band released another album titled "Run from the Night" on Morada Records, USA in 1985. The album "Run from the Night" did fairly well with several songs charting in localized markets around the US. Unfortunately, this album seems to be hard to be reissued due to various contractual reasons at this moment. After touring for 3 years with a schedule of about 8 months on the road each year, Omega Sunrise played its last concert in the Summer of 1986 in Fresno, California.
This must be also one of the long-awaited CD reissues. 1984's self-titled album "PATTI AUSTIN" is her follow-up to her 1982's smash hit pop album "Every Home Should Have One" including #1 pop hit single "Baby Come To Me" duet with James Ingram for Quincy Jones' Qwest label. Patti enjoyed good chart action and significant airplay with the singles "It's Gonna Be Special" and "Shoot the Moon", both of which were written by Clif Magness and Glen Ballard. Speaking of "Hot! In the Flames of Love" and "Star Struck", both penned by Narada Michael Walden got high attention R&B and dance chart and thus she established her firm position in the R&B field.
This album had been reissued once in 1991 only for Japan but have been out-of print for very long time. In the summer of 2007, Mosaic Records will reissue this album under their Contemporary Reissues series presenting the definitive versions of the most important recordings in contemporary jazz and Adult Contemporary Music.
Label: Mosaic Contemporary, USA (Original Release: Qwest Records)
Release Date: August 24, 2007 (Original Release: 1984)
Executive Producers: Quincy Jones, Ed Eckstine
Producers: Narada Michael Walden, David Pack, Clif Magness, Glen Ballard, Ollie E. Brown, Quicy Jones
Tracks:
1. It´s gonna be special
2. Rhythm of the heat
3. All behind us now
4. Hot: In the flames of love
5. Change your attitude
6. Shoot the moon
7. I´ve got my heart set on you
8. Fine fine fella (Got to have you)
9. Starstruck
10. Any way you can