In 1970s Los Angeles, musicians were kings. It was a time when musical chops were appreciated on a mainstream level. Jazz fusion players were able to make a name for themselves internationally with their own music as well as playing sessions for the major artists of the day. Whether it was Stanley Clarke or Jaco Pastorius on bass, Lee Ritenour, George Benson, or Pat Metheny on guitar, or keyboard players like Dave Grusin, Herbie Hancock, Jeff Lorber and even brass guys such as Stanley Turrentine or Michael Brecker … they weren’t just a small liner note on the back of an album, they were stars in their own right. Vocal-wise it was a golden age too, Al Jarreau, Anita Baker, and Luther Vandross were celebrated for their smooth jazz style of singing which was soon to be coined ‘Quiet Storm’.
One of the most respected vocalists at the time and considered to be one of the pioneers of ‘Quiet Storm’ was Southern Californian jazz stylist Michael Franks, who made an immediate impact with his soft and airy vocal approach on his album The Art of Tea in 1976, his first on Reprise, the label founded by Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.
Australia’s own jazz vocal connoisseur CAM GILES is also a fan of the music that was coming out of 70s era LA and in particular Michael Franks. In fact Giles was so enamoured with the stylings of Michael Franks, that he’s decided to record a tribute album, The Fabric of Michael Franks. The album includes 13 Michael Franks tunes, all performed with the love and respect the material deserves. The immaculately played recording features Cam on vocals, bass, keys and all production, Ryan Menezes on drums and percussion, Cassie Webb (vocals), Lance Sau and Peter Watson (guitars), Lachlan Davidson (sax, trumpet, flute) Jarrah Whye (piano and rhodes), Steve Sedergreen and Brett Rosenberg (piano), John Barrett, Tony Buchannon, and Damon Grant (sax) and David Palmer on trombone.
“Making this music been an eye opening journey and has refocused my love of great simple songs, so thank you Michael Franks,” said Cam of his new recording.
Cam is no stranger to tribute albums, having delivered two other acclaimed recordings, Darker: The Songs of Leonard Cohen in 2020 and A Jazz Tribute to INXS in 2018.
Cam Giles will officially launch The Fabric of Michael Franks with his seven piece band on Thursday August 24 at The Cherry Hill Hotel, 53 Balmain St Cremorne, supported by Get Jaxxed and Jude Beaumont.
There’s also a not-so secret preview show on Friday August 18 at Platform 3095 in Eltham, 965 Main Rd Eltham, supported by Get Jaxxed and The Silly Yaks