Heavily influenced by Rock, Folk and Blues in its infancy, California songwriter Michael Franks blends a unique musical alchemy of Jazz, Bossa Nova, Soft Rock and Soul into a distinctively smooth sound. His ambition in experimenting as a composer and vocalist of smooth Jazz fusion combined with his undeniable presence on songs has allowed Franks to carve a niche over time for a timeless catalog of soulful music. Michael Franks has worked with leading musicians within Jazz and Pop over the span of his 38 years and 18 album career such as Wilton Felder (The Crusaders), Joe Sample, Jeff Lorber, Michael Brecker, David Sanborn, Vinnie Colaiuta, Larry Carlton and Steve Gadd.

Available March 26th 2012 on Rhino Records and www.michaelfranks.fr, this French limited-edition release offers the best of Michael Franks on 5CDs grouped into four themes. The 5th CD features rare live recordings of Michael Franks with Crossfire manufactured as a vinyl replica. This 73 track project of unreleased tracks proves to be the ultimate collectors item for Michael Franks fans.

 • 5CD Box / 73 remastered
• All Warner titles have been remastered with care from the original master tapes 24 Bit / 96 Khz.
• Includes previously unreleased tracks and rarities
• Also included is slipped inside the box format Vinyl Replica, the rare concert: MICHAEL FRANKS with CROSSFIRE Live recorded in 1980 in Australia
• 16 pages booklet with foreword by Michael Franks and details of all the musicians credits • Box supervised by Michael Franks

Unreleased Material:

"Coming Home To You": From the soundtrack of the movie "Author, Author", as composed by Dave Grusin and Marilyn & Alan Bergman , never released on CD!

"Jealousy" Geyster-Remix-(Unreleased Title), unpublished Remix of the song "Jealousy" by the group Geyster . The remix was done from the multitrack master tapes original. A bomb electro-calif not to be missed!

"Blue Pacific"-Alternate Version-(Unreleased Title). Magical version of this title. Line up the different official title. Here we find: Joe Sample , Larry Carlton , John Guerin & Freddie Washington.

"This Will Never Do" (Title unpublished): Taken from the musical "Noa Noa", a title worthy of the finest compositions of Michael Franks

"Somewhere In The Rain", from the rare album "Over The Sky", Yuming International Cover Album, released only in Japan

"I Bought You A Plastic Star For Your Aluminum Tree" version different from that on the album "Watching The Snow". Title on the compilation "Jazz Christmas Party"

Bob Mintzer with Michael Franks: "Foolish Heart": Featuring Michael on this very beautiful album of saxophonist Bob Mintzer

Anri With Michael Franks: "Antonio's Song / The Rainbow" From the album "Angel Whisper" of the Japanese star: Anri. Great interpretation of this classic Michael Franks

Me Phi Me with Michael Franks: "(Think ...) Where Are You Goin ': Featuring amazing Michael with this group Rap / Soul 90s. A small wonder voice.

Joe Sample with Michael Franks: "Leading Me Back To You" by Michael Franks fearuring on the album "Spellbound" by Joe Sample. A classic for any fan of 80s Jazz Fusion

Beyond being a talented performer Michael Franks is mainly a recognized composer. Thus we have integrated into the cabinet twice classic Michael "Popsicle Toes" by The Manhattan Transfer & "Nightmoves" by Dee Dee Bridgewater .


Learn about more details of this box set project at www.michaelfranks.fr