ProJazz.net

Tiger in the Rain is a jazz vocal album by singer/songwriter Michael Franks, released in 1979 on Warner Bros. Records.

It is the first album he made that did not use the producing team of Tommy LiPuma, Al Schmitt and Lee Hershberg. The album features lots of horns, strings, vocals and includes a large rhythm section all arranged and produced by John Simon. Franks, who is best known for his unique vocal style lends a hand not only on guitar, but also on banjo and mandolin. Also present here are some celebrated jazz figures.

The Allmusic site awarded the album 3 stars, stating: “… the album as a whole is as refreshing and meditative as a stroll through a rain forest.”

Track listing:
All tracks written by Michael Franks.

Side one
1. “Sanpaku” 4:10
2. “When It’s Over” 3:03
3. “Living On the Inside” 5:36
4. “Hideaway” 4:09
5. “Jardin Botanico” 3:32

Side two
1. “Underneath The Apple Tree” 5:52
2. “Tiger In the Rain” 4:17
3. “Satisfaction Guaranteed” 3:39
4. “Lifeline” 6:10

Personnel:
Michael Franks – vocals, guitar, banjo and mandolin
Joe Caro – guitars
Bucky Pizzarelli – guitars
Kenny Barron – piano
Bob Leinbach – electric organ
Paul Griffin – electric organ
Lew Soloff – piccolo trumpet
Claudio Roditi – trumpet
Randy Brecker – trumpet
Tom “Bones” Malone – trombone
Seldon Powell – saxophones
Lew Del Gatto – saxophone
George Young – saxophone and flute
Lou Marini – saxophone
David Liebman – flute
Howard Leshaw – flute
John Clark – French horn
Mike Manieri – vibraphone & vocals
Ron Carter – acoustic bass
Rick Marotta – drums
Ben Riley – drums
Buddy Williams – drums
Errol “Crusher” Bennett – congas
Rubens Bassini – percussion
John Simon – percussion
Dominic Cortese – concertina and percussion
Flora Purim – background vocals
Maretha Stewart – background vocals
Hilda Harris – background vocals
String section:
Violins: Charles Libove, Harry Lookofsky, Lewis Eley, Anthony Posk, Harry Urbont, Joseph Malin, Richard Sortomme
Viola: Harold Coletta, Richard Maximoff, Emanuel Vardi
Cello: Abdul Wadud, Jesse Levy, Charles McCracken, Allan Shulman.

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Released: 1979
Recorded: November 1978
Studio: A&R Studios, New York
Length: 40:48
Label: Warner Bros.
Producer: John Simon