The title track from Chaka’s third solo album, released in 1981, was a #1 R&B hit in the US, and a #53 hit on the pop charts. The song was written by Ned Doheny, whose solo work has been featured on this blog, and Hamish Stuart of the Average White Band. The track was produced by the great Arif Mardin (Queen, Phil Collins, Bee Gees) and features a great cast of musicians including Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Anthony Jackson and Bob Christianson.
Day 155: Michael Franks - Your Secret’s Safe With Me
Michael Franks, who has had continued success on the jazz charts, hit #4 on the adult contemporary charts with this smooth tune back in 1985. It’s taken from his ninth studio album, Skin Dive, which features a fantastic array of talent including Ron Carter, Steve Gadd, Hugh McCracken, Michael Brecker and David Sanborn to name a few. This was the first album that Franks co-produced alongside Rob Mounsey, who also worked with Steely Dan, Carly Simon and James Taylor.
Though never released as a single in the U.S., “Your Latest Trick” reached #26 on the UK charts in 1986, making it the fifth charting single for the band from their album Brothers In Arms. The notorious saxophone line was played by Michael Brecker, who has played on records by Steely Dan, James Taylor, Paul Simon, Dan Fogelberg, George Benson and more. The song was written by the British band’s lead singer, Mark Knopfler and produced by him and Neil Dorfsman, who has worked with everyone from Weather Report to They Might Be Giants.
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