Bob Franke: The Other Evening in Chicago

Bob Franke The Other Evening in Chicago Waterbug 66

If you can't have Bob Franke singing in your living room, this recording is the next best thing. Recorded live at WFMT's Folkstage, this release is not only great for long-time fans but also a wonderful introduction to one of our best songwriters. It's just Bob and his guitar here. When you write songs like this, you don't need fancy arrangements.

There are old favorites like "Alleluia, the Great Storm is Over" as well as songs that were new to me, like "Collateral Damage," a very moving tribute to his friend (and wonderful musician) Freyda Epstein. The lighter side of Franke shows up in "Acid Polka," a story about a Polish joint where the audience accidentally imbibes an illegal substance. Things get really wild when Aunt Sophie starts removing her clothing. "Catfish Blues" is played on a resonator guitar and features some nice slide work, perfect for lyrics like "Eats like a porker, but looks like a cat." Franke also excels at serious inspirational tunes that carry a strong message without being preachy like the hopeful "A Healing in This Night" and the upbeat "Sleeping Hearts."

What's great about a live recording is that you can learn more about the songs through the introductions. Before "Thanksgiving Eve," a song of his that many of us love, Bob tells us that the first two verses were written in 1979 because he'd been invited to a Thanksgiving dinner where you had to either bring a dish or a song. The last verse was written in 1990, after his brother-in-law passed away. Get this CD and let Bob Franke sing at your house.

COPYRIGHT 2006 Sing Out Corporation
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group