I really like voice, style and coolness of Michael Franks. Not only writes some great tunes, but does great covers as well.

One of my favorite tunes he has arranged (or rearranged) is the tune I Love Lucy, opening theme from the old TV series of the same name.

Beautifully transformed into a ballad, it works pretty good instrumentally, but the vocal version wins the prize. Great chords, and lovely guitar and piano solos.

Franks used quite a few well known session players, and he says he was heavily influenced by Peggy Lee and Nat King Cole among others.

Another tune written by Franks, "Popsicle Toes", was covered by very nicely by Diana Krall.

Ian