Atlantic Avenue takes you on a journey—just as I went on a journey. Remarried two years ago, I followed my American wife across the ocean for a few months and gave birth to a whole bunch of new tunes and arrangements—both covers and originals. I re-imagined 'Imagine'—hard to do as it’s pretty incredible as it is; I tried to capture the sights, sounds and energy of Manhattan in 'New York Kaleidoscope'—on which acclaimed guitarist Chieli Minnuci (of Special EFX) plays a sizzling electric guitar solo; I came up with a new take on Rapunzel’s dilemma and wrote and recorded what was going on in my life in Boston, New York and my beloved France. "In concert, Griffin charms his audiences with self-deprecating wit and, like most clowns, he’s alive to pathos. His lyrics share stories and insights, and his accomplished guitar-playing is a perfect foil for his smoky, evocative voice". Detailed track notes follow: 1. To Make You Feel My Love [Bob Dylan] Beautifully arranged for three acoustic guitars, with a sensational tenor-sax solo from the Belgian horn-player, Alexis Van Eeckhout. Michel has never been in better voice, delivering Dylan's most romantic ballad with all the tenderness at his command. 2. Atlantic Avenue [Michel Griffin] The first self-penned song on the album is an exquisitely spare arrangement. A single guitar, and Marcel 'Frenchie' Dègré's plaintive harmonica accompany Michel's poignant narrative. A song that stays with you ... 3. O to be in Paris! [Michel Griffin] A jaunty ragtime instrumental, arranged for three guitars and a double-bass. 4. The House of the Rising Sun [Trad.] A new take on a very old tune. Michel succeeds in infusing this classic with new life, with a bluesy interpretation which avoids the trap of simply reproducing the Animals' iconic version. 5. New York Kaleidoscope [Michel Griffin] A driving song that captures the sights, sounds and energy of Manhattan, featuring Alexis Van Eeckhout's soaring saxophone and a blistering guitar-solo from Chieli Minucci (of 'Special EFX' fame). If you only have time to listen to 2 tracks from this album, this should be one of them. 6. Ça me bat [Michel Griffin] An instrumental which amply displays Michel's ear for a catchy tune. The title is a play on words - say it quickly and it sounds like 'Samba'. 7. Imagine [John Lennon] A re-imagined approach to Lennon's masterpiece, arranged for guitars, spoken voice and a small choir. Anne-Emmanuelle Marie wrote the text which she recites in the middle of the piece (in French). 8. Come On, Rapunzel [Michel Griffin] A raunchy, tongue-in-cheek 12-bar, with 'Coco' Correch rattling the double-bass and 'Frenchie' Dègre blowing up a storm on the harmonica. 9. Diane [Michel Griffin] A tender instrumental for the new love in Michel's life. 10. Another Way of Looking [Michel Griffin] A lyrical evocation of that moment of realisation that a long-term relationship is coming to an end. 'Frenchie' Dègre's harp-playing has never been more plangent. 11. Run Like the River [Michel Griffin] A lyrical reflection on the transience of Life to an intricate guitar accompaniment, subtly accented by 'Coco' Correch's rhythmic double-bass. 12. Beverly Dawn [Michel Griffin] An instrumental improvised in the studio, as the sun rose slowly over the Atlantic Ocean just outside the window. 13. Suzanne [Leonard Cohen] A lovely version of Cohen's classic, arranged for 2 guitars, liquid electric bass and a choir. 14. Black, Brown and White [Big Bill Broonzy] Recorded live at the Cahors Folk Club, this track showcases the power of Michel's live performances with 'Frenchie' Dègre on harmonica, and 'Coco' Correch on double-bass.