Michael Franti & Spearhead on MBE

Michael Franti and Spearhead

I saw Michael Franti a few months ago participating in a Bob Dylan tribute at the Skirball center. That night he said he wasn’t really familiar with Dylan’s music and had to consult with a friend on a song that was kinda punk – “Subterranean Homesick Blues” – and a song that was kinda reggae – “Rainy Day Woman.”

I couldn’t believe that could possibly be true – a poetic, political writer who addressed the social injustices of the day didn’t dig Dylan? Well, after his MBE performance today – that drew cheers (A Little Bit of Riddim) and tears (Nobody Right Nobody Wrong –about the crisis in the Middle East) I finally got a chance to ask him about it. Turns out he didn’t grow up in a household where they played Dylan (or the Beatles for that matter) – he said they were into Earth, Wind and Fire and Parliament. So that explains that….

That was also the first night I saw “Say Hey,” the single on his new album. I loved it so much, I jumped on my computer after the concert  trying to track it down to no avail – it hadn’t been released yet. When I heard Nic start spinning it a few weeks ago, I couldn’t have been happier.

When it came time to record his latest album, Franti decided to work with the best rock producer (Matt Wallace in LA) and the best reggae producers (Sly & Robbie in Jamaica). He also brought on vocalist Cherine Anderson, a delightful performer from Jamaica who shared both his idealogical and musical direction. The final result is the best of everything Franti is known for – uplifting, life affirming songs, protest songs, and songs about love (including one for his son, “I Got Love For You”).

**on a side note, I noticed Franti walking out of the station barefoot. I know Wikipedia isn’t always to be trusted but, apparently, he decided not to wear shoes as an anti-poverty protest in 2000 and never went back (except when he absolutely has to)

Check out the session here

RR