It's an icy day in New York City when Michael Franti ambles in wearing flip-flops — his winter footwear. He carries his own guitar case and moves at a leisurely pace, apparently unaware that he's hours late for our session. None of it matters. Franti's relaxed attitude is contagious, and we all ease into an interview celebrating his latest, Jamaican-made CD, All Rebel Rockers.
Later, I observed Franti and his amazing band Spearhead get a large crowd on its feet for the entire show at a Times Square concert hall. People want to be near Michael Franti. He has natural charisma that makes him a magnetic performer and a compelling political voice. On his latest album, he finds himself more in the mood for a party than a fight; in fact, shortly after our session, he played the biggest party Washington, D.C., had seen in some time.
Originally recorded Nov. 21, 2008.
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Copyright 2009 WFUV
