Michael Franti (far right) and Spearhead rile up a full crowd at Bell Memorial Union on Friday night. The group's music crosses many genres, including hip-hop and funk, while tackling social issues dealing with race and the current situation in Iraq
The Orion/JASON HALLEY |
Taken from The Orion Online (March 31, 2004)
Franti, Marley mix musical styles
by Matt Shotland and Staff Writer
Just days after an amazing Keller Williams show, A.S. Presents delivered another set of quality live music when Ziggy Marley, Michael Franti and Spearhead rocked the Bell Memorial Union Friday.
With a packed crowd ready to groove to the contagious sounds of reggae music, Michael Franti and Spearhead opened the bill, giving the fans just what they wanted and then some.
The band members, who with every performance and tour seem to become greater superstars, delivered their blend of reggae, funk, soul and a dash of hip-hop. When given a brief moment of spotlight, each artist took over the music as if it was their own project.
But it was frontman Michael Franti's stage presence that helped make an even deeper connection with the audience, even though the first notes from the speakers instantly had the crowd moving.
Franti had the crowd singing and clapping along as he danced across the stage, dreadlocks bouncing against his back.
Put a crowd in front of Franti and the man will share what's on his mind. With lyrics devoted to societal issues that affect us all, Franti would also discuss his stance on war, drugs and, of course, George Bush. Like a preacher in a church, Franti had his audience screaming in approval of his feelings.
Spearhead's sound was consistently diverse, crossing the musical spectrum, but never losing the groove that was the main necessity. The band played a 90-minute set and with its eclectic styles never lost attention from the crowd.
"How ya feeling?" Franti continuously cried to his listeners. With deafening applause for more, they seemed to be doing just fine.
The room was packed, and the audience was uproarious with excitement knowing they were just minutes away from the authentic reggae grooves of Ziggy Marley.
If you're a fan of reggae, especially of the man who helped bring it to the United States, Bob Marley, seeing his son pick up where he left off is a great way to remember the legend.
Marley's movements, appearance and soulful delivery exuded the authenticity of reggae music so well that his father's spirit and messages can still be heard as well as seen today.
If Marley's performance wasn't enough, guitars, percussion and backup vocals helped amplify this spiritual music.
As well as covering some of his father's songs such as "Is This Love?" Marley still had a solid repertoire of songs that helped him stand on his own as an amazing performing act, not a man riding on the coattails of his legendary father.
The evening had something for everyone. With Spearhead and Marley sharing the bill the music never went stale, and both bands' spiritual playing was greeted with open arms.
Matt Shotland can be reached at mshotland@orion-online.net
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