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Taken from Pasadena Weekly (Feb 22, 2007)
Walking the talk
Michael Franti practices what he preaches and makes ass-shaking good music with a conscience in the process
by Bliss
ROCKING THE BOAT: Franti isn’t afraid
to bringcontroversial social issues to music’s table. |
When the world is riven by war, many adopt the survivalist mode of keeping heads down and mouths closed — in other words, “don't rock the boat,” keep controversial opinions to yourself, and you're less likely to wind up a body-count statistic.
No one's likely to accuse Michael Franti of playing it safe.
From the beginning of his career — first as one half of the Beatnigs, then as part of the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy and eventually as founder/bandleader of Spearhead — the Oakland-raised Franti has put his musical and political passions on the line for all to view. Whether calling for increased awareness of AIDS, rallying listeners behind questionable conspiracy theories, condemning inconsistent application of the death penalty on 2001's outstanding concept album “Stay Human” or questioning motivations for war in Iraq, he hasn't shied away from raising complicated questions. His motive has not been controversy for its own sake, but making connections between people disinclined to see beyond imposed boundaries.
The most dramatic and recent example of Franti's drive to make sense of contradictory surroundings is the overseas trip chronicled in last year's sobering documentary “I Know I'm Not Alone,” in which Franti filmed on the Gaza Strip while conversing with armed soldiers unnerved by the strumming of his guitar. “OK,” he says, “I'll stop if you'll take your finger off the trigger.” The film, in which he sojourns to Baghdad, Israel and occupied Palestine territories of the West Bank and Gaza, was inspired by his frustration with “hearing generals and politicians explaining the economic and political cost of war, without ever talking about the human cost of war.” It depicts his down-to-earth, often humorous interactions with “taxi drivers, restaurant owners, craftsmen, nurses, doctors, poets, children, families, soldiers” and fellow musicians — from heartwarming scenes in Iraqi homes to Iraqi musicians explaining how they string guitars with cut telephone wires and a taxi driver asserting that “electricity means life; it means work.”
Throughout the film, Franti is shown singing songs from last year's mighty fine “Yell Fire!” album, which will no doubt provide the source music for much of Thursday's concert. Compassionate politics are all well and good, but when it comes to plunking down hard-earned cash at the feet of TicketMonster, it's the live goods that matter — and Franti's drive to connect makes him a born showman. His Spearhead ensemble is well versed in the rhythmic roots connecting hip-hop to soul, funk and rock. Take your dancing shoes, an open mind and heart, and prepare to sweat. If past shows are any guide, it should be one memorable evening.
Michael Franti & Spearhead headline and Blackalicious open at 8 p.m. Thursday at the Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. Tickets are $26.50 and $28. Call (213) 388-1400. Visit http://www.spearheadvibrations.com/.
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