Michael Franti Cuts Record With All-Star Collaborators

Guided by inspiration from his journey to Iraq, Palestine and Israel this past summer, musician/poet/activist Michael Franti has traveled to Kingston, Jamaica, to team up with Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Chris Blackwell (founder of Island Records) and long-time Beastie Boys producer/engineer Mario Caldato, Jr.

Sly and Robbie have produced and performed on countless records over the past 30 years—from Peter Tosh to Mick Jagger and No Doubt. The duo will perform and produce live drum and bass parts on Franti’s record. Kingston-based percussionists, Uzziah “Sticky” Thompson, drummer ”Bongo” Herman, keyboardist Robert Lynn and Spearhead band members, Carl Young and Dave Shul are also featured. The album is scheduled for a fall 2005 release via Palm.

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