Michael Franti's songs are a global mix of rhythms and ideas. He'll take the fiery rock of Jimi Hendrix and set it against Fela Kuti's Afrobeat stomp, or imbue the whispery folk of Jack Johnson with the deep reggae pulse of Bob Marley. And his socially questioning lyrics start with personal statements of love and community, taking their political cues from Gil Scott-Heron and Curtis Mayfield.