Dragonfly

This genre-bending band started in Boston in March 2001 after Miki Singh, a former software executive who grew up in Spain, Russia, Vietnam, Columbia, and Uganda, met Boston-area blues guitarist Peter Parcek. Originally, the idea was to form a band to perform a one-off show at a music festival in the Caribbean. But the success of the performance resulted in more rehearsals and performances both in North America and the Caribbean. The group, which also consists of drummer Steve Scully, bassist Marc Hickox, and keyboardist Brother Cleve, released its debut album under the name Miki Singh and Jetset in 2002. An ambitious four-CD project entitled Departure was met with critical acclaim, and a small but cult-like following. In 2003, the group continued touring in North America, Europe, and also the French island of St. Barthelemy in the Caribbean. Changing its name to Dragonfly, the group returned with its sophomore effort The Edge of the World in 2003. The 24-track album, which also includes an 80-page booklet, was recorded over 26 days in December 2002. The album was arranged in Morocco, recorded in the Caribbean, and debuted live in the Maldives, only adding to the band's global approach. Members of the band -- experienced session musicians -- have performed with everyone from the Del Fuegos and James Taylor to the Grateful Dead and Sheryl Crow. Critics have described the band as mixing rock, pop, soul, and funk for an interesting sound. ~ Jason MacNeil