Dragonfly (Live 1978)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the psychedelic vibes of "Dragonfly (Live 1978)" by Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush from their electrifying album Live. This track, a fan favorite, was born in a spontaneous jam session, as Frank Marino revealed in a 2023 interview with Hit Channel. He explained that "Dragonfly" was written the night they hit the studio, a hallmark of his creative process where songs took shape on the spot, fueled by raw energy and intuition. The song’s haunting, psychedelic funk vibe, paired with Marino’s soaring guitar, captures the essence of the 1970s rock scene, blending a free-spirited groove with intricate musicianship.

The live version from 1978, recorded during a world tour, showcases the band’s onstage magic, where they truly thrived. Fans on platforms like Last.fm have shared nostalgic stories, with one recalling how "Dragonfly" sounded "out of this world" at the Day on the Green festival in 1980 or 1981. Another fan, commenting on SonicHits, described the song as so poetic it made them want their "whole life to feel like this song sounds." The track’s inclusion on the 2005 tribute album Secondhand Smoke - A Tribute to Frank Marino, covered by Karl Cochran, further cements its enduring appeal among musicians and fans alike.

Frank Marino, born Francesco Antonio Marino on November 20, 1954, in Montreal, Canada, kicked off his musical journey as a teenager in the late 1960s. Inspired by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, he formed Mahogany Rush in 1969, blending hard rock with psychedelic and jazz influences. A fictional tale, crafted by his early record label for publicity, claimed Marino learned guitar overnight after a vision of Hendrix during an LSD-induced hospital stay. While Marino later debunked this myth, it added to the band’s mystique. Starting as a local act playing Montreal’s high school dance circuit, Mahogany Rush gained traction with their 1972 debut album Maxoom. By the mid-1970s, they were touring major venues like California Jam II alongside bands like Aerosmith, with Marino’s fluid, Hendrix-esque guitar work earning him a cult following.

Marino’s career has spanned decades, with the band evolving into Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush by the late 1970s. He’s remained active, recording and touring as recently as 2007, and even diving into blues projects with other artists. His innovative spirit extends beyond music—Marino designed custom guitar pedals named “Maxoom,” “Dragonfly,” and “Juggernaut,” available at Frank Marino Audio. Fans can connect with him through the official Mahogany Rush website, Facebook, and X. While an official Instagram account isn’t listed, fan communities thrive online. Check out the Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush Fan Group on Facebook for lively discussions and rare photos. For fan-created tributes, TheRockerOfficial on DeviantArt features artwork inspired by “Dragonfly,” showcasing the band’s lasting impact.