The perpetually touring, reflective folk-singer, do-it-yourselfer and ardent feminist Ani DiFranco shall commune with her devoted fans tomorrow night at the Worcester Palladium. Dan Bern, a political and often comedic musician who's pushing forty, will join her for this leg of her seemingly never-ending tour of the United States.
This winter stretch of Ani's tour comes after her month-long "Vote Dammit!" tour of swing states during which she encouraged individuals to become politically active. For a few shows, former Democratic Presidential candidate Rep. Dennis Kucinich joined Ani on stage with the Indigo Girls.
Besides U.S. political activism, Ani has been keeping herself busy by advocating democracy in Burma. She traveled this summer to Burma on a United States Campaign for Burma trip to visit refugee camps as well as to meet with pro-democracy activists. Ani not only wished to raise awareness about Burma's struggle, but also to gather support for Aung San Suu Kyi, the only Nobel Peace Prize recipient who is currently imprisoned.
Ani contributed a track, "In the Way," to a benefit CD a month ago; the proceeds will go to the U.S. Campaign for Burma. Burmese military intelligence has banned the benefit CD, "For the Lady," and has gone as far as to search people for the album at border checkpoints.
Amidst her worldly campaigns, Ani also manages to find time to record her signature introspective and intimate style of folk, as well as to perform her intimate concerts known for their vivacious and candid atmosphere. Ani's latest album, "Educated Guess," released this past spring, lends itself particularly well to live performances.
The acoustic-based tracks on "Educated Guess" are meant to be shared in a dynamic way with a live audience. Ani veered away from this characteristic style of hers in "Evolve" (2003), but it seems that Ani has now returned to what works, leaving behind notions of sprinkling her sound with jazz and pop.
"Educated Guess" provides dedicated fans with another personal album devoted to exploring what it means to be "Ani." The album showcases Ani stripped down to the basics: straightforward, folkish-acoustic-rock tunes with jazzy notions here and there, stories of jumbled and ambiguous lovers, national and personal politics, and the multiple faces of Ani.
"Swim" and "Animal" highlight the album. Although "Swim" flowed much smoother during Ani's inspired Central Park performance last year than on the CD itself, it's still a fun, jazz-inflected, lilting sort of song. Ani croons " ... I finally drove out where/ the sky is dark enough to see stars/ and I found I missed no one/ just listening to the swishing of distant cars."
Ani gently introduces her politics in "Animal." Atop simple, humbling cords Ani nearly sighs, "Harm here is harm there /...and aggression begets aggression / it's a very simple lesson ...."
"The True Story of What Was," truly puts the other spoken word tracks on "Educated Guess" to shame. Amongst quickly fleeting backup vocals and bebop trumpet, Ani describes herself having "conversations consisting / of the kind of marks we make / when we're trying to get a pen to work again." If only it didn't cut off after two minutes and flow into the droning and lamenting "Bodily."
Ani returns to beatnik spoken word with, "Grand Canyon," in which she bridges patriotism and loyal opposition. "I love my country," Ani assures before launching into various issues and often painful politics. She ends her exploration on a positive note when she states, "behold breathlessly the sight / how a raging river of tears / is cutting a grand canyon of light." This piece has become a new mainstay of Ani concerts.
Fans have long awaited such spoken word confections to be put to CD, since Ani usually performs such pieces live. At last, with "Educated Guess" Ani fans can have Ani's words wash over them over and over again, now in the comfort of their homes.
"Bliss like This" isn't too shabby either. Ani is carefree for a change about the beginnings of a relationship and frolics amidst delicate jazzy tones. "Origami" dramatically departs from the rest of the mode of the album. It conjures up the Ani of years past, except now her voice is reduced to a weak grumble, as opposed to an in-your-face growl.
While "Educated Guess" is no "Little Plastic Castle" or "Living in Clip," the repertoire from it won't disappoint, especially when performed live.
