Now Hear This: Ani DiFranco Article Oct. 26- Nov.1

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Now Hear This: Ani DiFranco

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Ani DiFranco has the beauty of a model, but she’s actually a folk singer with an attitude. This is a hard-hitting girl who is not afraid to say what she thinks and feels. Ani is being hailed as “one of the greatest acoustic guitarists since Bob Dylan” and her live album, “Live at Babeville” is said to be “one of the best live acts since the Grateful Dead.”

She has been producing music for the last 18 years and has been featured in many movies, such as “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” and hit shows like “Nip/Tuck.” While her music is her business, her other duties include being a mother to Petah Lucia, born on Jan. 20 of last year. She takes her daughter with her when she tours, and has been quoted as saying, “my daughter is growing up on the road.” Her feministic views and new status as a mother are all reflected in her new album “Red Letter Year,” which is going to be released on Sept. 30.

Her voice has a nice tone to it, no hard-hitting electric guitars. Instead, she has her lyrics and acoustic guitar. The music is not all folksy songs like Grateful Dead; there are songs like “Emancipated Minor” that pick up the beat into a jazz setting, like Arethra Franklin in “Chain of Fools.” “Red Letter Year” sounds like The Blues Brothers meeting The Grateful Dead with a sprinkle of Miles Davis and pinch of Bruce Springsteen. DiFranco’s sound is unique in the folk music scene and hopefully paves a way for new musicians who want to travel in her footsteps.

While I really like her new CD, I give it 3 out of 5 stars. She has a wonderful sound that is rich and full and brings life to an old music scene.

DJ M’s Playlist for the Week:

1. Star Matter-Ani DiFranco
2. Like a Stone-Audioslave
3. Congratulations-Blue October
4. Take Me Away-Plain White T’s
5. I Will Follow You into the Dark-Death Cab For Cutie

If you are interested in Ani DiFranco and other bands featured tune into 91.5 FM KSUA on Mondays from 8 -10 a.m. for Now Hear This with DJ M and check out Marissa Davis’ blog at http://nowhearthis915.blogspot.com/