SPIN CYCLE: Ani DiFranco – Red Letter Year

Release: September 30, 2008

“Got Myself A New Mantra: Don’t Forget To Have A Good Time”.

A copy of Ani DiFranco’s new release made it into my hands earlier this week and I have been trying to absorb it ever since.

Along with the title track which brings to mind the troubles in New Orleans, Red Letter Year, the newest offering from Ani DiFranco, tackles love, life, celebration, politics, and the life long struggle of learning to accept oneself as is.

There is simplicity to Red Letter Year as DiFranco discovers the joys found in loving and letting go. It finds the Maverick Folky hopeful and relaxed. It is a laid back, well produced, and intimate Ani DiFranco. This is an Ani who has learned in the past two years that you don’t always have to yell or beat others over the head to get your point across. This is Ani the mother, Ani in love, Ani contented.

Have no fear, this quieter Ani is still denouncing sexism, consumerism, and the Iraq conflict. She is just talking this time instead of yelling.

Co-produced by DiFranco’s partner Mike Napolitano, Red Letter Year was recorded in New Orleans and carries that favor throughout with tasteful inclusion of orchestrations that color many of the tracks, most notably the reprise of ‘Red Letter Year’, which closes the disc.

The Rebirth Brass Band was called upon to add joyous instrumentation to these songs of renewal. One can almost envision a party breaking out in the studio as the trombones, trumpets, and saxophones add celebratory punctuation to the stillness.

I am enjoying getting to know this Ani. It’s nice sitting down to chat for awhile.

Peace,

zss

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