I think I first became aware of Ani Difranco from the Hadestown project by Anais Mitchell.  On the album and for at least part of the tour of that 'folk opera' Ani Difranco performed the part of Persephone, bringing a worldly 'jazz voice' to the role.  Why I did not know of her before that I have no idea as she ticks so many boxes associated with performers that I admire and enjoy.  She is politically / sociologically active and this is reflected in her lyrics, which share some of the strengths and constructions with those of Tracy Chapman, Natalie Merchant, etc as well as classic 'social activists' like Neil Young and Pete Seeger.  Her musical stye though is slightly more aggressive I think and this is reflected in the way she plays guitar and delivers her lyrics.

All of her work, including her first album is released on her own label (Righteous Babe), which she formed at the age of 19, and she has produced 20 albums over the period of 1990 to 2021 alongside several collaborations as well a large number of 'official bootleg' live performances.  In addition is the 'live' album, "Living in Clip", a title given to it by one of the sound engineers in reference to how much time the amplifiers were being over-driven.  It is a live album and although not from a single performance, but compiled from over a dozen performances recorded 'straight from the desk' over a 2 year period and assembled, along with banter, to recreate a whole performance.  I think the dynamics and presentation are very effective, but on occasion the banter feels a bit contrived although this is easily ignored.  It has been acclaimed as very representative of the 'feel' of an Anti Difranco live performance and the version linked here is the 2022 remastering of the 1997 original release.  See what you think.




open.qobuz.com/album/g9hr4f2t50zsc