Ani mixes up the magic
by JAIAquarian on 2009-10-28The Centre In Vancouver For Performing Arts - VancouverRating: 5 out of 5Ani Difranco does not disappoint. After waiting thirteen years since first purchasing an Ani album i was pretty excited about the show this past Tuesday night. Having introduced her to dozens of friends over the years, it was my particular pleasure to go see her live for the first time myself.
She played a magical set, with a selection of songs spread from throughout her prolific career. Backed by three male players and boasting a sweet-souled, nymph called Anais Mitchell from the Righteous Babe stable of solid musicians to open the set, Ani held the stage powerfully. Mixing some of her self-deprecating humour with a set guaranteed to please old and new fans alike. She played Fuel, Your Next Bold Move, You Had Time and took requests, including asking me to repeat mine and then satisfying me to no end with her solo rendition of Garden of Simple, a few songs after her band left the stage and she astounded and rocked the mostly female audience with her anthem to failed relationships, Gravel.
Though there were plenty of songs i did not know, her powerful lyrical twists and personal revelations keep astounding, twenty years into her career. A charismatic presence, she seemed perfectly comfortable in her functional cargo pants and sleeveless tee. Rocking out with energetic flourishes of her guitar, Ani moved effortlessly between the mic and built the energy with her sidemen like the seasoned performer she is. Please go see this tour, it will not disappoint.