Ani DiFranco: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Nov. 8, 2017 | Stephen Thompson --
In a career spanning nearly three decades, Ani DiFranco's music has evolved in countless ways, reflecting everything from a major relocation (from New York to New Orleans) to her acquisition of a funky, shimmery backing band. But she's also kept her core values intact, from her outspoken commitment to progressive social causes to her strenuously maintained independence from the machinery of the music industry.

For her Tiny Desk debut, DiFranco brought a hell of a backing band, with drummer Terence Higgins and singer/violinist Jenny Scheinman joined by none other than Ivan Neville on keyboards. Together, they lend a slithery underpinning of funk to three songs that stretch across much of DiFranco's career. After opening with "Dithering," from 2014's Allergic To Water, DiFranco introduces "Play God" (from this year's Binary) with a monologue about reproductive rights and gender relations; later, she and her band close with 1998's "Swan Dive," which she calls "an early attempt at a happy song."

For DiFranco, now 20 albums into a fruitful career, happy songs come easier than they used to; like anyone who's done anything steadily for 28 years, she's in a different place than she used to be. But on a fundamental level, she's the same tough and uncompromising singer-songwriter she's always been.

Set List

"Dithering"
"Play God"
"Swan Dive"

MUSICIANS

Ani DiFranco (vocals, guitar); Jenny Scheinman (violin, vocals); Ivan Neville (keyboards); Terence Higgins (drums)

CREDITS

Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Maia Stern, Alyse Young; Production Assistant: Salvatore Maicki; Photo: Jennifer Kerrigan/NPR

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[anyasaunders]

My parents sang me her songs as lullabies when I was a kid. Part of the reason they named me Anya was so my nickname could be Ani as well. One of my all time favorite artists

[AeliaReadsBooks]

Something about her music makes me feel home.

[andremadethis]

I've been with Ani's music since her start when I was a college student in Rochester NY back in the early '90s. She's one of the most poignant and powerful singer/songwriters in America. Growing older with her work has been one of the great gifts of my life.

[koomaappa]

Ani came to Alfred University way back in 1987, promoting her first CD in Upstate New York. I bought one as she was selling it herself on a makeshift desk. She was incredible back then as she is now.

[josephthering]

Her words make my heart so happy I could cry. "Peace is a function of balance."

[Rose-mikt]

Ani Difranco is an institution​. One day I hope we realise her legacy.

[CShivery]

I am one of the many lucky people who grew up with that unique sound. The early to mid-90's were such a great time for women in music. Oh what I would give to be back in 1995, if only for a day.

[elizakbryant]

Living legend. Swan Dive has been unreal since the moment it first came out of her brain.

[andre.as.kyriakou]

It's simply wonderus how a song like swan dive can bring me back to that awkward, 16 year old kid desperate for the knowledge and intensity of life ani difranco was expressing in her music. After all these years I've yet to fully grasp the mix of hope and sadness, yearning and triumph she's able to make us feel. Pure artistry in its highest form.

[theomiu]

Just as amazing as ever from the first time I heard Little Plastic Castles 16years ago till now .. that voice takes me back to some of the best memories of my life

[jordansaintemarie]

Whenever people comment on Ani’s guitars or Ani’s fingers, they think they’re being clever. But all of us die hards just roll our eyes and praise Ani for being so generous with her explanations.

[mazzystarr]

Swan Dive is my favorite ever! so glad

[asgoodasold]

She's so unique! How can melody and the lyrics be such a work of art?

[jeremyturner]

Why am I always on the verge of tears when I listen to her?

[nicolekinavey]

.I will always love her! I have been a fan for 25 years. we saw her at Station Square....when there was a venue there. I have seen her, like, eight times.when she threw towels out to us, because there were about 50 that stayed...through a storm, , , it was magic!

[blendatowers]

Kudos to the guy crouching behind the amp for the ENTIRE performance. People often thank those "behind the scenes who make it all happen", but he took it to a whole other level! lol

[daveferraro-mathers]

Listening from my covid hospital bed. What a find, I love me some ANI!

[SierraAppa]

I first heard Ani when I was in college in Portland, OR in the 90’s. She’s been one of my heros ever since. I now have two sons and teach them what Ani taught me. Thank you Ani…you always inspire me to do better

[crackers]

Ani is to me what Bob Dylan was to my dad, who passed away from cancer. The high concert point was seeing Bob Dylan and ani difranco play together. That was a real MOMENT. “People used to make records. As in the record of an event. The event of people playing music in a room” —AD ….let’s go back to that. Let’s do that again.

[carmenponce]

Just started listening to her today. I deeply regret not paying attention to this when it popped up in my notifications over a year ago.