Living in Clip (CD - 1997)

Personnel: Ani DiFranco (vocals, acoustic guitar, bass); Andy Stochansky (vocals, harmonica, drums, percussion); Sara Lee (vocals, bass); Doc Severinsen & Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Recorded live in Canada and the U.S.A between September 1995 and November 1996. Includes liner notes by Ani DiFranco.

"Shy" was nominated for a 1998 Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.

On this exuberant live double album, recorded at various shows over the course of a year, Ani DiFranco clarifies her reputation for dynamic, fierce and charming live performances. She is backed on LIVING IN CLIP by the wonderfully rhythmic duo of bassist Sara Lee and drummer Andy Stochansky. In addition to the jaggedly aggressive acoustic guitar work, vocal versatility, and sharp-witted songwriting that are to be expected by now, there is a vitality and authenticity to DiFranco's music here; she refuses to be pinned down, constantly dancing between folk and punk, warily ironic and brutally honest, soft and shrill.

DiFranco is capable, vocally and lyrically, of being scathing and vulnerable practically in the same note, a feat accomplished on "Untouchable Face"; and her voice soars with power on "Amazing Grace," on which she is backed by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Not afraid to take on wider, political issues, DiFranco is equally skilled at making disturbingly accurate personal observations, as on "Adam And Eve." minimize