Ani DiFranco concert Review - Thomas Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN:North America - 1998

Thomas Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN

28th September 1998

Setlist Photos Tape

SETLIST Wanted YES

David's Review Rachael Sage's Response

Ryman was a pretty good venue for Ani, as far as size and acoustics go. The crowd was for the most part well behaved, but most found it neccessary to sing along with 32 Flavors and Fuel. She actually incited the audience to sing for part of In or Out. She seemed to be in a pretty good mood, and surprised Rachael Sage by coming out and singing with her on her last song (Sisterhood). The only bad thing was a few folks decided to sing "Happy Birthday" just as she was about to start singing Gravel (the slow ballad version). She asked them to please stop and you could've heard a pin drop. The show itself had a definite rock feel, part of this because of Denny's drumming style. To me, he lacks the finesse of Andy. She seemed to be in a Funk / Hip Hop / Rock kinda mood herself, though. Funny bits: she broke a nail on the end of NAPG and when they brought out some super glue, she started rhyming about it to the rhythm of Fuel. Jason and Julie were wearing Western Style fringed shirts (in keeping with the Grand Ole Opry) and she commented on Julie finding the "appropriate place for the push-up bra in Western wear", so Julie flashed it to the crowd. Ani's reaction - "She is 10 gallons and then some". Two of the crew (Mike and either Stevie or Larry) came out in dresses and wigs as "the Phantoms of the Opry". At the start of the show there was a "We love you" to which she responded "Wow, that was easy. Yer supposed to make me work for it."

Thanks for mentioning me & Ani's "surprise"! Yes, indeed; I had no idea she was even there b/c her voice/shaker were not in my on-stage monitors, they were only in the "house" sound system!!! I was wondering why all the audience was screaming & actually thought maybe someone inthe AUDIENCE was playing shaker (or Denny?!) & wondered if I should even try try to follow it or just ignore...I even thought the very vague "mush" of singing I heard was the audience--"what quick learners in Nashville!" I thought...Pretty crazy. She so fucking awewsome! Anyway, part of me wished I'd known she was there so I actually could've HEARD her beautiful voice & tried to harmonize, but then again, how many times do you get to sing a "duet" with your mentor when you don't even know she's there 'till you turn around!! That's actually rarer, and I'm told the look on my face when I finally figured it out was pricelessly wack. Thanks again for remembering me, "Sistersong", and let me know if you'd like a CD/press-kit. Great writing, cool review! Doesn't Julie Rock?!! Peace.

Rachael "surprised" Sage, MPress Records
Originally posted to Alan Storm's Message Board, reproduced with Rachael's permission