Lifeline Extended

Lifeline Extended

produced by Holly Near, 1949-; performed by Holly Near, 1949- and Ronnie Gilbert, 1926-2015 (Appleseed, 2002), 1 hour 29 mins, 23 page(s)

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Details

Field of Interest
American Music
Content Type
Music recording
Duration
1 hour 29 mins
Recording Engineer
Leslie Ann Jones, 1951-
Format
Audio
Sub Genre
Folk-Rock
Label
Appleseed
Page Count
23
Performer
Holly Near, 1949-, Ronnie Gilbert, 1926-2015
Producer
Holly Near, 1949-
Date Recorded
1983-05-01
Release Date
2002
Review
In 1984, Holly Near and Ronnie Gilbert released Lifeline, a collection of live recordings captured at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. The eight shows between April 28-31 would serve as a comeback for Gilbert (who had been part of the Weavers) and a chance for two politically committed women to join forces. In 2002, Near revisited the tapes to produce Lifeline Extended, a two-disc set that adds songs, banter, and crowd response to the original. Near wanted to capture the richness of these live performances, and in this purpose she was more than successful. Indeed, the expansion of the set only reinforces the first album's strengths. First, Near and Gilbert are powerful singers, capable of fine solo vocals and perfectly matched harmonies. There are old favorites like "Goodnight Irene" and "Pastures of Plenty," and heartfelt commemorations of heroes like {%Stephen Biko} in "Biko" and "Harriet Tubman." This political tone also includes direct comment on disarmament ("Family Promises"), racism ("No More Genocide"), and homophobia ("Singing for Our Lives"). The piano dominates the production, adding a theatrical air to these purposeful folk songs. For those familiar with the first album, the addition will be warmly welcomed; for others, feminists, liberals, and folk music lovers, Lifeline Extended offers a good introduction to the work of Near and Gilbert. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford Jr., All Music Guide
Subject
American Music, Music & Performing Arts, American Studies, Folk Music, Música Folk
Keywords and Translated Subjects
Música Folk

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