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)
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