Ani Di Franco @Bush Hall Review

(C) Mike Eccleshall

The chandeliers and ornamental white of the intimate Bush Hall provided an intriguing setting for Ani Di Franco on Friday night. The feisty American folk singer-songwriter has earned a reputation as an innovative and independent artist, with a remarkable catalogue of 17 albums. Stepping on stage clutching her acoustic guitar like a weapon, her golden locks and sweet smile belie a fierce character as a feminist icon. This contradiction can be fascinating (and in parts exhilirating) - delivering an unpredictable balance to proceedings.

Her mellow folk musings are often sweetly rendered. However she is most in her element when her guitar strumming escalates into rapid, stunted fingerpicking - underpinned by sharp, politicised lyrics. Supported by a smart double-bass and tight drummer, Ani is a bold performer with endless charm and sharp humour. Refreshingly frank - if slightly rambling - between tracks. Although the second half of her show occasionally lacked the barbed edge of the first, Ani consumately demonstrated why she is one of the most prized artists in folk music.