In 1999, a group of artists released a 2-CD benefit set called RESPOND, a collection of 27 songs by women songwriters from the Boston area. Artists included Jennifer Kimball, Patty Larkin, Juliana Hatfield and Melissa Ferrick. Proceeds from CD sales and concerts generated more than $125,000 for the agency. The project also received great critical praise. The RESPOND CD was named "one of the most important and courageous records of the decade" by Timothy White, Billboard Magazine's editor-in-chief who called RESPOND his #1 favorite album for 1999. RESPOND was also featured in stories on MTV, VH-1, NPR, and CNN and nominated for "Outstanding Acoustic Album" of the year at the 2000 Boston Music Awards. The follow-up CD, RESPOND II was released in Fall 2002 and it features twelve Grammy nominees and leading artists such as the Indigo Girls, Dolly Parton, Joan Baez, Odetta, Aimee Mann, Bebel Gilberto, Sweet Honey In The Rock, Julie Miller, Neko Case, Tracy Bonham, Ani DiFranco, Angelique Kidjo, Jonatha Brooke, and Susan Tedeschi.
RESPOND II
(SIGNATURE SOUNDS)
Respond was one of the most important compilation albums to come out of Boston in the ’90s because of what it meant to so many women and children affected by domestic violence. Following its grassroots success, Signature Sounds has put together a second volume, a two-disc compilation featuring 32 tracks by an impressive representation of up-and-coming and established female artists. Once again, all proceeds benefit Respond Inc. and other domestic-violence-prevention charities.
The lack of star power on the 1999 Respond comp made its success that much more surprising. Respond II takes no such chances: though it does feature a selection of up-and-coming local acts, it brings in some popular national acts as well. Dolly Parton, Sarah McLachlan, Ani DiFranco, Joan Baez, and Aimee Mann are some of the better-known artists here; Suzanne Vega’s " Luka, " Sweet Honey in the Rock’s " Run, " and Indigo Girls’ " She’s Saving Me " are among the gems, and there are graceful performances from Angélique Kidjo and Berklee professor Mili Bermejo. But there are also standout tracks from Rachael Davis, Karaugh Brown, and Kay Hanley, all of whom cut their teeth playing the Boston club circuit, and that’s enough to stamp Respond II as a product of the local scene.
BY CHRIS CAMERON Issue Date: March 20 - 27, 2003
GRASSROOTS: fine contributions by the likes of Kay Hanley ensure that Respond II, despite the presence of big-name stars, is a worthy product of the local scene.
