Respond CD

Proceeds will benefit Respond, Inc., a Boston-based domestic violence service organization.

One of the few recognizable names on this two-CD compilation of Boston women songwriters, the ever solid Patty Larkin starts things off with "Angels Wings" from her 1997 Perishable Fruit. Never mind the fame factor, there are some talented ladies stepping up to contribute and benefit Respond Incorporated, a non-profit organization that assists battered women and children. Although Aimee Mann is noticeably absent, check out Jules Verdone, who sounds a good bit like her. Kate Bush fans will appreciate the mandolin-infused jangle of Merrie Amsterburg, while connoisseurs of straight-ahead folk will find friends in Lori McKenna, Jess Klein, and Mary Gauthier. And if Catie Curtis is a favorite, listen closely. Not only does she toss in her own "Do Unto Others," but she also produces and sings with Linda Nawn and with Jenny Reynolds, who pays the favor forward with harmonies behind Respond producer Charan Devereaux. That's the way it goes with much of this album. Jennifer Kimball lends "Veering From the Wave," the title track from her solo debut album, as well as an appearance with Larkin. Perhaps styled after Ani DiFranco, Kris Delmhorst shines on "Weatherman," then sits in on cello and backing vocals for McKenna. Heck, even some of the support musicians can be heard on numerous tracks. Perhaps that helps keep the overall vibe as consistent as it is, though intermingling studio and live recordings makes the compilation's sonic quality a little uneven. To save the calm acoustics from falling into boring, check out "Ghost in the House," a moody piece by Laurie Geltman, "Two Boats," a peppy number driven by the lilting voice of Mary Lou Lord, and "Sad Girl," by the alternatively inclined Jen Trynin. ~ Kelly McCartney

Includes liner notes by Daniel Gewertz.

2-CD;Benefit CD;Boston Based; Patty Larkin,Catie Curtis &Mor

Compilation producer: Charan Devereaux.

Personnel: Jules Verdone, Juliana Hatfield (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Catie Curtis (vocals, guitar, drums, shaker, percussion, background vocals); Peter Linton, Barbara Kessler (vocals, guitar); Patty Larkin (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Jennifer Kimball (vocals, acoustic guitar, background vocals); Lori McKenna, Mary Gauthier, Melissa Ferrick, Pamela Means (vocals, acoustic guitar); Laurie Geltman (vocals, electric guitar, 12-string guitar); Merrie Amsterburg (vocals, mandolin); Mary Lou Lord (vocals); Chris Rival (guitar, electric guitar, percussion); Nick Saloman (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); David "Goody" Goodrich, Duke Levine, Martin Sexton, Tim Pierce (electric guitar); Matt Leavenworth (violin); Rob Laurens (harmonica); Joe Sublett (alto saxophone); Peter Adams (piano); Alan Williams, Roy Bittan (organ); Ben Wittman (keyboards, percussion); Dow Brain (keyboards); Mike Denneen (synthesizer); Greg Porter, Tony Levin (bass guitar); Joe Ranieri, Billy Conway, John Sands (drums, percussion); Chris Foley, Doug Plavin, Mike Richardson, Woody Giessmann, Eric Parker (drums); Tom Dube (tambourine, background vocals); George Black (drum programming); Christopher Williams, Carol Sharar, Chris Lannon, Patti Barkas, Wendy Beckerman (background vocals).

Audio Mixers: Chris Fogel; Chris Rival; Darleen Wilson; Eric Kilburn; Chris Lannon; Alan Williams; Mark Tanzer; Mike Denneen; Paul Caruso; Paul David Hager; Rob Schnapf; Tom Dube; Tom Rothrock; Ben Wisch.

Photographer: Mark Morelli.

Unknown Contributor Roles: Charan Devereaux; Deb Pasternak; Faith Soloway; Alexis Shepard; Jennifer Kimball; Jennifer Trynin; Jess Klein; Jules Verdone; Juliana Hatfield; Laurie Geltman; Linda Sharar; Lori McKenna; Mary Gauthier; Mary Lou Lord; Merrie Amsterburg; Pamela Means; Patty Larkin; Sandi Hammond; Barbara Kessler; Catie Curtis.

Arranger: Ben Wittman.Dirty Linen (6-7/99, p.91) - "...all the tracks...benefit from varied musical backing and settings. Standout cuts come from Catie Curtis, Patty Larkin, Mary Lou Lord, Juliana Hatfield, Jen Trynin and many more."