The pioneering, transformational, powerfully feminist era of the early 1980’s in Cambridge, MA forged the roots of Libana’s communal musical identity. The palpable excitement and passionate energy of the times – combined with the groundbreaking joy of creating with an ensemble of singing sisters – infused the sound of live concerts in those early

The pioneering, transformational, powerfully feminist era of the early 1980’s in Cambridge, MA forged the roots of Libana’s communal musical identity. The palpable excitement and passionate energy of the times – combined with the groundbreaking joy of creating with an ensemble of singing sisters – infused the sound of live concerts in those early years, inspiring the spirit-filled musical path of Libana for decades to come. Sharing exhilarating songs from women around the world (researched and learned in a pre-internet era), playing fiery instrumental international folk melodies, and singing while weaving Balkan dances up and down the aisles – all gave voice to women’s creativity across time and cultures. LIVE ROOTS is a remastered compilation of two live concert recordings from 1982 and 1983, released at the time on cassette – the “White Tape” (vol. 1) and the “Blue Tape” (vol. 2). Four decades later, listening to the youthful, dynamic, exuberant power of Libana’s large group sound in live performance creates a soulful, sonic perspective on the arc of Libana’s artistry and mission through the years.

LIBANA MEMBERS (Susan Robbins, Founder & Artistic Director): Liz Araujo (clarinet), Lisa Bosley (clarinet), Beth Bahia Cohen (violin), Michele Chapais, Helen Cohen (guitar), Laura Derr (clarinet, mandolin), Jane Goodman, Angela Krimsky, Debi Lang, Charlotte Miller (alto recorder, double bass), Marytha Paffrath (tambourine), Susan Robbins (accordion, bowed psaltery, guitar, pennywhistle), Anne Ellinger, Karen René Thomas (finger cymbals), Linda Ugelow, Jane Urban, Cheryl Weber Mattes Special Guest: Hildur Colot (flutes)

Remastered by Alan Mattes (Newton, MA); Cover art by Charlotte Miller (former longtime Libana member, now living in Nova Scotia—a digital re-fashioning of her original ink on vellum rectangular, one-color cassette cover)