After a 13-year career and gaining a worldwide audience, many artists stagnate. Ani DiFranco evolved.

Originally viewed as a bratty spoken-word activist, DiFranco moved her five-piece band that she normally toured with into the studio.

Latin guitar riffs, jazz percussion and a horn section that would make any funk band jealous all become incorporated in DiFranco's latest album, titled "Evolve."

The latest release from Righteous Babe Records (RBR) showcases DiFranco's continuing growth as a singer, songwriter and guitarist. DiFranco commented in a press release on her work with the album: "I'm especially excited about this record, 'cause it's a realization of all of the work put in with my band, of a vision that developed along the way."

DiFranco's skills as a guitarist culminate in "Evolve." The song titled "Serpentine" provides 10 minutes embedded with her solo efforts combined with her trademark spoken word.

Fans of her earlier work will be surprised with the intimacy and delicate open chords and whispering lyrics as opposed to her past work with screams and powerful strumming. DiFranco has changed and she has grown.

The 30-something performer emerges from the popular scene of today's music industry. Shunning popularity choices such as touring with high-selling and cleverly marketed bands or overusing the cornered rap-rock genre, DiFranco continues the folkish tradition of spoken word music that individuals such as herself and Henry Rollins innovated and adapted from the blues and jazz history.

The extremely personal lyrics import such an emotive notion from DiFranco's life that the lyrics carry more meaning than simple denotative understanding.

The well played song "Icarus" harbors a dark brooding melody rooted in guitar chords and exemplifies DiFranco's lyrical ability.

DiFranco's song "Slide" masters her picking and lyrics into a beautiful and angelic tune about a disastrous yet influential event in her life. Whether the song is autobiographical at all is in question, but the passion behind the song continues to showcase DiFranco's talents.

The title track culminates DiFranco's ambition and initiative within a single track. Her ability to adapt and to innovate spawns her more than expansive career, which disregard any temporal wearing. "Evolve" also pinpoints DiFranco's ability to pick melodious notes from her guitar, augmenting her individuality in her voice. Her solo performances on her album announce her ability to rely on her own talents.

The jazz-influenced "Shrug" embodies a walking bass amid the warmth of piano notes from her band's keyboard. Within discovering her producing abilities, DiFranco directs many of the aspects of "Evolve" which include "Shrugs" sampling of DiFranco's own voice, overlapping her lyrical suggestions of a spurned relationship.

Possibly the best song on the album, "Here For Now", encompasses the most growth within DiFranco's work. A song Mr. Bungle or Faith No More would be proud of, "Here For Now" drops a bass guitar within the frame of a Latin brass section and DiFranco's sporadic poetry. Dropping and picking up tempo highlights the syncopated, driven jazz beat. Add two parts talent and bake for 45 minutes. Let cool.

DiFranco said in another press release, "I speak without reservation from what I know and who I am. I do so with the understanding that all people should have the right to offer their voice to the chorus whether the result is harmony or dissonance."

"Evolve" marks the reemergence of DiFranco's career. The four-time Grammy winner shows no signs of slowing down. From a continued pace of writing to touring to Europe and Japan, DiFranco continues to produce.

Ani DiFranco's new album arrives in stores March 11. For more information on Ani DiFranco, go to http://www.righteousbabe.com/ani/