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Introducing

by Allison Crowe

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    When critics liken you to Edith Piaf, Elton John, Aretha Franklin and Modest Mussorgsky, it’s a good sign you’re truly one-of-a-kind. So it is with musical explorer Allison Crowe who, since creating her own record label in 2001, uniquely inhabits the world of song – continually adding breadth and depth to a richly expressive repertoire for piano, vocals, guitar and bodhran.

    Crowe’s “supernaturally agile and exquisite voice” is complemented ideally by her international touring band: Céline Greb (cello, vocal harmonies); Sarah White (mandolin, vocal harmonies); and Dave Baird (bass). Longtime friend, musician and photographer Billie Woods contributes guitar and vocal harmonies to the band’s recordings. The combo’s gorgeously thrilling hybrid of Canadiana, Celtic, jazz, roots, folk, soul and original rock bridges vital originals with fresh interpretations of classics by Annie Lennox and Gary O'Driscoll.

    Alongside multi-genre concert and recording projects over this past year the Nanaimo-born, Newfoundland-based artist’s active as music curator and arranger for acclaimed stage productions of: Atlantic Canada’s folk and popular song; the collaborative works of Bertolt Brecht & Kurt Weill; and choral renderings of traditional Christmas carols.

    A singular artistry and virtuosity make Allison Crowe performances legendary - and fun. In the Scottish Highlands she brought down the house on a bill with Carol Ann Duffy, Britain’s Poet Laureate, and Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, the Master of the Queen's Music. In Hollywood Superman movie director Zack Snyder is outspoken in his respect and admiration. Touring with Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet audiences responded with spontaneous standing ovations.

    "The most honest, heartfelt, and directly intimate concert in my entire life,” says longtime American public broadcaster Ross Hocker. “Allison has a special gift that is so very rare in musicians today. She is true to her mind, heart and spirit. She also has a most wonderful humor which envelops her audience."

    "Soulful. Alive. Joyous. Grievous. Real, true, music is what I want to make," sums up Allison Crowe.

    "Heirs + Grievances is the debut studio album of Allison Crowe and Band (and the 20th release on Crowe's label, Rubenesque Records Ltd.) The digital album contains 13 exciting tunes and honestly potent performances. It’s a magnificent set of songs from Allison Crowe and her extraordinary band of musicians.

    The physical CD is a double-album - pairing this studio set with a live concert set from Allison and Band – “Introducing”. Enjoy!!

    Includes unlimited streaming of Introducing via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ... more
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  • Full Digital Discography

    Get all 45 Allison Crowe releases available on Bandcamp and save 55%.

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of Silence – Allison Crowe and Band, (Through These) Heavy Graces – Allison Crowe and Band, Arthur – Allison Crowe and Band, But, Still, Hopeless, Verses / Morrison's Jig, Spiral (single), Going Home Tonight / Black Velvet Waltz / Linkers’ Lament / The Merry Blacksmith, and 37 more. , and , .

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1.
2.
Chelsea Hotel No. 2 Words & Music by Leonard Cohen, Ron Cornelius Performed by Allison Crowe I remember you well in the Chelsea Hotel, you were looking so brave and so sweet, giving me head on the unmade bed, while the limousines wait in the street. Well, those were the reasons, that was New York, we were running for the money and the flesh That was called love for the workers in song probably still is for those of them left Ah, but you got away, oh, didn't you baby, you just turned your back on the crowd, you got away, I never once heard you say, I need you, I don't need you, I need you, I don't need you ' all of that jiving around. I remember you well in the Chelsea Hotel you were famous, your heart was a legend And you told me again - you preferred handsome men but for me you would make an exception And then clenching your fists for the ones like us who are oppressed by the figures of beauty, you fixed yourself, you said, "Well, never mind, we are ugly but we have the music" Ah, but you got away, oh, didn't you baby You just turned your back on the crowd You got away, I never once heard you say I need you, I don’t need you I need you, I don’t need you And all of that jivin’ around I don't mean to suggest that I loved you the best, I can't keep track of each fallen robin. I remember you well in the Chelsea Hotel, that's all, I don't think of you that often
3.
There Is 03:03
There Is Words & Music by Allison Crowe Open up your door I know we've both been here before But there's a shadow fading here A revolution on its way Open up your mind I know I've drowned in there before But my wings are drying off And I am ready to dive in I am coming back again To you A way There is a way Out of this There is Give me a minute I'll try to explain myself to you I am the girl who is always with you The one who's always watching Give me a break I thought that you understood this already And I'm not trying to deceive you I don't have that much time on my hands And I am not going to leave you alone A way There is a way Out of this There is I see you in the rain and you are more beautiful than I have ever seen And when I walk I want you with me And I see your smile above me and I know, I know there is A way there is a way out of this there is
4.
Arthur 04:11
Arthur Words & Music by Allison Crowe And the weight of this war We are fighting Is a door that is opening And sighing You say come back inside It is warm here You have seen it out there And you ran away If you lift without strength Can you move it Or the sword in this stone Would you lose it Are you Arthur Or only pretending And this hope you have burned Are you sending away Away, away… Would you hold me If I disappeared now And if I didn’t know Who I was Would you stay with me While I was losing Or lay down your sword And run away Would you still love me If I forgot you If my heart held to Only a thread In the flicker of eyes I would see you Would you carry me back from my dread away Away, 'way, away away, away
5.
No Matter the Battle Words & Music by Allison Crowe I still hold secrets I thought that was over They’re still with me Yeah, they’re still there And I’ve walked backwards And fallen down so many times It seems like the truth Is fatally attracted to me But I can’t see And I can’t feel But I still don’t know why And I believe now that you are with me And I have heard you say That you will love me anyway No matter the battle And I’ve exploded Into pieces and shattered These frames and phrases As tears burst through And I’ve tried to hold them to me so tightly I felt I couldn’t breathe more times than you could believe And I can’t see And I can’t feel But I still don’t know why And I believe now that you are with me And I have heard you say that you will love me anyway No matter the battle So here you stand now You’re still beside me And I still hold you And will, ’til I can’t see ‘cause if you’ll hold the light I’ll wade through the depths and breathe for you if you will fly for me But I can’t see and I can’t feel but I still don’t know why and I believe now that you are with me and I have heard you say that you will love me anyway no matter the battle And I still hold secrets I thought that was over And you’re still with me Yeah, you’re still there
6.
Tarry Trousers Traditional Performed by Allison Crowe As I roved out one fine Summer's ev'ning to view those flow'rs and to take the air 't'was there I spied a tender mother talking to her daughter dear Singing, "Daughter, o daughter, I'll have you to marry" "No longer to live a sweet single, life" "O mother, o mother, I 'd rather to tarry" "To be some brave young sailor's wife" "A sailor shy sits all for to wander" "To some foreign count'r'y he'd go" "They will cause you to sigh and to murmur" "They will prove your overthrow" "Or, if you could get me to wed with a farmer" "To be your joy and heart's delight" "But give me the boy with the tarry, tarry trousers" "To shine in my eyes like a diamond bright" She hung her head on the top of her shoulders Tears from her eyes like a fountain flowed "I'll stay at home and be true-hearted" "whilst my love to the sea doth go" "Hark, o hark, how the great guns are rattling" "Big and small, they all make noise" "My true love's in the field of battle" "Now fight on, my gallant boy"
7.
You All Haunt Me Composed by Allison Crowe I would take it back if it was even real I would tell you how exactly how I feel And it would be ugly and you would be scared Can’t you see my face? Oh can you hear my voice? Now, how can you tell me that this is a choice, that I asked for this? Now, why would I do that? When this is all I have and this is all I am You haunt me, you all haunt me Now, if you think that I forgot if you think that I moved on I ask you - have you even met me? what planet are you on? I don't forget anything even though I try Maybe too intense maybe too revealed maybe madness baby but you’re so, so concealed I never saw a thing This is all I have and this is all I am You haunt me, you all haunt me Why did I do this? Why did I say that? and why did you pretend to care when I know that you were watching me cry yeah, you watched me die When light circled my eyes and my heart tried to leave me My words were all gone wild not even I could believe me any more you have to know that I tried And this is all I have This is all I am You haunt me, yeah, you haunt me You haunt me Yeah, you all haunt me
8.
Now I'm 64 04:05
Now I'm 64 Traditional As performed by Allison Crowe I pondered on those days gone by as I sat beside the mill and gazed upon the setting Sun as it sank beneath the hill I gazed on it once more, me boys, ’t’was the very Sun I've seen Well, it's just the same now as it was when we were sweet 16 Oh, how I long for those bright days to come again once more But come again they never will for now I'm 64 The little fish swim in the brook and wander down below They swim until, and ever will, as they did long ago The little meadow by the brook is just as fresh and green It’s just the same now as it was when we were sweet 16 Oh, how I long for those bright days to come again once more But come again they never will for now I'm 64 Oh, the past is past and she is gone, on Earth we'll meet no more But we will meet in Heaven above on that eternal shore And when we meet we'll part no more, we both will reign supreme No more to sing of days gone by when we were sweet 16 Oh, how I long for those bright days to come again once more But come again they never will for now I'm 64 Oh, how I long for those bright days to come again once more But come again they never will for now I'm 64
9.
Heavy Graces 03:28
Through These Heavy Graces Composed by Allison Crowe I’m not better than anyone and you’re no better than me So here we stand at the artifice face-to-face in symmetry I laugh when I’m afraid and I cry when taken by peace I shake through new beginnings and I scream when I release I want to breathe but I can’t catch breath I want to live but I can’t shake death And bathe in light in the darkest of places Tread lightly through these heavy graces Guilt crawls through my skin and exits every pore I exist a floating creature of heart and bones, so sore But you stand firm in faith for your emptiness of soul And I’m left here with the shaking when laughter takes its toll I want to breathe But I can’t catch breath I want to live but I can’t shake death Bathe in light in the darkest of places Tread lightly through these heavy graces And shadow takes his cover It’s piercing with his eyes No moral lesson learned here No clever compromise Just feign of retribution and tears swallowed ill at ease To wash the scars from inside this doubt will not appease I want to breathe but I can’t catch breath I want to live but I can’t shake death And bathe in light in the darkest of places Tread lightly through these heavy graces I want to breathe but I can’t catch breath I want to live but I can’t shake death And bathe in light in the darkest of places Tread lightly through these heavy graces Tread lightly through these heavy graces Tread lightly through these, these heavy graces
10.
Double-Edged Swords Words & Music by Allison Crowe Going backwards on the train to France As Germany flies by I find myself distracted and Wondering where and what and why I’m running away, running faster still Slamming into a wall The trips that I take myself on Always lead to a fall So don’t hurt me, then maybe do Maybe just let me be I don’t want to believe in anything And I am not sure that I am free If anything, don’t lie to me Just to play at words Either run, walk, or attack me You and your double-edged swords I don’t know why I get so close So enraged, so serious I don’t know why my lucidities Always lead to delirious… But, they do, oh my they do And I delight in the blood Far beneath these wings, I think, is something less than good So, don’t hurt me, but, then, maybe do Maybe just let me be I don’t want to believe in anything And I am not sure that I am free If anything don’t lie to me just to play at words Either run, walk, or attack me You and your double-edged swords Now, maybe this is just my imagination If so ignore this proclamation Hell, now I’m filled with indignation So please accept my resignation I’m unpredictable, unwise at times Dangerous in changing light Too deep, too dark to see through Or clear, calm and bright So, if you think you’re trouble What does that make me If you think you’re the forest, baby That makes me the sea So don’t hurt me, well, then, maybe do Maybe just let me be I don’t want to believe in anything And I am not sure that I am free If anything, don’t lie to me just to play at words Either run, walk or attack me You and your double-edged swords Don’t hurt me Maybe just a little Maybe just let me be I don’t want to believe in anything and, then again, I kinda do So, if anything don’t lie to me just to play at words Either run, walk or attack me You and your double-edged swords Either run, walk or attack me You and your double-edged swords
11.
On the Air 04:28
On the Air Composed by Allison Crowe I can feel it coming and when it has passed there will be no trace of me other than faded words that have already been spoken and promises that I will keep until not even memory exists in my name I will never desert you and my spirit will never leave you even though my spirit is about to leave myself I’ve placed more faith in you than I have in anything And I will run when I can't breathe I will give what is left of my bones and I will wait for you on the air. I have given you my soul and I only ask that you could treat it better than I have and if I could ask one more little thing of you …to give me peace in a time where I’m fighting a battle I can only lose burning rain can't tear this away and my eyes run into my soul at its purest form I am sinking further in to my mind as the truth runs down my face to die And I will run when I can't breathe I will give what is left of my bones and I will wait for you on the air...
12.
Skeletons and Spirits Words & Music by Allison Crowe Take your sympathy and shove it as for the pain, well, I love it I'll eat your words I'll devour your soul I will laugh like a lemur as you crawl back into your hole I won't deny you, but I'll pay you no heed And, if you keep stabbing me, I will probably bleed But, I'll pretend I'm a cloud and my rain will surround you And if you keep hurting me I'll eventually drown you And, yes I know I'm a little bit off But, you, you can't leave, you can't open the door you think you're unique but I've seen you before so run, run away from the fires that burn you will do this again and again but you will never learn So keep looking down as you crush me keep smiling 'cause I will get up and there's no denying that I am one of your punching clowns you can keep on striking but you can't keep me down You always think that you are fearless and right but I think that you are afraid in the night of the ghosts, of the spirits that crawl into your head of the skeletons that'll haunt you until you're dead but, now, you can't leave, you can't open the door you think you're unique but I've seen you before so run, run away from the fires that burn you will do this again and again and again and again but, now, you can't leave, you can't open the door you think you're unique but I've seen it all before so run, run away from the fires that burn but you will never learn you will never learn you will never learn
13.
Secrets Words & Music by Allison Crowe verse 1 you know I hold these in and I take them for myself I'm covered in guilt but it's not my own there isn't any reason for me to feel like I'm dying I'm done with being afraid I'm done with lying chorus: and I am not an angel I'm more like Mona Lisa there's something hiding in me there's always something behind my smile and I know that I'm not perfect and maybe I am the court jester I'm the life of the party and I know too much about the court... I have these secrets that aren't my own verse 2 so take this how you want to I'm not here to judge you I just want to be in love with you I just want to forget myself i want to just be ignorant please take this pain away from me down to the river and out to the sea down to the river and out to the sea chorus: and I am not an angel I'm more like Mona Lisa there's something hiding in me there's always something behind my smile and I know that I'm not perfect yeah, I am the court jester I'm the life of the party and I know too much about the court... I have these secrets that aren't my own verse 3 it's too far to reach. but I'm too scared to let go. it's too close to ignore but I feel so far away now I'm crawling in the ceiling I'm scratching through the walls I'm trying to scream but my own hand is on my throat chorus: And I am not an angel I'm more like Mona Lisa there's something hiding in me there's always something behind my smile and I want to be like Venus to just bare it all and face the world but I'm tangled in these blankets I'm caught in between the lines I have these secrets that aren't my own
14.
The Foggy Shores of Home Composed by Gary O'Driscoll As performed by Allison Crowe I've sailed upon the ocean wide, I've sailed the world around; I've sailed on barques and brigantines, From Lisbon to St John's. I've sailed where the ocean tossed and rolled, I've sailed where the ocean foams; I've sailed where the ice floes thunder and roll, To bring the white coats home. Wherever you may ramble, Wherever you may roam, Wherever you may be, You'll be happy to see, The foggy shores of home. I've sailed down to the South Sea Isles, I've sailed where the trade winds come; I've sailed on schooners listing low, To bring home 'backey and rum. I've sailed to the city of New York, To labour in the sky; High above the streets below, To home my heart would fly. Wherever you may ramble, Wherever you may roam, Wherever you may be, You'll be happy to see, The foggy shores of home. One day I will sail back home, To my dear foggy shore; I'll plough the ground of my hometown, And go to sea no more. Wherever you may ramble, Wherever you may roam, Wherever you may be, You'll be happy to see, The foggy shores of home. Wherever you may ramble, Wherever you may roam, Wherever you may be, You'll be happy to see, The foggy shores of home.

about

UK writer Mike Ferguson, (posting in “Some Diurnal Aural Awe”), anticipates audiences will be “royally entertained” by a show “full of the joy and fun that comes across on this cd's live offering”. "Introducing” is the concert part of the debut album from Allison Crowe and Band which, together with the studio set, (“Heirs+Grievances”), forms the physical CD collection.

When critics liken you to Edith Piaf, Elton John, Aretha Franklin and Modest Mussorgsky, it’s a good sign you’re truly one-of-a-kind. So it is with musical explorer Allison Crowe who, since creating her own record label in 2001, uniquely inhabits the world of song – continually adding breadth and depth to a richly expressive repertoire for piano, vocals, guitar and bodhran.

Crowe’s “supernaturally agile and exquisite voice” is complemented ideally by her international touring band: Céline Greb (cello, vocal harmonies); Sarah White (mandolin, vocal harmonies); and Dave Baird (bass). Longtime friend, musician and photographer Billie Woods contributes guitar and vocal harmonies to the band’s recordings. The combo’s gorgeously thrilling hybrid of Canadiana, Celtic, jazz, roots, folk, soul and original rock bridges vital originals with fresh interpretations of classics by Annie Lennox and Gary O'Driscoll.

Alongside multi-genre concert and recording projects over this past year the Nanaimo-born, Newfoundland-based artist’s active as music curator and arranger for acclaimed stage productions of: Atlantic Canada’s folk and popular song; the collaborative works of Bertolt Brecht & Kurt Weill; and choral renderings of traditional Christmas carols.

A singular artistry and virtuosity make Allison Crowe performances legendary - and fun. In the Scottish Highlands she brought down the house on a bill with Carol Ann Duffy, Britain’s Poet Laureate, and Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, the Master of the Queen's Music. In Hollywood Superman movie director Zack Snyder is outspoken in his respect and admiration. Touring with Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet audiences responded with spontaneous standing ovations.

"The most honest, heartfelt, and directly intimate concert in my entire life,” says longtime American public broadcaster Ross Hocker. “Allison has a special gift that is so very rare in musicians today. She is true to her mind, heart and spirit. She also has a most wonderful humor which envelops her audience."

"Soulful. Alive. Joyous. Grievous. Real, true, music is what I want to make," sums up Allison Crowe.

"Heirs + Grievances is the debut studio album of Allison Crowe and Band (and the 20th release on Crowe's label, Rubenesque Records Ltd.) The digital album contains 13 exciting tunes and honestly potent performances. It’s a magnificent set of songs from Allison Crowe and her extraordinary band of musicians.

The physical CD is a double-album - pairing this studio set with a live concert set from Allison and Band – “Introducing”. Enjoy!!

REVIEWS:

"Heirs + Grievances is a gorgeous, full circle showcase of Allison’s growth as a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Her extraordinary voice is unrestrained and beautifully accompanied by her bandmates." ~ Muruch

“I don’t believe Crowe ever sings a song without an absolute personal commitment... This is an album that should and could develop a greater audience for Crowe beyond those who already adore her.” ~ Some Diurnal Aural Awe

“In the past, Crowe has devoted herself to trad folk, contemporary rock, Christmas songs and music of Leonard Cohen, all of which have merged into these two discs to create a portrait of an idealist — with the addition of her between-songs talk on the live recording revealing a bubbly personality.” ~ Tom Harrison, The Province

“I have not heard of anyone who sings with the vulnerability or childhood innocence and the piercing intensity of Edith Piaf the way she does, well at least not in this lifetime,” says writer/editor Baxter Labatos, founder of “The Celtic Music Fan”, in a review of Allison Crowe and Band’s debut. “It is quite amazing how she can do so many things with her voice. She’s a woman with a guitar who belts out like Aretha Franklin, a bodhran player with soul in her heart and, yes, a pianist with the grace of a classical performer.”

Of “Introducing / Heirs+Grievances”, the double-disc, the percipient international blogger sums up: “The powerful voice and intrumental prowess will delight fans and new converts of Allison Crowe’s artistic genius.” Enjoy the full review @ celticmusicfan.wordpress.com/2016/10/05/why-music-why-breathing-the-allison-crowe-band-cd

credits

released September 4, 2016

Allison Crowe: Vocals, Piano, Guitar, Fiddle + Bodhran
Billie Woods: Guitar + Vocal Harmonies
Céline Greb: Cello + Vocal Harmonies
Dave Baird: Double Bass + Bass

“Heirs + Grievances”
Engineer/Mixer: Larry Anschell (Turtle Recording Studios)

“Introducing”
Engineer/Mixer: Brad Graham (Turtle)
Concert Tech: Robert Nelson

All songs originally composed by Allison Crowe except:
Chelsea Hotel No.2 – Leonard Cohen, Ron Cornelius (Sony/ATV Songs LLC)
Foggy Shores of Home – Gary O’Driscoll (Chapeau Rouge Music)
Why – Annie Lennox (La Lennoxa Music Co. Ltd.)
Tarry Trousers + Now I’m 64 – Traditional, arranged by Allison Crowe

Fotos: Billie Woods (front), Adrian du Plessis (back) + Allison Crowe (inside)
Art Design & Graphics: Céline Greb

Stage Manager + Multi-instrumentalist: Sarah White
Road Manager + Driver: Axel Dollheiser
Manager: Adrian du Plessis

Rubenesque Records Ltd.

Why music?
Why breathing?

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Allison Crowe Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador

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