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!!
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This weekend Allison Crowe joins the Bay of Islands Sunday Session (Ivan Emke et al), Nick Hamlyn, Ruth Lawrence, Daniel Payne, Dahlia & Bridget, Helen Fox Reid, Emma Peckford, Tara Manuel with Michael Rigler, Louise Gauthier w. Tom Brennan and Cindy Kawaja, Gary & Whit on-stage in “ No Way to Say Goodbye…” – a loving tribute to the buckskin boy who’s uplifted our world through words and music, the bard Leonard Cohen.
As the artists soon take the Rotary Arts Centre stage, in Corner Brook, Newfoundland we all share in the salute. Here’s a live-in-the-studio, (previously unreleased), track from Allison Crowe and Band’s “Introducing / Heirs+Grievances” debut. Allison (vocals, piano) and LIN (cello) check-in with “Chelsea Hotel No. 2” – “I remember you well…”
lyrics
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
credits
from Heirs+Grievances,
released May 22, 2016
Bonus (live-in-the-studio) track:
Allison Crowe - piano, vocals
LIN - cello
Larry "Turtle" Anschell - engineer/producer
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