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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In a recent posting, Devon-based music and literary-blogger Mike Ferguson cites the “joy and fun” that comes across in a new live recording from Allison Crowe and Band (somediurnalauralawe.blogspot.ca/2016/04/allison-crowe-and-band-heirs-grievances.html). Allison and bandmates Celine Greb aka Lin Lin, Billie Woods, Sarah White and Dave Baird – on record and on-stage – bring that essence of life, and, for a fun-filled Friday, or any day, here be the irresistibly joyous “Foggy Shores of Home”.
The tune is penned by Gary O’Driscoll, one of Canada’s great songwriters – with such other classics as “Out from St. Leonards” and “The Men Who Die for a Living” to his credit. O’Driscoll, born in Bay Bulls, Newfoundland, and now at home in Ontario, Canada, is one of Allison Crowe’s favourite songwriters to cover – as he brilliantly captures the joys as well as the heartaches of people.
From the studio disc of the just-released double-album, “Introducing / Heirs + Grievances” Allison and the band celebrate home – where e’er your port’o’call.
With the band’s bassist Dave now driving to Gros Morne National Park, NL where he’ll be a sea captain for the Summer, we welcome another sailor man in this music video. Ever-green Fleischer Studios characters – Popeye and Olive Oyl – keep things rolling in this newest addition to the “Heirs + Grievances” visual album.
lyrics
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.
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