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 the sublime harmonies and stellar musicianship of her international touring band: Billie Woods (guitar, vox); Celine Greb (cello, vox); and Dave Baird (bass). This thrilling combo bridges vital originals with fresh interpretations of classics by Gary O’Driscoll, The Beatles, Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell....
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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 the sublime harmonies and stellar musicianship of her international touring band: Billie Woods (guitar, vox); Celine Greb (cello, vox); and Dave Baird (bass). This thrilling combo bridges vital originals with fresh interpretations of classics by Gary O’Driscoll, The Beatles, Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell.
Alongside multi-genre concert and recording projects this 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 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.
On guitar, singing harmonies with the band, and performing a set as special guest is Salt Spring Island’s Billie Woods. Her distinctive style is rooted in Canada’s Pacific Northwest and infused with the warmth and vitality of cultural rhythms of Brazil. Now 32, Billie Woods has been playing guitar since age 12.
From Germany’s Black Forest region, Celine Greb has been playing cello since age five. After performing for great audiences in Europe with the popular ensemble ‘Sudden Inspiration’, and in tandem with her Father, keyboardist, René Hertenstein, she makes her North American concert debut as cellist and vocalist.
Completing the combo is Dave Baird on electric and acoustic bass. The Nanaimo native is a much sought-after jazz, funk, and rock player who’s performed with NMA Big Band, Wunderbread, and the Canadian Tenors. As well, Baird’s renowned as a premiere birder on the big island.
http://music.allisoncrowe.com
Tickets: $29.00 General / $24.00 Students & Seniors (all service fees incl.)
Port Theatre Box Office - 250-754-8550
Venue: The Port Theatre, 125 Front Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 6Z4
“Ever wonder what it would have been like to listen to a gifted singer/songwriter from Saskatchewan in a small, intimate hall before she became Joni Mitchell? Don’t fret the missed opportunity. There’s no need to turn back the clock. Check out Allison Crowe.”
~ Robert Reid, The Record
"The first thing you notice about Allison Crowe is her voice. Rich and dark, it seems to come from a place most singers can only dream of accessing. Then there are the songs. Filled with raw passion and accompanied by eloquent piano playing"
~ Clodagh O'Connell, The Courier, Rolling Stone+
“Gänsehaut-Musik… Mit kräftigem Zugriff spielt Allison Crowe das Klavier, zu dessen Klang ihre leicht rauchige, ausducksstarke, kurz: große Stimme hervorragend passt. Manchmal erinnert ihr Spiel an die Tasten-Eskapaden eines Konstantin Wecker, dann wieder gibt es Momente, die an den Stil von Modest Mussorgsky’s „Bilder einer Ausstellung“ denken lassen.”
~ Peter Baier, Süddeutsche Zeitung
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