2006: Friday, November 3 ~ the mighty, mighty...
In a few moments from now, Allison Crowe takes to the
stage of Scotland's Cowdray Hall. Built in 1926 as a gift to the
citizens of Aberdeen, the Cowdray, with its excellent acoustics and
sympathetic surroundings, (favourably compared to the famous Wigmore
Hall in London), provides apt home for a performance by one of today's
great musical talents.
In this age when popular "music" is most often calculated
product, rudely marketed by men with the vision of low-grade investment
bankers, Allison has the courage and conviction to make real music.
Her newest album, "This Little Bird", is just now reaching
people.
High praise comes from Bob Muller, administrator of
cover songs for the Joni Mitchell Discussion List (JMDL). This Little Bird
contains Allison's take on Joni's "A Case of You". Writing a
review for CD Baby, JoniMitchell.com's Grand Poobah of Covers
says: "Allison really comes into her own on this CD - her wonderful songs, supported by her emotive vocals,
strong and confident, navigates them with feeling and strength. I mean,
it takes a lot of self-confidence to tackle Aretha's version of 'I
Never Loved a Man...' but Allison does and nails it just as good as the
Queen of Soul herself. Her piano playing is equally exquisite. Treat
yourself to one of the mightiest talents on the singer-songwriter scene
today."
Music blogger Muruch declares: "I can honestly and without
hesitation say that This Little Bird is my favourite album of
2006." - noting: "Though I obviously love music very much,
there are only a few singers that can really get to me with only the
power of their voice. Eva Cassidy, Jeff
Buckley, Antony & The Johnsons, and Damien Rice are a few examples
of this, and now Allison Crowe."
When her current UK tour wraps up, next week, Allison returns to Canada
in preparation for her series of Tidings concerts to help a range
of worthy groups on the Pacific coast:
Friday, December 1 ~ 8 p.m.
ArtSpring Theatre, 100 Jackson Avenue, Salt Spring Island, B.C.
"Tidings" seasonal concerts arrive on Canada's west coast
Part proceeds to Salt Spring SPCA
Saturday, December 2 ~ 8 p.m.
United Church, 415 Pinecrest, Campbell River, B.C. Allison performs
with Dave Baird (bass) and Laurent Boucher (percussion) Part proceeds
to the Campbell River Food Bank
Friday, December 8 ~ 8 p.m. Metro
Studio,1411 Quadra Street (at Johnson - the Victoria Conservatory of
Music building), Victoria, B.C. "Tidings" seasonal concert ~
songs of joy and peace ~ Fundraiser for Artemis Place
Saturday, December 9 ~ 8 p.m.
Norman Rothstein Theatre, 950 West 41st, Vancouver, B.C. Allison is The
Hope Fertility Fund's Honorary Lifetime Ambassador; this annual concert
event is to help raise awareness and funds for this worthy cause
Fundraiser presented by the
UBC Centre for Reproductive Health and VGH & UBC Hospital
Foundation
Friday, December 15 ~ 7:30 p.m.
(doors 7:00 p.m.)
+
Saturday, December 16 ~ 7:30 p.m.
(doors 7:00 p.m.)
St. Andrew's United Church, 311 Fitzwilliam,
Nanaimo, B.C. "Tidings" concert with special guests from
Nanaimo's musical community: Fundraiser for the Mind's Eye (NYSA youth
newspaper) and Woodlands SS Band and Basketball ~ fun and festive is
the way
Full details of each of these special events, including names of guest
artists, will be announced later this month.
Peace to all
