ALLISON CROWE: Live at Wood Hall (Rubenesque)

A double CD of a singer at her piano is a lot to listen to without the immediacy of actually being at the concert. So, allowing for that absence of drama, we are left with a generous helping of original songs and a few interpretations that show Crowe's range - from showtunes to Tori Amos and Ani DiFranco. Crowe is still developing as a writer - she hasn't found her signature yet - but her singing is bold and elastic and ultimately affecting. As for the influence of Amos and DiFranco, you can hear through her music how Crowe relates to these women.