Allison Crowe on Gabriola, so far
By Bruce Mason, Gabriola Sounder
Monday, December 3 2007
She has sent “Tidings” and a
growing number of us are glad that Allison Crowe is on her way here,
for a free, impromptu community sing-along, Sunday, December, 9th,
at 4:30 pm and a concert that critics around the world are calling
one of the best they have ever experienced. That is Friday evening,
December 14th, also at the Community Hall.
Bob Meyer, Silver Blue Charters, has known Allison since he was a
child. Her Dad was his dentist in Nanaimo for years, became a
fishing buddy and Bob got some CD’s from him.
“I was amazed when I heard her music, couldn’t believe how
talented she is, and I’ve become one of her biggest fans,” said
Meyer.
I gave one copy to Lou Gradanti, who learned every one of the
arrangements note for note and he has been sharing the music with
his students in preparation for the sing-along.
Dropped another CD off at the school for Rose Topp, Music Teacher,
who reported: “I’ve started singing “Let it Be,” and
“Silent Night” with my kids. This will be great!”
There are a few copies of “Tidings” for sale at Artworks for
anyone who hasn’t found any joy yet. It is an international
seasonal classic.
If you’ve got a love-hate relationship with ubiquitous Christmas
music, this one not only contains - along with the two faves of Rose
and her students - “The First Noel,” “It Came Upon a Midnight
Clear,” “O Holy Night,” and the like, but also the current
definitive versions Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” Joni
Mitchell’s “River,” the Rolling Stones’ “Shine a Light,”
and Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel.”
As one critic observed, “the 12-track CD contains not a single
turkey, nor any stuffing.”
I can’t resist adding this: Dr. Gerry Grzyb, Chair of the
Sociology Department, University of Wisconsin, AKA Dr. Christmas, is
cited as the foremost authority on Christmas music.
Each year since 1989 he’s sifted through the mass of seasonal
music, searching for gems, which he broadcasts on WRST-FM in a
six-day radio marathon. “Allison’s drew the most listener
interest,” reported the good doctor.
Says Allison: “I love music and I love Christmas, so it seemed
natural to make a seasonal record. It was also fun to create
something that wasn’t completely traditional, and have a good mix
of different songs and styles on a holiday album.”
Now, if you can’t get a copy of the “Tidings” CD, go to her
website: www.allisoncrowe.com and listen up. Here are the songs she
will be singing with us:
“The First Noel,” “Silent Night,” “O Holy Night,” “Let
It Be,” and “Imagine.”
She’s leaving wiggle room for Lou, Rose, their students and the
rest of us, some time for requests, a chat, autographs, etc.
Judging from the response to the CD and the sing-along, the main
event - Allison Crowe’s Tidings concert at the Community Hall,
December 14th, will, indeed, be: “music for the season and all
time.”
This is a very special and high-spirited evening to be shared with
family and friends, even if you think you’ve heard enough seasonal
music, or don’t celebrate Christmas. Tickets at Artworks.
