Why Music? Why Breathing? The Allison Crowe Band CD!

The powerful voice and intrumental prowess will delight fans and new converts of Allison Crowe’s artistic genius. 

“Why music? Why breathing?” is a quote I got from the liner notes of the new Allison Crowe and band CD. These questions do reflect her artistry. She got into music at an early age and at 15, she was already performing professionally. I am new to her music and I was introduced to her albums perhaps around two years ago. They were studio recordings but her live renditions are something. It really gives you the idea of how powerful that voice is. I have not heard of anyone who sings with the vulnerability or childhood innocence and the piercing intensity of Edith Piaf the way she does, well at least not in this lifetime. And that’s what this double CD present to us.

Introducing / Heirs + Grievances (2016)  are a double-album debut of Allison Crowe and Band comprising one live CD and one studio CD recording. Disc one contains her live recordings with her band and disc two contains her studio recordings which is actually her new album after Souling. I listened to disc two first in order to get the feel of her ‘natural’ recording style. Then I moved to disc one. I was surprised by her flexibility and power not only as a vocalist but also as an instrumentalist.

The double CD also contain a re-make of ‘Why’ originally by Annie Lennox(from her album Diva). Lennox is quite a challenge but Crowe maneuvered her way into the soulful road of the song and belted out like kingdom come on the last part of the track. It is quite amazing how she can do so many things with her voice. She’s a woman with a guitar who belts out like Aretha Franklin, a bodhran player with soul in her heart and yes a pianist with the grace of a classical performer.

All songs in the double album are originally composed by Allison Crowe except Chelsea Hotel No. 2-by Leonard Cohen,Foggy Shores of Home-Garry Driscoll, Tarry Trousers/Now I’m 64(Traditional). And you can see why this album is a must for all you music fans. It’s got everything. It’s got soul and power and most of all the unique style of Allison Crowe.

About the album:

• 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…  more

  ships out within 2 days