New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Out now, "Heirs + Grievances" is the debut studio album of
Allison Crowe and Band (and the 20th release on Crowe's label, Rubenesque Records Ltd.) The digital album contains 13 exciting tunes and honestly potent performances. It's a magnificent set of songs from Canada's
Allison Crowe and her extraordinary band of international musicians. The physical CD comes with a bonus, live, set - "
Introducing".
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, jazz, roots, folk, soul and original rock bridges vital originals with fresh interpretations of classics by
Annie Lennox and Gary O'Driscoll.
Alongside multi-genre concert and recording projects over this past 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 appreciation. 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 American 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.
