Allison Crowe Spiral Concert in Fairfield August 7, 2010

For the first time in years, vocalist-pianist-guitarist Allison Crowe is home on Pacific turf for concerts with, fingers crossed, no snow in the forecast. On a summery Saturday, August 7, at Fairfield United Church, she’ll deliver her all-season repertoire and perform songs from her newest CD, “Spiral” alongside all-time favourites.

“Canada’s finest songwriter” is how UK culture blog, ‘We Write Lists’, tagged Allison Crowe upon release of “Spiral” – an album which features distinctive contributions from West coast BC talent: engineering and electric guitar from Larry Anschell (of White Rock’s Turtle Recording studios); bass by Nanaimo’s big band and modern jazzer, grand funkster Dave Baird; and from a trio of Salt Spring Islanders - photography and acoustic guitar by Billie Rocha-Woods; sympatico percussion from Laurent Boucher; and production, string arrangements and orchestration from Kayla Schmah (now Hollywood-based).

Pioneering music blog Muruch, in recently celebrating its tenth anniversary, named Crowe its musical mascot, saying: “Her extraordinarily emotive way of singing and the subtle beauty of her songs stand out from just about any other artist ever.”

Crowe’s musical foundation in classical and jazz blends uniquely with rock, folk and soul to appeal to fans of classic singer-songwriters such as Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell, alongside rock/pop bands from The Beatles and Pearl Jam, to artists such as Ani DiFranco, Tori Amos, Aretha Franklin and Counting Crows.

While some are still bewildered by today’s digital environment, and fret the decline of the old-style record industry, years ago Allison Crowe set course for creative and commercial independence, and she’s navigated a true grassroots success. While steadily building an audience for her music, she’s garnered praise in the traditional media – print, radio and television – alongside widespread appreciation in the alternative media and in the global online community where Crowe’s especially active and progressive.

"Once famously described by the Vancouver Courier as possessing a style akin to 'Elton John meets Edith Piaf', the Canadian singer-songwriter Allison Crowe is renowned for her ability to blend control and melodrama,” comments MOJO magazine.

“When I listen to it, I think ‘This is real music, real singing’, it has the power, it's natural, not artificial and calculated like many songs nowadays,” says Lukasz Garbol, podcaster with Poland’s popular Radio Świdnik.

Born on Vancouver Island, Allison Crowe now tours Europe regularly, and has two bases in Canada – her birthplace, Nanaimo, and, her Atlantic home, Corner Brook. Jeffrey Pitcher, Artistic Director of Theatre Newfoundland notes: "No matter where she is in this world, that voice, that conviction, it crosses all borders. She's one of those rare artists that fits into any culture, any community because she is who she is - an incredible talent."

"I hear so much music these days, too much for one person really,” says Muruch. “I’m inundated with such a flood of sounds both good and bad that I sometimes forget what it feels like when a song literally produces chills on your arms. Then I hear Allison Crowe sing, and I remember the effect music is supposed to have on you.”

Doors: 7:30 pm Music: 8:00 pm
Location: Fairfield United Church, 1303 Fairfield Rd. (at Moss Street), Victoria
Concert tickets @ Lyle’s Place (770 Yates); Larsen Music (1833 Cook Street); Ivy’s Bookshop (2188 Oak Bay Ave.); & allisoncrowe.com
Advance: $20 General/$15 Students and Seniors (Door: $22/$17)
More info: www.allisoncrowe.com + 250-537-1286

Official Website: http://www.allisoncrowe.com