Tidings
Crowe for Christmas It is customary among some at this time of year, to begin to issue seasonal greeting by reference to some song. Thus, to readers, I say, have yourself a Merry Little Christmas, or, to paraphrase ecumenically, a Cheery Chanukah or a Kolossal Kwanza. To help you on your way, there is the usual shower of Christmas albums. You might try CDs by Canadian icons Sarah McLachlan (Wintersong) and the Barra MacNeils (The Christmas Album II), or journey to the land of the green Christmas (mostly) for James Taylor's At Christmas, while the most unlikely source of peace and love is shock-rock heavy metallers Twisted Sister, with A Twisted Christmas. Somehow, I can't quite associate chestnuts roasting on an open fire or sleigh bells jing-a-lingling with Dee Snider and crew... But for me, the real revelation is an CD from last year that I've only just listened to. I refer to that other singer-pianist from Nanaimo, B.C., Allison Crowe. And if you haven't heard of her or, better yet, heard her, you really should. Her album is called Tidings(Rubenesque Records) and they are glad indeed. Beginning with a brief but stirring rendition of the carol It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Crowe launches into a 12-track CD that contains not a single turkey, nor any stuffing. There are other carols (Silent Night, The First Noel), but Crowe also pays tribute to the gods of rock and roll, with charming readings of the Beatles' Let it Be and In My Life, Joni Mitchell's River and the Rolling Stones' Shine a Light, fittingly and thematically concluding with Angel. Crowe's warm, natural, passionate and need I add lovely? voice are perhaps shown to best effect on another glorious standard, Leonard Cohen's magnificent and deeply spiritual quest for faith, Hallelujah. It's been sung brilliantly before by the likes of Rufus Wainright and k.d. lang, but Crowe easily holds her own in that august company. I expect much more to be heard from her. --Martin Levin, Women's Post (Canada)What a find! Tidings is an exceptional holiday album, and Canadian Allison Crowe is a stunningly talented performer. Her voice celebrates the music with a bluesy rock-gospel intensity; her controlled vibrato, silken rasp, and powerful projection rivet your attention. This is no casual background music for your holiday party; be prepared to be amazed. For the most part, this album is all about Crowe's spectacular, unique voice and her exceptional piano playing. Given her incredible vocal power, the minimal production provides just the right showcase. She easily fills the room with soulful energy all on her own. On three tracks (#4, 10 & 11), Crowe gets some fine support from two friends on bass (David Baird) and drums (Kevin Clevette). The artist's vocal delivery is so intense, one wonders how Crowe retains the energy to provide piano accompaniment. In fact, her piano abilities are so natural--so personal--that the keyboard seems to operate as an organic extension of her body, just another 'voice' emanating from her musical soul. Somebody pinch me--the song selections here are outrageously fine--a folk rocker's paradise! To start, there are six lovely pillars of traditional holiday music (Silent Night, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, etc.) Then things truly take off--Crowe includes Joni Mitchell's River, and Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah; two songs by the Beatles (the John Lennon/Paul McCartney tunes of Let It Be and In My Life, one Rolling Stones number (Shine a Light by Mick Jagger/Keith Richards), and Sarah McLachlan's Angel. Although these tracks stray from the holiday path most commonly tread, each cut relates to spirituality on its own terms, and the overall package works in grand fashion. Interestingly, although Crowe is herself an acclaimed songwriter, she has penned no holiday numbers here. Perhaps next year. The artist opens with an unadorned, a cappella presentation of It Came Upon a Midnight Clear; then rolls cleanly into an intensely moving rendition of River; one of my favorite holiday tunes. When the artist sings the crystalline, sorrowful line 'I made my baby cry' you can almost feel the tears welling up inside. Crowe's wonderful Hallelujah is an absolute show-stopper. To be honest, this album is packed with highlights from stem to stern. Every song radiates sincerity, creative flair, and emotional intensity. No doubt about it--Tidings is one of the best holiday albums this year. If you crave folk/rock music that speaks from the heart, invite Allison Crowe into your home this Christmas season. She's sensational! --Carol Swanson, ChristmasReviews.com (USA)The Yuletide find of the year goes to Nanaimo-based singer/songwriter Allison Crowe for Tidings. What makes the album so wonderful is not only Crowe's powerfully soulful vocals and accomplished piano playing, but the inspired repertoire spanning traditional six carols and contemporary songs with a spiritual dimensions. Joining such beloved carols as Silent Night and In the Bleak Winter are Joni Mitchell's River, Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, Lennon and McCartney's Let It Be and In My Life, Jagger and Richard's Shine a Light and Sarah McLachlan's Angel, all of which make for an absolutely stunning seasonal album that can be enjoyed year-round. In keeping with the simplicity, elegance and intimacy of the season, all but two tracks feature Crowe accompanying herself on piano, with a bass and drums added on two tracks. Following so closely after Secrets, released on Crowe's own label a few months ago, Tidings confirms the arrival of a recording artist who has what it takes to climb to the highest echelons of Canadian, if not international, pop music. --Robert Reid, The Record (Canada)