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Allison Crowe Captures Hearts- Port Theatre Concert Review
Allison Crowe Captures HeartsBy Scott Bonnell
Nanaimo Daily News - November 8, 2002
Twice before I'd heard Allison Crowe; both open-air shows.
So, it was with no small amount of anticipation I - and several hundred more music lovers (and what a broad demographic!) - looked forward to hearing the Nanaimo singer belt out some tunes in the Port Theatre, last Friday night.
I knew what to expect: a tight band backing a voice as big as all outdoors.
As high as expectations were, Crowe blew theatre-goers away with her powerhouse voice, girlish giggles and patter between songs.
Bandmates Dave Baird (upright and fretless bass) and drummer Kevin Clevette backed Crowe on the concert grand.
The group is a bit of a genre-bender, stealing in equal parts from roots, jazz, adult alternative and pop.
And through it all, that voice. Crowe can go from cooing in your ear to full-bore Joplinesque (a fine Me and Bobby McGee) in a blink.
And hold a note? The little hairs on the back of my neck stood up during a knockout version of Jewel's Who Will Save Your Soul.
High, low, loud, soft, sweet, powerful, rich, clear - Crowe has complete control over her amazing vocal talent. In the best tradition of fine singers, she appears effortless while demonstrating breath control that leaves listeners breathless.
But Crowe is more than just a voice. She's a giggler.
To my chagrin, after the first nervous titter, I thought Crowe should maybe work on her between song banter. And then, right after a high ha-ha-ha-ha, the band would launch into a piece and Crowe would transform from giggling girl to serious songbird.
By the third or fourth giggle-fest, I was grinning right along with her and lots of people had joined in the laughter. She'd won us over with disarming ease.
Four encore songs - including a couple after Port Theatre turned on the lights ("so much for dramatic pause," quoth Crowe) - were barely enough to satisfy concert-goers.
Always leave them wanting more. We surely do, Ally.
