Nanaimo-born singer and multi-instrumentalist Allison Crowe has spent many years performing as a solo artist, but her latest tour includes the debut of new music with a full band. Crowe’s band features mandolinist, guitarist and singer Sarah White, bassist Dave Baird and cellist and vocalist Lin, and she says she is thrilled to be playing with them.
“It’s been awesome. I played solo for a lot of years, and the main reason was budgetary, because it’s easier to tour as one person,” says Crowe, “but I really enjoy playing music with other people and having that communication on stage. There’s so much more experimenting in a different way than playing solo.”
The band’s debut album, Introducing / Heirs+Grievances, a genre-spanning mix of Canadiana, Celtic, jazz, roots, folk, soul and rock, allowed the powerfully voiced Crowe, who also plays piano, guitar, fiddle and bodhran Irish drum, the chance to fully realize the songs she wanted to write, with help from her bandmates. That fuller and more textured sound translates perfectly to the current live show, she says.
“There were all of these things that, when I was writing a song, I could hear, but I couldn’t do it all at once myself,” says Crowe, “so I’m having lots of fun.”
The band’s upcoming performance at the historic Patricia Theatre in Townsite, and the quartet’s first-ever live show in Powell River, will feature two sets by the group and will see Crowe play the theatre’s grand piano.
“That piano looks really nice,” says Crowe, “and I’m very excited to play that theatre. I love playing old theatres; they’re beautiful.”
Having lived back east for more than 10 years in the small Atlantic coast town of Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Crowe says although she does miss her West Coast home, she is able to visit often and doesn’t feel like her new home is all that different to where she grew up.
“Both places are on islands and the arts are really alive and well in both places,” says Crowe. “There are so many similarities that it’s quite a bit like being at home. As long as I’m on an island, I’m happy. I’m definitely an island person.”
Allison Crowe and Band: Introducing / Heirs+Grievances
When: 7:30 pm, Thursday, November 10
Where: Patricia Theatre
Price: $20 advance/$25 door
Information: 604.483.9345
