“Oceans”
is among those songs for “all time” included as well in the seasonal repertoire
of Allison Crowe. Here’s a version from Allison and her band, off the quartet’s
2016 debut, “Heirs+Grievances”:
NB Merci beaucoup, Michèle-Marie Joubert! Thanks to
Michèle-Marie, we can now enjoy the lyrics to Océans in a version française along with the version anglaise.
Here’s the translation she’s kindly posted:
Oceans - Allison Crowe [Traduction des Paroles]
Océans
J'ai un cœur déchiré entre deux océans
S'il vous plaît ne me confondez pas avec la mer
Dans le scintillement d'un cil et d'une sieste
Je pars en Allemagne
Les plis du temps que nous ne dépensons jamais
Enrouler autour de moi comme une maladie
Et maintenant j'ai un contentement en moi
Une petite mort comparée au calme
Et je suis vivant
Et ce n'est pas artificiel
C'est juste ce que je pense de toi
Et toi et toi ...
Un vent calme et inconstant souffle à travers
Sable roulant entre les orteils d'étrangers
Le rire et les yeux déchirés
Conscient mais indifférent des dangers
Mots jetés et retournés lentement
Essai des ponts et des eaux
Faces charmantes, trop fugitives pour tenir
Voyez-les vraiment, sans crainte
Et je suis vivant
Et ce n'est pas artificiel
C'est juste ce que je pense de toi
Et toi et toi ...
Le cœur se heurte en petites rafales d'étincelles
Et est vrai parfois à faux
Mais vous n'êtes rien si vous ne sentez pas cela
Vous auriez à peine un pouls
Et ainsi je continue sur mon chemin joyeux,
Une torsion gitane avec des amants imaginaires
Avec tant de gens dans les marées du jour
Seul sous les couvertures
Mais je suis vivant
Et ce n'est pas artificiel
C'est exactement ce que je ressens pour vous
Et toi et toi et toi
C'est juste ce que je pense de toi
Et toi et toi et toi
Et toi
-
What’s bound to be among the most legendary, and
fun, musical tours ever is launched next week. Musician Allison Crowe is moving into a new home
right now, adding to pre-tour excitement in
Newfoundland – before reuniting with bandmates LIN,
Sarah White
and
Dave Baird
on Vancouver Island, British Columbia – for the
first run of “Introducing / Heirs+Grievances”
concerts in North America.
Allison notes: "taking a break from packing and
moving to get some work done lol #touringbands
”
Allison Crowe on Instagram @
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLedcS3BxTj
Woke this morning to the sounds of ‘The Friday
Morning Markout’ on CHMR Radio – with
genial show-host FanBoy Mark Jabroni ringing in
“week 2 of #AllisonCroweAugust!”
Hearing the DJ spin almost the entire two-night
concert set of Allison – “Live at Wood Hall”
– on the air’s a welcome reminder of how great is
this release:
http://music.allisoncrowe.com/album/live-at-wood-hall
It’s an all-time fan fave, particularly in Europe
where the sound of solo voice and piano is
especially appreciated. Here’s a capsule
description from when Rubenesque Records first
posted this double-disc – dim the lights and enjoy
the concerts:
Live at Wood Hall is an exciting journey through
Allison Crowe's concert repertoire, recorded with a
simple clarity in the converted chapel of Victoria
(B.C.)'s Conservatory of Music. Alongside more than
an album's worth of original songs of love and
hope, social and political conscience, and real
beauty, Allison covers cherished favourites -
including Ani DiFranco ("Independence Day"),
Counting Crows ("A Murder of One"), Tori Amos
("Playboy Mommy"), Janis Joplin ("Me and Bobby
McGee"), and John Lennon ("Imagine"). Colours in
the artist's musical palette range from roots &
blues, through folk, pop/rock, jazz and Broadway.
There's even a traditional Irish aire, "Believe Me
If All (Those Endearing Young Charms)", sung
acappella. Once again, Larry Anschell (Turtle
Studios) captures the music on tape and Alix
Whitmire designs the beautiful artwork/CD cover. "
'Music, man, that's where it's at'/ it is a
religious line/ outside, the chimes rung/ an they/
are still ringin."
Full album credits, track-listing and all at the
link below. And, to enjoy week 3 of “Allison Crowe
August” upcoming - search "CHMR's RING RUST"
on the Stitcher app, or listen live via
http://www.chmr.ca/main.html
In Newfoundland’s Gros Morne National Park, one of
the most naturally beautiful places on Earth, this
Summer there’s near 33 1/3 revolutions of
“Newfoundland Vinyl’ – the stage hit that keeps
spinning joyfully.
Canadian playwright+ Jeff Pitcher, Artistic
Director of Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador since
2000, previews things in this clip from film-maker
Peter Buckle:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yS-dxh1Pd00
After catching Vinyl’s “The Greatest Hits” edition
live, he says “what an amazing cast. So much truth,
honesty and affiliation with the artists that wrote
our famous songs. Moments like this I'm so proud to
be the AD of this company.”
Since 2012, when ‘Vinyl’ was conceived by Pitcher,
Allison Crowe has served as Musical Director for
the production at TNL’s annual Gros Morne Theatre
Festival. In the GMTF 2016 program, Crowe notes:
“Going over ideas for this year's ‘Vinyl’, I
couldn't help but be a little jealous of the song
selection that makes up the 'best of...' theme. So
much so, in fact, that I wanted to be in the show!
As MD, I’ve had a lot of fun choosing songs and
hearing them performed night after night – and,
over the years, I was always in the audience
singing along. Now, I join the cast with a mix of
great music from years previous and a bunch of
songs we've never done before - so excited to share
it all with you!”
Renewing popular and traditional NL songs of the
vinyl (record) era, sounding brilliant and looking
sharp in period dress, the show’s cast/band
features:
Dave Baird;
Adam Christopher Brake (as Ed); Allison Crowe;
Craig Patrick Haley; Robyn Huxter; Marquita Walsh;
and Colin Furlong in a guest appearance singing Ron
Hynes.
On board Vinyl’s production team: Director &
Musical Director – Allison Crowe; Stage Manager –
Stefanie Power; Set Design – Derek Butt; Set
Coordination – Howard Beye; Costume Coordination –
Lindsay Code; Sound Design –Max Simms; and Lighting
Coordination – Jeff Pybus.
Michael Enright, erudite Host of CBC Radio’s “The
Sunday Edition” promises for this July 3rd: “A
full course of great music to garnish your Canada
Day weekend from Duke Ellington, Dinah Washington,
Allison Crowe, Papa (Franz Joseph) Haydn and the
Gene DiNovi Trio”.
About the show – which broadcasts on CBC Radio One
- Sundays at 9 a.m. (9:30 NT) 'Round Midnight'
Monday at 12 midnight, and on Sirius XM Channel 169
- Sundays at 9 a.m.(ET) 'Round Midnight' Sunday
Midnight (ET): “For two hours every weekend,
The Sunday Edition presents an eclectic blend
of conversation, documentaries, personalities and
music. The program distinguishes itself through its
unpredictable choice of stories. It brings a
perspective that is original, intelligent and
sometimes funny, reflected through the personality
of host Michael Enright.”
For international audiences of Allison Crowe and
bandmates -
Lin Lin,
Sarah White,
and
Dave Baird
- we’ll post links for listening online before this
Sunday’s show :)
Words - Allison Crowe and Band - Heirs + Grievances
In 2013, Murúch, the pioneering blog
that's been sharing music and culture notes online
since 1999, premiered a solo version of Allison
Crowe’s “Words”, saying: “What a lush
piece of work that song is! There’s a touch of
Celtic folk in the instrumentation, haunting
backing vocals and a slow building, seething
tension until Allison unleashes her wail toward the
end of the song.”
“Words” was named #1 of the year’s top songs by
Murúch (2013’s other top ten picks came
from artists: Alice
Boman; Trent Dabbs; Lorde; Vienna Teng; Foxygen;
Imagine Dragons; MS MR; & Janelle Monae feat.
Erykah Badu):
http://www.muruch.com/2013/12/muruch-2013-top-songs.html
Now, Allison Crowe and Band unleash a group
performance of “Words” with visual
accompaniment from another pioneer - Winsor
McCay, who revolutionized comics and animation
a century ago, through such creations as 1921’s
“Dreams of a Rarebit Fiend: The Pet”:
Now I’m 64 - Allison Crowe and Band - Heirs + Grievances
Reflecting now with home-movies of
Allison Crowe and her delightful
rendition of a song that’s one of the
treasures of Canadiana renewed by “Newfoundland
Vinyl”, Theatre Newfoundland
and Labrador’s much-loved hit.
“Now I’m 64” is a traditional
Newfoundland parlour song – here
delivered by Allison Crowe and Band on
their debut release, “Heirs
+ Grievances”. Earlier
variants include recordings by Atlantic
Canada musical legends Ryan’s Fancy,
Harry Hibbs and more. The invaluable
lyrics and video site “GEST Songs of
Newfoundland and Labrador” has plenty
to help us cherish an history that’s,
joyfully, tunefully alive today:
http://www.wtv-zone.com/phyrst/audio/nfld/01/sixtyfour.htm
Going Home Tonight - Allison Crowe and Band - Heirs + Grievances
Home. Whatever it is, wherever it is, it’s usually
profoundly meaningful to us.
Ticket for a musical journey on life’s gossamer
wings is Allison Crowe and Band – here with song
number nine from the group’s debut album, “Heirs
+ Grievances”.
Well before PanAm Jet Clippers were on the air, the
magic of French film-maker Georges Méliès carried
people up, up and away to fresh perspectives.
Imagination finds home in this travelogue from
1902, “Le Voyage dans la Lune” (A Trip to
the Moon).
Crowe’s cameo in the 2013 Hollywood blockbuster
finds her performing in a north woods road-house
where Clark Kent toils bussing while Lois Lane
tracks the elusive hero. In creating the visual
album for this year’s debut release from Allison
Crowe and Band, “Heirs + Grievances”, it’s
a natural to look to Lois & Clark for footage that
fits “Now”:
On the Air - Allison Crowe and Band - Heirs + Grievances
Ani DiFranco, “the little folksinger that
could”, an inspiring model for Allison Crowe and
her team, says she understands why so few musicians
actually follow her DIY route – it’s hard work
going against the current!
Still, there can be perks for a traveling
troubadour. Behold the PanAm ‘Jet Clipper’,
one of such aircraft checking in for decades at
Gander International, Newfoundland’s hangars for
refuelling on trans-Atlantic flights. It spirits
passengers and crew in style.
Allison Crowe
and Band’s just-wrapped concert trip to Europe
touched souls in Germany, Slovenia, Italy, Belgium
and England. “On the Air”, written when Crowe was a
teenager, still packs great emotional weight – and
soars now without some personal baggage of early
flights.
On board for this musical journey, Allison
Crowe (vocals, piano), Céline Greb aka
Lin Lin (cello, vox), Billie Woods (guitar,
vox),
Dave Baird (bass) – and, in the wings,
Sarah White (mandolin, vox). It’s on the
manifest for for the band’s debut release “Heirs
+ Grievances”.
An essential question raised in “Why” –
the Annie Lennox song covered here by Allison Crowe
and Band – and via the poetry of Jean Vigo’s 1934
film “L’Atalante” (from which the
accompanying visuals are drawn).
A 13-song video series for Allison and Band's
debut album is now unspooling on facebook (as
a playlist) and on
Vimeo @
https://vimeo.com/album/3932431 as an album
(that's complete when the song “Silence”
posts online Friday, June 3, 2016).
Oceans - Allison Crowe and Band - Heirs + Grievances
“A Mari Usque Ad Mare”. Canada’s motto well
frames the dominion of Allison Crowe – “from sea to
shining sea”. From her birth in the harbour city of
Nanaimo, BC on the Pacific coast to her creative
years at home in Corner Brook, NL on Atlantic
shores there’s a vast expanse of beauty.
Crowe’s approach to music-making, along with
bandmates Céline Greb aka
Lin Lin, Billie Woods,
Sarah White and
Dave Baird – on record and on-stage – is so
true, as well, that in an industry of processed
audio and calculated everything, the sound of
Allison Crowe and Band is refreshingly real as that
of the natural world.
It’s nearing 15 years now that Rubenesque
Records, Allison Crowe’s label, has been taking the
road less-traveled to the creation and
dissemination of music. Over twenty ‘official’ –
studio and live - releases, 150+ song recordings –
singular originals and timeless interpretations,
hundreds of videos, many, many millions of plays,
views and more
by people sharing the feelings – all adding
up to an wholly unique body of work from one of the
all-time great voices in popular music.
There’s much to celebrate in this anniversary
year for Rubenesque. The banner is raised with this
new logo designed for the label by cellist and
graphic artist Céline Greb aka Lin Lin – a member
Allison’s band that carries forward bringing joy,
fun, and meaning to the music.
The tune is penned by Gary O’Driscoll, one of
Canada’s great songwriters – with such other
classics as “Out from St. Leonards” and “The
Men Who Die for a Living” to his credit.
O’Driscoll, born in Bay Bulls, Newfoundland, and
now at home in Ontario, Canada, crests high among
Allison Crowe’s favourite songwriters to cover – as
he brilliantly captures the joys as well as the
heartaches of people.
From the studio disc of the just-released
double-album, “Introducing
/ Heirs + Grievances” Allison and the band
celebrate and embrace home – where e’er your
port'o'call.
With the band’s bassist Dave now driving to Gros
Morne National Park, NL where he’ll be a sea
captain for the Summer, we welcome another sailor
man in this music video. Ever-green Fleischer
Studios characters – Popeye and Olive Oyl – keep
things rolling in this newest addition to the
“Heirs + Grievances” visual album.
It's refreshing - like
lemonade for a nickel a shot.
Arthur - Allison Crowe and Band - Heirs + Grievances
Love, family, age –
elemental themes bond with Arthurian legend in this
song of life's mystery and magic - the second tune,
and video, from "Heirs
+ Grievances", the debut album of Allison
Crowe and Band.
Timeless + Transcendent: Allison Crowe and Band on Tour and Record
Like Bob Dylan at Newport, like Bruce
Springsteen at The Bottom Line, Allison Crowe and
Band electrified musically on tour in Europe this
past month. Here’s the group’s final bow – on stage
in Brussels after the second or third encore of the
night: l – r -
Sarah White (mandolin, guitar, vocals); Céline
Greb aka
Lin Lin (cello, vocals);
Dave Baird (bass); and
Allison Crowe (vocals, piano, guitar, fiddle,
bodhran).
This closing concert of the first leg of of the
“Heirs
+ Grievances”
tour happens in a place where love and life carry
on following recent tragedy. Allison Crowe’s
performance of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” blew
past the soundboard’s limits, allowing artist and
audience to continue a capella while the audio
equipment was reset.
The power of music to transcend was evident
throughout the group’s month-long tour of
Germany, Slovenia, Italy, England and Belgium.
“In the past,” notes Harrison, “Crowe has
devoted herself to trad folk, contemporary
rock, Christmas songs and music of Leonard
Cohen, all of which have merged into these two
discs to create a portrait of an idealist —
with the addition of her between-songs talk on
the live recording revealing a bubbly
personality.”
So excited! My new full band album 'Heirs
and Grievances' is off to the presses
tomorrow! Here's a little sneak peak of what it's
going to look like with the cover art proofs! Art
by Lin Lin - cover photo by Billie Woods. Release
date coming soon, as well as our European tour!
