Warm, present, and charismatic, these are the characteristics of Allison Crowe’s strong contralto voice. Even when her music is not part of your genre collection, you can’t deny the fact that such a voice has a compelling power. She knows how to use her instrument with the same grace as that of an operatic singer. She dips into her notes, light as a butterfly, and plunges at them with an eagles ferocity. You can’t ignore it.

News of a double release in the same month is a joy to her strong fanbase. It’s also refreshing as I listen to them with a different thought in mind. I was surprised that these tracks have her signature but, somehow, took a distinct bend in terms of arrangements and delivery.
Six More Songs is an EP that is heavily influenced by Blue Grass, Folk, Americana, and Celtic. This is not unexpected considering the kind of artists she worked within this album:
Allison Crowe the leading artist (on vocals, piano, cello, guitar, fiddle, Seaboard and more);
Sarah Melanie White (mandolin, bouzouki, vocals+);
Dave Baird (bass); &
Keelan Purchase (accordion, guitar, harmonica, vocals).
These musicians have their fantastic track record. In terms of their releases and also with the bands they collaborated with. So, this is a stable release with excellent arrangements and lush performance, and even cinematic atmosphere.

Pillars is another album that contains the same lineup of artists. It has the same candor of Six Songs but with a couple of surprises. First of all, I am a Janis Ian fan. Her cover of At Seventeen gave me goosebumps. It is so fitting, considering that she never stayed away from the delivery of the original. She also offered a few surprises on top of her sweet and sonorous voice. Other tracks also stand out with their gifts and appeal. If you like Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, and Judy Collins, then take note. These two releases will sate your longing-if, not for the music, then for Allison Crowe’s voice alone.