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Kathleen Coffee is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Athens, West Virginia. Her self-titled debut features Appalachian-inspired political folk and melodic pop. Her compositions and playing style are similar to Ani Difranco or Anaïs Mitchell, but the pure emotion that can often be heard in her voice more often reminds me of Allison Crowe. In addition to singing and writing songs, Kathleen plays guitar, piano, banjo, harmonica, violin, and mandolin. As if that weren’t enough to keep her busy, she will soon spend twenty-seven months as a Peace Corps volunteer.

Billy was a bad man in the war
he killed more babies than a mothering whore
his hands were bullets, he had bombs for his feet
…if justice is an act of God what are we fighting for?

The stunning anti-war song “Justice?” is the kind of tune that garners Coffee comparisons to Difranco, while the gentler yet still fiery spirit of “I Call It Pride” is what brings Crowe to my mind. “This Land Is God’s Land” is a sort of tribute to Woody Guthrie, and “Ancestors” is simply beautiful.

Whether the songs are soft or angry, it’s the passionate use of Kathleen’s dulcet voice that carries them all.

Kathleen Coffee MySpace

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Allison Crowe was kind enough to spare some time from her busy tour schedule to answer some questions regarding her career, interests, and her latest release Little Light. You can read my review of the CD here and the email interview with Allison is below.

What is the first song you remember singing?

The first song that I can remember singing was either Fading Like a Flower by Roxette, or, A Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid.Both of these would have been to myself, or in my parents’ car.

Tell us about your new album, Little Light. Any specific song inspirations or other back stories that you’d like to share (from this CD or any previous release)? In particular, what fueled the lyrics of “Disease”?

Disease was fueled by my own experience with eating disorders and feeling the pressure to be “perfect” in some sort of bizarre societal standard. The song used to sound a lot different, too! The way I play it now was fuelled by some irritation at one of the shows I did a few tours ago, and it really worked out, so that’s how you hear it today! hehe

Was there a particular direction or style you were aiming for with this album and if so, do you feel that you achieved it?

I dont think there was a particular style or anything for this album in mind that I was shooting for before I got going with it, but in the end, it made a nice mix of new songs, slightly older songs, and live tracks along with the rest of the album. I knew that I wanted to put a collection of songs together and was trying to think of how to do that when I realized that the songs were already there! )

What is the songwriting process like for you? Do the lyrics and music come to your separately or as a whole? Do you tool with songs over time or feel you shouldn’t mess with your initial inspiration?

The songwriting process for me is ever-changing. Sometimes I have words that I want to put to music, sometimes I have melodies that I want to add words to, sometimes I have a bit of both that I put together and then change accordingly, or not. And sometimes I write something and come back to it much later to finish. I guess it just goes differently each time! There’s no constant element apart from inspiration -whenever it comes.

Are your songs mostly fictional or autobiographical?

I’d say they’re mostly autobiographical, a bit non-fiction, and occasionally a bit of fiction, and maybe a bit of documentary hehe

What is your favourite song that you have written?

Hmmm… hard to say. I dont really think of my own songs in those terms! Lately I am enjoying playing a song called “Happy People”. “Disease” is a lot of fun to play for the piano part, for sure.. My song choice is another thing that is ever-changing it seems!

Who were your musical inspirations, and how have their influenced you as a singer and musician?

Pearl Jam, Counting Crows, Ani DiFranco, Tori Amos, all sorts of Jazz including Chet Baker and Nina Simone, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, my family (extended and immediate), Beethoven, my teachers, more recently Edith Piaf… they’ve each influenced and inspired me in some way

You are probably best known for your cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”. Have you received feedback from any of the artists whose songs you’ve covered?

I haven’t had direct artist feedback so far on any of the covers, but that would definitely be cool! Matt Good’s Mom I believe liked my cover of Running For Home.. let me double check that one with Adrian!

From Allison’s manager, Adrian: “Matthew Good’s Mom had some very kind words of appreciation: ‘What a beautiful voice..Allison brings a refreshing interpretation of one of my favorite songs, made my heart ache.’ And, there has been word from folks who work with the artists being covered. We did hear from Leonard Cohen’s manager – when Allison first released her Tidings recording. Alley’s cover had found its way back to Leonard Cohen’s circle via a Finnish based website that is really the best resource online for all things LC. It was really wonderful and inspiring at the time, as his “people” stepped in to make it possible for Allison to perform “Hallelujah” live for a tv special – that, actually, begat the Tidings DVD. (Now, sadly, since those days, we’ve learned of mismanagement and malfeasance in that same camp – which has resulted in losses to Mr. Cohen in the millions of dollars.) The Canadian agent/booker for Pearl Jam has also let his feelings be known to Allison about how he hears her and EV as coming from the same place. Such words are deeply appreciated. Counting Crows management at one point also let me know they dig Allison’s covers – but, no Adam Duritz or other artist direct email yet…”

(back to Allison…)

What song would you love to cover that you haven’t already?

There are so many songs it’s hard to pick just one! There’s a really cool new song by Counting Crows called le Ballet d’or… Milord by Edith Piaf!

What is your favorite song of all time?

I can’t really pick one song, there are so many for so many different reasons!, but one of my favourite albums at this moment (and maybe because I saw his solo concert, too, recently) is the Into the Wild soundtrack by Eddie Vedder.

From Allison’s manager: “There’s also some songs Allison has identified in the past as being favourites in specific genres or sounds/styles – in the classic rock vein, she tapped “The Ocean” by Led Zeppelin, “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Piece of My Heart”, Janis Joplin, “The Weight” by The Band, and “All Along the Watchtower” – the Jimi Hendrix version. When it comes to jazz, she’s no narrower than picking albums – topped by “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)” by Aretha Franklin, several albums by Chet Baker, and others that include Nina Simone’s take on “My Baby Just Cares for Me” and Gabrielle Goodman’s “In Love in Vain”.”

(back to Allison…)

When performing in front of an audience, do you feel more comfortable performing covers or your own songs?

I think this depends on the audience… sometimes people prefer covers, sometimes originals, sometimes both! Personally I like to perform ANYTHING.

You successfully tackled Aretha’s “I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)” on This Little Bird. Any chance you’ll delve into more soul, blues and R&B music in the future? What other styles or genres would you like to explore?

I would definitely love to do some more soul or blues! Maybe a bit of jazz in the future, too. Last night, in Vienna, I sang God Bless the Child with a jazz band. I really love bluegrass but have never tried it.

What current singers and bands do you like, and who would you like to collaborate or duet with?

Eddie Vedder, Glen Hansard, Tori Amos, Ani DiFranco (some repeats here!), Ray Lamontagne, Ryan Adams, the Scissor Sisters, Counting Crows… the list goes on, and is pretty random! I’d love to duet with Eddie Vedder. He’s about to be in the next question.

Who performed at the first concert you attended, and what was your best concert experience?

My FIRST first concert I believe was Ray Charles in Nanaimo, B.C. at the Civic Arena and my favourite concert so far was sitting up front at Eddie Vedder’s solo show (the tour launch in Vancouver last month). Have I mentioned Eddie Vedder? hehe

What is your favourite book? Film? Television show? Work of art? Website?

I love the Avalon series of books by Marion Zimmer Bradley. I love movies based on comic books, one of my favourite recent-ish movies though was the Painted Veil. I love ALL the Lord of the Rings movies and have watched them in regular and extended versions too many times. My favourite tv shows are 24 and CSI (the original CSI!). I love the print/lithograph Tourneé du Chat Noir. My favourite website changes pretty regularly! MySpace is fun, of course!

The plethora of mp3s available for download on your own site seems to indicate that you are a supporter of file sharing. Do you think artists and/or labels should have a say in where their songs are posted online, or do you think all music should be public domain?

I think artists should have a say in EVERYTHING that they do, personally. If they want their songs online as MP3s, I say they should be allowed to have them up, and if they don’t, then vice versa. I support my own being out there for sure, because it helps get the music into the world!

After so many years of releasing music through your own independent label, would you consider signing with a major label now if you were offered a recording contract?

I’ve had a few different offers and experiences, and independent is the way I choose to go because of the freedom it offers in so many ways. It’s a lot of hard work but at the end of the day, what I choose to do is what I choose to do. If some sort of opportunity that made a perfect fit for what I wanted to do came along with another label then that would be one thing, but until or unless that time comes, I remain as I am! )

Do you have any plans to sign other artists to Rubenesque Records?

Not as of yet! ) But again, these things can always happen.

Did you always want to be a musician or did you have another career in mind? Do you have any other hobbies or talents you’d like to share?

I love being on stage in general so I always wanted to either be in music, in theater, or in musical theater. Not very broad I suppose, but I knew what I wanted to do! When I was very little I thought I might want to be a dentist or a vet, though, I would have probably annoyed people by constantly singing at the offices soooo this was probably the best choice.

What is one thing you would like people to know about you as a person? As a musician?

I guess that I’m just a person, really! I still get nervous around people I look up to, and I can be really REALLY akward, and then I act out, often loudly. And that’s how I ended up doing what I do.

What was the weirdest or funniest experience you’ve had on tour?

This one question could fill up an entire novel. The craziest time was on my first national tour and sharing a motorhome with 8 people in the middle of summer. Hilarity essentially ensued as we trucked it all the way across Canada and back from Vancouver Island, and there was actually suprisingly little cabin fever! At one point, though, a tire blew and ruptured something in the plumbing… a couple days later we all felt very ill and eventually realized that the sewage and air-conditioning lines had crossed. And in the 40 degree heat the waste in the tank had converted in to something of methane gas. Good times.

What are your plans for the future?

To keep playing music! And, clearly, to sing with Eddie Vedder. ) LOL Oh you mean real plans… well, to keep playing music everywhere that I can!

Little Light Review
Allison Crowe Official Site

I’ve been a fan of Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan since long before her Lilith Fair days, stumbling upon her second album Solace in the early 1990s and shortly after devouring 1993’s Fumbling Towards Ecstasy. Though her recent releases haven’t captivated me so intensely, my fondness for her elegant voice hasn’t diminished over the years. Sarah released the first volume of Rarities, B-Sides & Other Stuff in 1996, and now gives us this second collection of soundtrack work, previously unreleased as well as live tracks, and collaborations with guests Cyndi Lauper, Bryan Adams, DMC, Emmylou Harris, The Perishers, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, DJ Tiësto, and Delerium.

The album opens with “Ordinary Miracle”, culled from the Charlotte’s Web soundtrack. Though I prefer Fisher’s cover, McLachlan’s version is also lovely. Cyndi Lauper then joins McLachlan on the pretty acoustic duet of “Time After Time” that they recorded for Lauper’s The Body Acoustic.

Though I personally think that Holly Cole recorded the definitive cover of Joni Mitchell’s “River” on her 1997 album Dear Dark Heart, McLachlan successfully captures the soft melancholy of the original. Allison Crowe’s interpretation is good, too.

Bryan Adams guests on the Gretchen Peters tune “Don’t Let Go”, Emmylou Harris sings on the Lilith Fair edition of “Angel”, and The Perishers appear on the live recording “Pills”. The disc also includes McLachlan’s plucky rendition of The Beatles’ “Blackbird” from the I Am Sam soundtrack, the sweet “When She Loved Me” from Toy Story 2, and “The Rainbow Connection” from For The Kids.

I favor the original version of Delerium’s “Silence” from the Brokedown Palace soundtrack over this “In Search Of Sunrise” remix by DJ Tiësto. But I rarely like remixes. Also present are Sarah’s covers of the traditional “Prayer of St. Francis” and “Unchained Melody”.

Far more interesting than any of the above are Sarah’s a cappella cover of Paul Simon’s “Homeless” with Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the marvelously bizarre transformation of Harry Chapin’s “Cat’s In The Cradle” into the rap-rock song “Just Like Me” with rapper DMC.

I was not granted permission to share an mp3, but you can hear samples at the links below.

Sarah McLachlan Official Site

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Allison Crowe’s new album Little Light will be released on May 2nd. I posted a song from the new album last week and just received my advance of the CD. Though in some ways the new album plays like a sequel to This Little Bird, the inclusion of live recordings and the general organic style are closer to her awesome Live At Wood Hall collection. However, the earnest howls of the past often take a backseat in this song cycle to a more somber maturity in the vein of Joni Mitchell. If this change in style is a portent of things to come, I’ll miss hearing Allison’s unearthly keens rip their way out of her throat… though I understand that’s the price that sometimes must be paid for a songwriter’s talent to grow.

Little Light opens with “Northern Lights”, a gentle acoustic ballad that I posted last July from Allison’s performance at the John Lennon Northern Lights Festival in Durness, Scotland. Though I must say I love when Allison belts out the big notes, there’s a quiet beauty about the tune that better serves the emotion of the lyrics. And Crowe does let out one wail toward the end of the song.

“Angels” and the cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” were recorded live in Canada in 2006. She also tackles Matthew Good’s “Running for Home” and Phil Ochs’ “When I’m Gone”, replacing the dry wistfulness of the better known Ani Difranco rendition with her signature bleeding heart interpretation. I believe that Allison Crowe is the only living person – with the possible exception of Glen Hansard – that can pour their whole being into any cover and make it sound like an entirely new song.

The fervent, mesmeric, piano hammering extended version of “Disease” – originally featured on Live At Wood Hall – is a live recording from last year. “Happy People” begins with some wry humor, but eventually the song becomes possessed as Allison’s heartfelt cries mix with a backing choir of voices. As I told her manager when I first heard “Hold Back”, I would chew my arm off to sing like Allison. Though I guess that would make it difficult to shred a piano like she does, which seems to be half the fun.

Allison Crowe – Northern Lights (mp3)
Allison Crowe – Disease (mp3)
Allison Crowe – Hold Back (mp3)

Allison Crowe Official Site

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Allison Crowe CD Contest

Another favorite artist of mine will release a new album next month. Allison Crowe’s Little Light is tentatively set for release in May, and following is a song from the new CD. I’ll hold my comments for the full album review, but as always I’m in total awe of Allison’s voice…

Allison Crowe – Hold Back (mp3)

I think I’ve written enough about Allison Crowe by now that my excitement over a new song will come as no surprise. “Northern Lights” is as beautiful and melodic as Allison’s other tunes and seems to have been inspired by the John Lennon Northern Lights Festival, which she will be performing at in September.

Allison Crowe – Northern Lights (mp3)