Allison Crowe
This Little Bird
Sambuca Music

Allison Crowe's previous records have all been good, but This Little Bird is her most defining moment yet. The strong-voiced singer has rarely penned better songs or chosen better covers.

Opener "Effortless" sees her and her piano dominate, a slow-burning but powerful statement being made. The version of fellow countrywoman Joni Mitchell's "A Case of You" burn with a steady flame. Crowe gets to the heart of the mystical, intoxicating song. "You're In My Blood Like Holy Wine" has rarely been a line better delivered. "Alive and Breathing" has one of her best melodies and a is a breezy but focused song. She even gets away with covering Aretha Franklin's "I Never Loved a Man (The Way That I Love You)" in a soulful way.

Crowe's focused and her art's never been better. This little bird is airborne.

Copyright © 2006 Anna Maria Stjärnell