ACCOLADES
“Across the Sea should be required listening for anyone who thinks they know music. I love it!...among the best I’ve heard this year.
-Tom Saunders, A3Radio.com
“Allison and John are the complete package…skilled musicians, engaging storytellers, and songs ranging from thoughtful to flat out hilarious…our audience loved them.â€
-Andy Baker, Northwind House Concerts
“With six-string bassist and husband John Austin, Downey creates pictures to touch sentimental hearts and life scenes to illustrate hopefulness in the face of gravity... The disc is a representation of real and earnest songwriting with a sense of humor about itself.â€
-Ryan Cunningham, Recoil Magazine
“Downey has a sweet, clear voice and writes melodic, character-driven songs that, on Downey's CD, 'Wind at Your Back,' recall Natalie Merchant's solo records."
-Andrew S. Hughes, South Bend Tribune
“Allison Downey, … the singer with a honey-coated voice is also a playwright and writes songs that appeal to all of the senses. It’s as if she’s creating a scene on stage…â€
-Christian Czerwinski, Lansing NOISE
“Allison can really smoke! Take me back to the late 60's on Highway 61â€
-Eddie Stout, Malaco Records
“Downey's smooth, lyrical, soaring voice is a splendid instrument.â€
-Mark Bretz, KDHX radio, St. Louis
“Allison Downey is one soulful bitch!â€
-Miss Lavelle White, Antone's Records Recording Artist
ALLISON DOWNEY - Biography
Audiences readily connect with Allison’s sense of humor, touching lyrics, and intimate and earnest performing style. With a Masters of Fine Arts in Theatre (now a Western Michigan University professor), Contemporary Folk Singer/Songwriter Allison Downey is a captivating performer and natural storyteller whose songs range from traditional folk to more rhythmically and dynamically complex arrangements. Her material includes whimsical pop songs, rocking love songs, social commentary, and melancholy laments. Often considered “a cross between Natalie Merchant and Judy Collins,†this native Washingtonian (DC) honed her craft in Austin, TX before bringing her style of music to her current home of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Since 2004, Allison has been performing with her partner in music and life, John Austin. Allison’s “Midwestern Urban Folk†originals are complimented by the dynamic grooves of John’s six-string bass. Allison’s newest recording, Across the Sea (2008), produced by Michael Crittenden of Mackinaw Harvest Records features her husband, John, Annie & Rod Capps, and Michael Crittenden & Brian Morrill of “Troll for Trout.†The songs from the new album have already produced accolades for Allison, including the People’s Choice Award for Texas’ 2007 Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival Performing Songwriter Contest. Allison's debut CD, Wind at Your Back (Little Ditty Records, 2002), produced by veteran performers Christine Albert & Chris Gage, has been heard on radio stations around the country. Both CD’s are available at a variety of stores and on her website: www.allisondowney.com
JOHN AUSTIN - Biography
When he is not playing his 6-string electric bass with Allison Downey, John Austin plays in the jam-based jazz-fusion electric trio Jam-Lab (www.jam-lab.com). Jam-Lab plays original music and interpretations of songs by artists including John Scofield, Bela Fleck, Victor Wooten, Sting, The Greyboy Allstars, and others. John attended the highly competitive Victor Wooten’s “Bass & Nature Camp†in 2005. With over 15 years of live music experience playing everything from funk to jazz to heavy rock in various regions across the country John Austin melds together these wide musical influences to form his own unique style that captivates audiences in a wide range of venues.As a songwriter Allison has been nationally recognized: 2007 Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival Performing Songwriter Contest – People's Choice Winner! - for “All that Matters†& “Almost†– Across the Sea
VENUES
The Living Room (NYC)
The ARK (Ann Arbor, MI)
Miller Auditorium (Kalamazoo, MI)
One Trick Pony (Grand Rapids, MI)
Kraftbrau Brewery (Kalamazoo, MI)
Vic's Music Corner Concert Series (MD)
Moore House Music (MD)
The Livery (Benton Harbor, MI)
The Continental Club (Austin, TX)
Flipnotics (Austin, TX)
Liberty Lunch (Austin, TX)
Stubbs (Austin, TX)
Waterloo Ice House (Austin, TX)
Ruta Maya (Austin, TX)
Borders Books & Music
B. Iden Payne Theatre, University of Texas, Austin
Barker Concert Series, TX
International Folk Cultural Center Concert Series (San Antonio, TX)
University of New Mexico Summer Concert Series (as a sponsor of Pimentel & Sons Guitars) (Albuquerque, NM)
Channel 3 News - Grand Rapids, MI
Channel 41 News - Kalamazoo, MI
Fox 7 News - Austin, TX
Austin Music Network live shows - "Breakin' In" & "What's the Cover"
KGNU - Boulder, CO
A3Radio (Ann Arbor, MI)
KOPN - Columbia, MO
KRLC - Salt Lake City, UT
KUT - Austin, TX
KZMU - Moab, UT
WDCB - Glen Ellyn, IL
WDET - Detroit, MI
WEBR - Fairfax, VA
WETA - Washington, DC
WFMT - Chicago, IL
WIUJ - St. Thomas, VI
WMNF - Tampa, FL
WMUK - Kalamazoo, MI
WUWG - Carollton, GA
Eric Taylor
Allen Wayne Damron
Freebo & Photoglo
Terri Hendrix & Lloyd Maines
Jim Lauderdale
Sara Hickman
Dave Halley
Pat MacDonald (Timbuk3)
Suzanne Buirgy
Drew Nelson
Teddy Goldstein
Eleni Kelakos
Amelia K. Spicer
Leanne Atherton
Barbara K
Karen Mal