This Singalong series began with a simple request. Singer Nicole wrote Allison Crowe asking how to get accompaniment for her singing along to Allison’s arrangement of “What Child Is This (Greensleeves)”.
As most everything Allison and the band record is live (in concert) or ‘live-off-the-floor’ (live in a studio) it’s rare that there exists a separate piano or other instrumental track. So, Allison’s recorded this track for Nicole and all of us who love to sing along – and, bringing more joy to the world, she’s recorded piano accompaniment for a sleigh full of songs – traditional tunes to those rockin’ around the Christmas tree.
Allison’s version of “Greensleeves”, a 16th century English melody, is how she plays the song live – it’s more of a fun jazzy time! Join in with lyrics added later – in 1865 by William Chatterton Dix, an insurance company manager whose dire health brought about his spiritual renewal, and “The Manger Throne” poem, from whence originates the words we sing along to+ today.
Allison Crowe’s classic album “Tidings” inspires anew – for fun, now, a series of piano instrumentals celebrating music for the season & all time.
Allison on the ivories, and each voice giving our own breath of life to the song lyrics.
Photo: Billie Woods