Photos by Emily Cohen
Words and photos by Emily Cohen
Allison Russell is currently on tour with her band, the Rainbow Coalition, promoting her second studio album, “The Returner,” which was released in September and has already been nominated for four Grammys. On a very chilly evening in Philadelphia, the Canadian singer brought her tour to World Cafe Live. The three members of the Rainbow Coalition, whom Allison fondly refers to as her “chosen sisters,” took the stage first to perform some of their own music. Ganessa James opened the set on guitar, followed by keyboardist Elenna Canlas, and finally, the third member of the band, Yissy Garcia, showcased her impressive percussion skills upon joining the stage. It served as a perfect introduction for the sold-out crowd awaiting Allison Russell.
I recently discovered Allison Russell‘s music for myself. To be honest, when I tuned into NPR’s Fresh Air radio program that day in the car, I didn’t expect to find a new favorite musician. However, as Allison conversed with Terry Gross, the program’s host, and explained how her music served as an escape from her profoundly abusive childhood, I found myself captivated by her sound. The stories she shares in interviews and through her music are profound, yet she crafts and presents them beautifully in songs I can (and do) listen to all day long.
“Under the listening sky, all of us are equal.” Despite Allison Russell openly discussing her horrific childhood in her music and interviews, the multi-talented singer approaches her performances as a place where everyone is equal, emphasizing peace and acceptance above all. Throughout the night, Russell effortlessly transitioned between her clarinet and banjo while delivering her soul-stirring music. The onstage chemistry between Russell and her band was palpable as they came together, flawlessly recreating the music I had fallen in love with through recordings. Elenna Canlas, the band’s keyboardist and music arranger, clearly relished her time onstage, elevating the songs to new heights with her subtle electronic remixes of the tracks. The evening was filled with dance beats, and the audience’s dancing feet happily obliged.
Allison’s first music video off her new album is “Demons.” It’s the directorial debut from her childhood friend and current set designer for Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, Ethan Tobman. Check it out below!
Check out Allison Russell here!
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