“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.”

-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.”

-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…”

-Christian Czerwinski, Lansing NOISE

“Allison can really smoke! Take me back to the late 60's on Highway 61”

-Eddie Stout, Malaco Records

“Downey's smooth, lyrical, soaring voice is a splendid instrument.”

-Mark Bretz, KDHX radio, St. Louis

“Allison Downey is one soulful bitch!”

-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.