I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)
This funkily lo-fi recording is from a concert just before Christmas. Allison Crowe performs "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)" - a song written in the 1960s by Ronnie Shannon, and which was a break-through hit for Aretha Franklin in '67.
Bob Muller, curator of cover songs at JoniMitchell.com says: "it takes a lot of self-confidence to tackle Aretha's version of "I Never Loved a Man..." but Allison does and nails it just as good as the Queen of Soul herself. Her piano playing is equally exquisite. Treat yourself to one of the mightiest talents on the singer-songwriter scene today."
"Allison, whose covers include not only outstanding versions of Joni Mitchell's 'River' and 'A Case of You,' Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah,' 'The Beatles' 'In My Life' and 'Let It Be,' Lennon's 'Imagine,' and Cyndi Lauper's 'Time After Time,' but also the most provocative and seductive (forgive me, Aretha) take I've heard on Ronnie Shannon's 'I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)." ~ Allan Showalter, 1 Heck of a Guy blog
"Her version of "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)" would give Aretha Franklin goose-bumps." ~ Robert Moyes, Boulevard
Also on YouTube is a single, first-take, recording of this song that Allison recorded in a log home in Canada - for her "This Little Bird" CD album.
http://music.allisoncrowe.com/track/i-never-loved-a-man-the-way-i-love-you
Cheers to Del and Scott for capturing this happening. Warmest thanks to web creator extraordinaire Cylune for enabling this video to be enjoyed as it is :)