Allison Lupton hails from the heart of rural Ontario, Canada where her love for music took root in church choirs and local sessions. From playing for community dances to soloing with orchestras, Allison has found her voice as a singer-songwriter and flutist after more than a quarter century performing in Canada and abroad. Along the way Allison has received accolades from international press as well as her peers at home winning Folk Music Ontario’s “Songs From The Heart” and multiple Canadian Folk Music Award nominations including “Traditional Singer of the Year”.
Allison is now touring her new album “Step Up Molly” with her full 5 piece band and as a trio and quartet. The ensemble features Juno nominee mandolinist Andrew Collins, Canadian and US Grand National fiddle champion Shane Cook, multi-instrumentalist Joseph Phillips , legendary Celtic guitarist Tony McManus and CFMA Solo Instrumental Artist of the Year and Canadian Grand Master Step Dance champion Kyle Waymouth. Live shows confirm the depth of talent in a glorious mix of beautiful story songs, electrifying fiddle tunes and dazzling step dance united by the band’s warm and frequently humourous stage presence. Woven through performances are Allison’s original songs which fit so perfectly into the treasury of folk music that they could easily be mistaken for traditional numbers. Allison and her band carry audiences away to another time then dance them home again.
Reviews
Allison Lupton’s balance of strong composition and sensitive musicality makes her a fine contemporary songwriter and interpreter of the tradition and the works of her fellow songsmiths.
Archie Fisher
On the night Allison played, our audience included people with little prior experience with folk music, along with some very discerning traditionalists. She connected with everyone. Allison’s songs tell stories that are worth remembering, and she does it in a way that is smart and genuine. Pair that with the muscular musicianship of this ensemble and you have a night to remember.
Sarah Craig, Executive Director, Caffé Lena, Saratoga Springs, New York, USA
Allison Lupton is a farmer’s daughter who grew up a stone’s throw from Canada’s premiere Shakespeare Festival. She may have earned a Master’s degree in Music, nominations from the Canadian Folk Music Awards and a songwriting prize from Folk Music Ontario, but she still writes and sings the kinds of tunes that stay with you whether you’re out on the town in your dancing shoes or trudging in the garden in your Wellies.
Tom Allen, Writer, Musician, Broadcaster for CBC Music
We have rarely seen an audience so excited as the crowd for our recent concert with The Allison Lupton Trio. The songs, the singing, the playing, and the step dancing were stunning. Allison’s genuine warmth gave the event the feeling of a gathering of friends in her living room. Our patrons are still telling us how much they enjoyed the show.
Geof and Celene Lyon- Old Sloop Presents, Rockport, Massachusetts, USA
Gallery
photo: Mikayla Alexanderphoto: Jen Squiresphoto: Jen Squiresphoto: Jen Squiresphoto: Jen Squiresphoto: Mikayla Alexanderphoto: Jen Squires
