Thanks so much for having us on the show, Stephen & Co! Even remotely it's a dream come true 🙏🏾🌈 Larissa Maestro on cello & harmony vocals, Mahra Hem on vocals, Dan Knobler on electric guitar, Drew Lindsay on keys, Chris Merrill on bass, Jamie Dick on drums, me on lead vocals & clarinet. Audio recorded by Rachael Moore at Oceanway Studio in Nashville. Video captured by Cody Duncum. Persephone (from my debut solo album #outsidechild ) An homage to my first love. We were just kids, 15 years old. Her loving kindness saved my sanity and my life on bitter winter nights when I was homeless and hanging on by a whisper. Her dark basement was a refuge and an oasis. - A Blood on my shirt, two ripped buttons Might’ve killed me that time oh if I’d let him He’s slow when he’s drunk and he lost his grip on me Now I’m running down la rue St. Paul Trying to get out from the weight of it all Can’t flag a cop ‘cause I know he won’t stop… I go see Persephone Tap tap tappin’ on your window screen Gotta let me in Persephone Got nowhere to go but I had to get away from him My petals are bruised but I’m still a flower Come runnin to you in the violet hour Put your skinny arms around me, let me taste your skin Mouth to mouth, mouth to flower Salty sweet you give me power I feel you shake under my lips Your fingers tender find my secrets Don’t make a sound, don’t cry out love Your parents are sleeping just above I kiss you once, I kiss you twice Fall asleep looking in each other’s eyes Tap tap tappin’ on your window screen Gotta let me in Persephone Got nowhere to go but I had to get away from him My petals are bruised but I’m still a flower Come runnin to you in the violet hour Put your skinny arms around me, let me taste your skin Light on your shoulder, light on your cheek Light telling me it’s time to leave The birds are calling to the morning Your parents’ feet above us stirring Kiss your belly before I go Climb back outta your basement window Back to the cold’s bite, back to the hard life Back to the harsh bright street Tap tap tappin’ on your window screen Gotta let me in Persephone Got nowhere to go but I had to get away from him My petals are bruised but I’m still a flower Come runnin to you in the violet hour Put your skinny arms around me, let me taste your skin

@geoffoconnor3487

2 жыл бұрын

Congratulations from Australia on your faultless performance, Alison. It is a rare pleasure nowadays to not only get fine singing, clear diction and a tasteful arrangement, but unpretentious, articulate lyrics.

@itsonlysound

2 жыл бұрын

First introduction to your music but I'll definitely be checking out the album. Beautiful performance

@dorothymartino3221

2 жыл бұрын

Love it - thank you

@BlindMeadows

2 жыл бұрын

Amazing!

@JootjeJ

2 жыл бұрын

I don't know how many times I have played this today. That was a brilliant debut! I'll definitely start listening to more of your music.

"My pedals are bruised, but I'm still a flower' What an incredible song and performance. More people need to hear her.

@Robil63

2 жыл бұрын

You ride your bike too hard

@melanies.6030

2 жыл бұрын

@@Robil63 Is that a command or a question?

@robertdegiro

2 жыл бұрын

first time i heard it was on the radio i was bussy but could catch the beauty of it inmediately ,the first thing i did when i finished working was digging on google with the only word i remembered persephone i spent time and time again listening to the song then i passed it to my dad to my sister is a very special song

First time I've heard this singer--what a voice! That was quite a performance.

OMG, stop everything. What a touching song. What a compelling performance. What a singer, what a writer, what a band, what a recording.

She’s brilliant.

@anteandrovic

Жыл бұрын

where has she been all my life ?

I'd never heard of her or heard her before, but that's a deficit I plan to correct. What a lovely voice. Hope next time she can be in the same studio as SC, JB/Stay Human, and the live audience, because that added presence, of artists and audience, who recognize and show respect to others' talents, adds to the magic power.

@jwbrook

2 жыл бұрын

Her album is absolutely amazing. I urge you to check it out. Also check out her current band, Birds of Chicago, and her previous band Po Girl. She’s amazing.

@rmatson

Жыл бұрын

Exactly. So much going on here. A beautiful performance.

Those lyrics man! I'm blown away!

@macareuxmoine

2 жыл бұрын

My petals are bruised but I’m still a flower 🥰

@anteandrovic

Жыл бұрын

...just GOLD

Also check out Allison‘s previous work with Birds of Chicago (a great band who I miss).

@WaltonBurns

2 жыл бұрын

And Po' Girls. And Our Native Daughters. Everything she is involved in is amazing!

@Hodag71

2 жыл бұрын

Here's a "Birds of Chicago" oldie but goodie. kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZYKCt9ZvZ9rSZrQ.html

How is it possible that Ihad never heard of Allison Russell until today. Persephone had me instantly choked up. I am full of gratitude for these stunning lyrics full of hope and raw honesty, beautiful harmonies, and an arrangement that is second to none. And I am moved when I think of a person very close to me who experienced much the same as a child so many decades ago. Thank you, Allison, from the bottom of my heart.

I have to seek more of this singer, Allison Russell.

@Hodag71

2 жыл бұрын

Here's one you will like. kzread.info/dash/bejne/Y356zKlukZi7hrQ.html

Glad I decided to listened to this. Very very nice indeed.

I am sooo eternally grateful to be introduced to you via Rhiannon Giddens! Every moment of Outside Child is amazing, and Persephone is my favorite song among an incredibly strong group of songs.

I actually share great great grandparents with her. Unlikely to ever meet her but very proud of her all the same.

@AllisonRussell

2 жыл бұрын

I hope we get to meet one day, cousin.

The lyrics and vocals are magic. 🥰

This is an AMAZING singer and a BRILLIANT song.

Wow - just saw her at the vancouver folk fest. this song brings me to tears.

Clarinet! ♥️🎶♥️🥂🖖🏾

Wow what a treasure! Thanks for the morning smile.

GOD DAMN

Congratulations on a wonderful Colbert Show debut Allison!

I also never heard Allison Russell before . She has a beautiful voice her song Persephone touched me personally.

Wow What a great talent! I’ve been following her for years and I’m so happy that she’s finally breaking through. She is one who totally deserves everything good. One of the most loving kind beautiful women I’ve ever known. A killer singer and a very meaningful songs.

Multi talented. Can understand her words when she sings.

Wow! She’s fabulous ❣️ I’m definitely going to buy her music. Beautiful voice, excellent control and a well written song.

This song lifted me. I have to hear more from her.

This is one of those perfect songs you only get every few years.

Adore AR. Glad your guests are staying safe in this pandemic surge.

Just heard this for the first time when she opened for Jason Isbell night before last in Sydney. Instantly impressive, and what a song and story. She and her band crushed it, and these lyrics can hang with Jason no question. Crowd loved it, and I'm delighted to find this performance to relive. (Kinda funny to think about because I first discovered Jason Isbell when he performed 'If We Were Vampires' on the Daily Show. Great that these late night hosts are still bringing a spotlight to incredible artists, and we then have the opportunity to go support them live.)

thank you. I'm a new fan of Allison. absolutely beautiful!

This is the most beautiful voice…. I can’t even…

Perfection at every level..God bless you AR

this music really reaches out to everyone , this powerful intonation resonates with those who have suffered this abuse , and those to that havent, thankyou. Its ironic that such beauty arises from suffering, .. the story of humanity in 1 song.... :)

I watch Colbert every night, and I’m also a fan of Allison Russell. How did I miss this performance?

So good to see Allison on TV! Been following her since the Po Girl days.

Awesome song!

Country clarinet!!

That’s a nice song. Kinda makes the world not suck for a few moments.

@framesgone3671

2 жыл бұрын

Well said..

She will go very far with such an emotional voice !

What a breath of fresh air to have truly poetic lyrics. Add that to a wonderful voice and, wow, what a performance!

Added this to my Playlist...this married Granny wept at her lyrics...solidarity to all looking to belong in our society. Positive vibes from New Hampshire, remember to be kind to each other and yourself during these trying times.

I have heard many great things about Allison! Nice!

Very nice. Big thanks to Stephen Fearing of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings for including the link to this. I might have missed it otherwise.

Favorite musical guest on Colbert!

I think i first ´found´ Carolina Chocolate drops, Rhiannon Giddens, Our Native Daughters, and then ... Allison Russell. She´s performing in Paradiso, Amsterdam later this year. Looking forward to see and hear her live.

I love her voice! 😍

Absolutely magnificent

Thank You I think of my granddaughter when you sing this song.

marvelous!!!- TY

My wife and I saw you last night at the God's Love/Love Rocks NYC event. You were are favorite!

Awesome artist! Going to check out more from her!

Love that she did this powerful tune in a church, it appears.

@ronkopald

2 жыл бұрын

Ocean Way Nashville Studio A

@WaltonBurns

2 жыл бұрын

@@ronkopald Well, a boy can dream. Now I know where I'm recording when I get my big break and appear on Colbert too 😂

Wow, wow, wow. Beautiful voice, incredible lyrics. So well done.

Stunning!

Wonderful singer! All round talent for sure.

Love her. I got a Jewel or Indigo Girls vibe and just a touch of Kim Carnes.

Beautiful and heartbreaking

Beautiful

This song! WOW!!!

Wow. Thank you. -C

Wondering if singing these songs on tour was cathartic or traumatic. A mix of both, I suspect. What a magnificent and brave piece of work.

::: Goosebumps :::

Mesmerizing!

Love her

Wow, beautiful voice 😍 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

Love this!!

Beautiful artist! She reminds me of Joanie Mitchell. 💖

Wow.

Wow!

wow!

Astounding! Thank you .

Beautiful! I was born in St. Paul. 💗

AMAZING PERSON. OVERCOMES ALL OF HER EARLY LIFE. AMAZING. BRILLIANT.

@davidbaxter4910

10 ай бұрын

ABSOLUTELMENT.

@davidbaxter4910

10 ай бұрын

Yep.

🐦🎼Thank you✨

Allison Russell is good, I've heard her before !

Great performance. Listen to her in Birds Of Chicago. You won't be disappointed.

🥰

That was very nice :D

Such a sweet melody. . lyrics tell a twisted story of bittersweet abuse. . . pretty, twisted.

✨🌹✨🌹✨🌹✨❤️

I see they corrected a couple audio glitches at around 2:17 which were on the broadcast version, but there are still a couple that show up at 3:25 and the following few seconds. I noticed similar audio glitches on a Kellyoke the other day on NBC. I very rarely never see these in broadcasts.

She reminds me of Joni Mitchell.

@susancameron6067

2 жыл бұрын

Another great Canadian artist! Alli is amazing.

@BlueSky-kt1ps

2 жыл бұрын

YES! She does.

@hmtostevin

2 жыл бұрын

@@susancameron6067 I loved her music when she was in Po Girl as well, Allison is such a talented singer song writer.

@AllisonRussell

2 жыл бұрын

I am honoured beyond measure that you think so... Joni Mitchell is foundational, formative, influential for so many writers. She certainly is for me. Some of my earliest memories are of my Mom ( from Saskatchewan just like Joni) playing Joni records - Ladies of the Canyon and Clouds- on repeat and us singing along together 🙏🏾🌹

@susancameron6067

2 жыл бұрын

@@hmtostevin I’ve listened to her since Po’ Girl as well.

niiiiiice eargasm

She commented that despite she is married and in love with her husband, she identifies as queer. This song was written about her first love, which she had with a girl.....

Love this performance. You are terrific! Any chance you can tell us what mic that is? 🙂

@AllisonRussell

2 жыл бұрын

It was an AEA KU4 run through an old Telefunken tube preamp ✨

@HomebrewAudioRecording

2 жыл бұрын

@@AllisonRussell Wow! Thank you so much for the reply!

Great performance! Anybody happen to get the mics they were using? None of them looked familiar to me.

Way to calm my nerves from the first word!

SIX!!!

Tragically sad but somehow erotic, I didn't know whether to cry or be aroused. A beautiful song, voice and Artist.

Singing about lesbian love!! ❤❤♀️♀️❤❤

bob dylan, bruce springsteen , take a bow for Allison Russel

"Fall asleep looking into each other's eyes" has me imagining two military freaks snoring loudly with their eyes wide open. XD

I hope her stepdad gets what he deserves.

First

I think she just made me a lesbian.

vox are so dry! why y'all do Allison like that?

Fun fact: ”Perse” means ”ass” in finnish.

Terrible

@tammystockley-loughlin7680

Жыл бұрын

Does this make you uncomfortable??? That says something about you.

least interesting clarinet solo ever.

@AllisonRussell

2 жыл бұрын

You crack me up. Peace be with you, brother.

Thanks, but certainly not my cup of tea. You enjoy.

Nominating people nobody has ever heard of. That’s why awards shows are dead.