One day back in 2013, a young woman came into my cafe and asked if she could play the little piano in our store front window. She said she’d been walking by for a while, trying to build up the nerve to ask. I said of course she could.
As she started playing and singing, my jaw dropped. I knew right away that someone special had wandered into my life. The talent just radiated around her and as she finished, I immediately offered her a month-long residency on our tiny stage. From there, an amazing friendship developed.
At D’s Soul Full Cafe (December 1, 2013)
That young woman was Allison Strong, who at the time was on Broadway in ‘Mama Mia’. She had also appeared in ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ and would end the year winning both Outstanding Female Solo and Peoples Choice at the 2013 Hoboken Music Awards.
From Allison’s Instagram (November 2013)
Since that time, Allison has released a number of original recordings, starred in ‘The Week Of’ with Adam Sandler and Chris Rock, guest starred on ‘The Black List’ and ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’, and voiced Mrs. Salinas in the animated feature ‘Leo’. The list goes on. Not to mention her many collaborations with NY/NJ area musicians and songwriters.
This week, she gifted us all with a sweet and powerful reworking of the Backstreet Boys pop classic ‘I Want It That Way’. Now, to be clear, I’d never given much thought to this song. In fact, it’s been little more than background noise to me over the years. However, Allison’s version — with its minimalist orchestration and striking production — turns the tune on its head.
Presented as a ballad, it’s been given a new vulnerability, a new lightness, and at the same time a new strength. The intricate vocal harmonies over sparse guitars are truly moving. As it builds, I completely forget about its pop origins. This is simply how the song was meant to be. Period.
And I’m not just saying that because Allison and I are friends. I just happen to have some exceptionally talented friends. I lucked out in that area. However, even if she and I had never met, I would love this rendition. Check it out for yourself.
More:
AllisonStrong.com
Allison Strong (IMDB)
Allison Strong (Instagram)
Allison Strong (Spotify)
