Shawn Colvin - Shotgun Down The Avalanche (with Alison Krauss)

[@bobwarren3898]

I want to say this in the best way possible. Shawn's voice could cut glass. It is so pure and controlled and is one of the best talents there is in the industry. She has proved repeatedly she does not need a tight, low cut leather costume to get an audience and she is among the top talented acoustic performers in the world.

[@willritter4076]

Bob Warren no words were wasted there, sir!... I'd be honored if some Shawn Colvin fans would take a listen to my live keyboard & vocal performance of THE HEART OF SATURDAY NIGHT, which was inspired by her brilliant interpretation of the song, on my YT channel. Live acoustic with no digital editing. Thanks and peace.

[@31Alden]

Bob Warren Beautifully stated, Bob Warren.

[@miguelmarquez4192]

I love that she flies under the radar as a writer guitarist and singer. More for me. But she does deserve huge recognition as most people's right hand in the industry isnt as skilled as hers.

[@craigpropst76]

It's about talent.

[@lindawarner4715]

Well said!!!

[@patrickhenrypdx5355]

I've watched this a hundred times and I've cried a hundred times.

[@suzannelawson9215]

I remember where I was exactly when I first heard this song by Shawn Colvin. I had just gotten off a city bus in a shopping area. There was a luggage/purse and accessories store near the bus stop. I had never been in this particular shop before. So while I was in there, maybe about 5 minutes, this song came on the radio on the speakers in the store. I'm hearing this song for the first time, didn't know who Shawn Colvin was, but I was IMMEDIATELY blown away by this song and just stood there listening and listening. I waited until the song was over to see if the DJ would announce the artist's name and song. He did....and that was a moment I still remember to this day when in 1990, when I was in that luggage shop and how I came to hear this beautiful heartfelt song by Shawn Colvin.

[@troyschneck4934]

I discovered Shawn in 1990, while I was a Sales Manager at a department store. Several of her early songs, including "Steady On" were on one of the Muzak tapes that the store played over the PA system. I instantly fell in love with her voice, & have been a huge fan ever since. I have seen her perform live twice, including once, in 1998, when she was about nine months pregnant. 🤣She is great live!

[@heaven-is-real]

it stops you in your tracks it hits hard

[@johnthorne4093]

Nice story; thank you.

[@michaelrchan]

My goodness, Shawn Colvin and Alison Krauss. This is a blessing.

[@jmrivera5390]

Takes my breath away...

[@rodneycaupp5962]

I've ridden Shotgun down the slopes.., but never into an Avalanche. This certainly captures the integrity of this Mountain of New Fallen Snow... I fall "into the Void " when these two skiers sing this tragedy so powerfully... with two of the most perfect voices anywhere. They could cut diamonds

[@schwartzenheimer1]

Two of the best vocalists and musicians ever...Alison's fiddling brings goosebumps every time, and Shawn's music and lyrics are breathtaking. Thank you for this video...

[@elvisandmick]

The most amazing song ever posted to KZbin. Shawn Colvin is great, and these lyrics are fantastic. I love watching her shift gears at the beginning of this video from smiling and acknowledging the crowd to getting her head into the seriousness of the song. But for me, this song is not only about Shawn Colvin; my all-time favorite artist is Alison Krauss. Twenty-seven Grammys (#3 most-awarded). First recording contract at 14 years old. Now better known for her lead singing, she was a fiddler first. Her sympathy and support of Shawn Colvin on this tune is incomparable. Her backing vocal never tries to take the spotlight, and her fiddle repeats the song's verse so well you can hear the words coming from her strings. 💖

[@jeannehagan7333]

Excellent summation...especially noticing how Alison never overpowers Shawn lyrically. Truly talented and beautiful artists

[@swellcat66]

"Her fiddle repeats the song's verse so well you can hear the words coming from her strings." Lyrical playing. That's a fine, fine compliment, I feel.

[@corky246]

This was at a taping of Austin City Limits, the iconic PBS program. I was fortunate enough to be in the audience of a mere 450 people. I still remember the goosebumps i got from this song.

[@elvisandmick]

💖💖💖

[@bg-id1uo]

❤❤❤

[@ddschaller]

I understand the lyrics completely. Being in a tumultuous relationship, after hitting the reset button again and again (after countless appeals), is difficult and it seems that we keep finding ourselves in the same place. Shawn is singing my life ...

[@lekkki1]

this song and the staggering talent of these two women speaks to my heart in a big way. All of us people who have hearts have ridden shotgun down the avalanche. Train-wreck of a ride, with a disaster waiting at the end. Usually we have no one to blame but ourselves because we ignored the truth.

[@CatherineSTodd]

+lekkki1 : Or we didn't know how to recognize the truth, until it was too late.

[@markbrownner6565]

@@CatherineSTodd amen to that...the clarity of hindsight...

[@garygray7590]

Beautiful singer! Shawn Colvin you are marvellous & gorgeous! from Gary Gray up here in Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦

[@jameslong2094]

One of my favorite Shawn Colvin songs already.....but throw in Alison Krauss and it's top of the world! Wonderful job!

[@dennyshonda]

O' yes.

[@scottmurphy650]

This is probably Shawn's best and introspective song. Wonderful work by a master singer and songwriter.

[@brianmcfarland8002]

Her and Allison are so great together!!!

[@KathleenGordonmiddletini]

I love this so much. This song has traveled with me through at least 30 years, and I understand it better and better over time.

[@robingruling5560]

I bought this CD when it first came out, as so many others have said, for “Steady On.” I remember my husband and I were taking three teenaged boys up to college. They had been talking non-stop in the backseat until this song came on. The car went completely quiet for the duration of the song and when it was over, they all wanted to know who the artist was. Good music is transcendent and the effect it has on people is palpable. I’ve been fortunate to see Shawn in concert several times over the years and she only gets better. Add Alison Krauss to the mix and you have two of the purest voices out there today. Thank you for posting this video.

[@annemooney9001]

i recall buying the cd, steady on in a recrod store ( remember those?) in 93' or so. i know a bit late. i heard this song and i was floored. absolutely. to this day, this and many of shawn's songs evoke emotions in me that are impossible to articulate. as evryone before me has already said, "simply beautiful, truly sublime." and shawn is sooo very underrated as a guitar player. and then alison....but this would get way too long. tears in my eyes, right now. and i'm not even sure why.

[@Iamranwulf]

Everything you just said, pretty much - me too.

[@kennymaclean2826]

Absolute perfection ! They compliment each other so well. I've been musician for 55 years, played everything from rock to country, but I would die for just 0.1% of the talent these two wonderful ladies have ! (Note to self - Keep practising !!!)

[@patrickhenrypdx5355]

"Shotgun Down The Avalanche" ... Austin City Limits ... Shawn & Alison Krauss. The most powerful beautiful soul-wrenching thing I've ever seen. Shawn is absolutely brilliant and Alison supports her like no other could. A magic, brilliant, crushing song. If I were granted only one wish, I might well spend it on going back in time to Austin to live those five minutes watching the two of them.

[@kellywalker8407]

This song brings tears to my eyes. I lost a good friend to an avalanche. East riverside slide. Red Mt pass, Colorado. Rest in peace, Eddie Imel

[@BeautifuLakesStreamsBiologists]

I realize the metaphor this song is, but it has another meaning to me. When it first came out, I was a professional ski patroller. To me the title was about the Grim Reaper that quietly sat on our shoulders in the mountains just waiting for a mistake. . This song may have saved more than one ski patroller or back country skier's life as it is a constant reminder of the deadly danger of snow. It hits particularly hard since one of the patrollers I worked with was crushed to death and another came within several minutes of dying. It takes this sort of message to get through the head of a young man who believes himself invincible. Truly, I appreciate the perhaps unintended message from Shawn's lovely voice.

[@james_marshall]

This song is so good it gives me chills

[@annettefougere3197]

Hauntingly Gorgeously Beautiful.... Thank you ladies 😘❤️☮️💖

[@billyjoejim-bob423]

If I was to ever hear an angel in heaven sing, I'm positive I would hear the high, sweet, pure and perfect voice of Allison Krauss. Coupled with her gifts on violin, what a perfect addition to one of Shawn Colvin's very best songs. It's as perfect of a performance as when she and Shawn sang "the Boxer" at the Paul Simon and Friends Concert in 2007. A stunningly beautiful example of how music really does move our souls... I still remember Colvin's first appearance on ACL in 1991 and it was a magical experience and I recommend all to find it and watch a very young artist, on a national stage, share her impressive talents. Her music has stayed with me, supported my soul and helped to heal me throughout my life. Thank you, Shawn.

[@debmurray2734]

Same. That ACL performance was my introduction to Shawn. Felt like the breath was sucked out of me, I was so stunned by her music. I was changed by it. I also remember a ligher note of the performance, Shawn and her sister sang an a capella version of The Roadrunner and Coyote cartoon theme ("Roadrunner, the Coyote's after you. Roadrunner, if he catches you, you're through.")

[@vazmo14850]

it was sunrise on the kuskokwim river in alaska when i first heard this song...the images will stay with me forever

[@michaelrchan]

I was having a not very good day and then I remembered this song. Two transcendent talents.

[@donbiancamano5663]

What a powerful song. I love her guitar. A beautiful combination with Allison.

[@chrissnauwaert1393]

Beautiful song, one of the best in the world, sung very sensitively by Shawn Colvin. Very professional instrumental accompaniment, but above all fantastic support by Alison Krauss, both instrumentally, where the lyrics seem to come from the bow of her violin, but especially vocally with her warm, never intrusive, yet very supportive voice, which she considers an extraordinary instrument. This rendition certainly deserves an award.

[@Trenchant468]

I saw her when she was just starting to fill a modest sixe hall, and she'd just received a call of encouragement from Bonnie Raitt. What a great artist.

[@kenhiggins129]

dont know how you get more beauty and talent on one stage, two people. that was perfect :)

[@jeniferfreebairn]

Shawn is a shot of true artistry, trained well by the road; and Alison is to me a classical artist - together they are musical joy. Thank you...

[@grantlee1959]

I have seen Shawn Colvin perform twice, both times in Park City, Utah at the Egyptian Theatre. She and Alison Krauss are on my top 10 list of female performers.

[@michaelparness2896]

What an absolute gift

[@heidigilsonmusic2800]

wow, their voices are so wonderful together, and they're wonderful apart, too. Shawn Colvin and Allison Krauss are both undercelebrated.

[@ZZZZAS]

Shawn Colvin is the most graceful person I've ever known in any form...and she has the most beautiful friends in this world and "otherworlds" too....I adore you Shawn Colvin...forever...you voice is a blessed light in a great darkness....

[@allansanderson5318]

This is quite extraordinary. Two hugely talented musicians/singers at their very best. Perfection!

[@direwolf6234]

well that was flawless ...

[@jhmorgan72753]

Plays the chords, bass line, and lead inflections while singing main chorus with emotional tone inflections gives her songs heart felt realism !!!! I see the snow and the cold wind blow, need to seek shelter and warmth !!!

[@gerwynevans2729]

I'm a huge Alison Krauss fan and when I first heard this mesmerising and melancholic jewel by Shawn Colvin all those years ago I thought Alison should cover it. This beautiful duet more than compensates. Thanks for uploading.

[@jliebhart]

Fragile and yet so strong. Brilliant work, gorgeous and transparent. Two of my favorite artists. Together. How much cooler can that be? Please. Just. Beautiful.

[@ceejaydeesoozaa]

shawn colvin plus Alison Krauss..goshone couldn't ask for more..

[@1964BluesRock]

Listened to this epic song again last night on The Midnight Special with Marilyn Rea Beyer. Alison Krauss is the perfect partner on this amazing song. I can't believe what a stunner it's always been. Glad I got to see you perform many years ago at the Jackson Brown Verde Valley School Benefits.

[@brianmcfarland8002]

Her voice is like an angel!!! I’m in love with her voice!!!

[@barrywhitley7492]

Two women, one guitar, one violin. Stunning simplicity!

[@davidpike9590]

"Be quiet tonight"... Especially when this lady is on the stage... Remarkable lyrics and touching ones very soul...

[@TamaDrumNut]

Many of Shawn's songs, like this one, are dark. A lot of her music is loosely autobiographical. But that being said, she is a brilliant songwriter and musician and I could listen to her music for hours on end and never grow tired of it. She is one of the finest folk musicians living or dead.

[@CaptAmerica12]

Boy is she cute, and a great singer, what a musician! Worth watching a few hundred times.

[@amyselwyn]

Every time I watch this video I am struck by the beauty of the song, the singers and the amazing harmonies. My favorite Shawn Colvin song, and that is saying something 'cause I love Shawn.

[@matambale]

this is extraordinary. thanks for posting this. to my ears, to my brain, there's just nobody else with Shawn's talent and yet with Alison this song even more powerful.

[@allynisbet3679]

You have left me no where to go... Such a great version. I do love Shawn's lyrics. She is so honest and raw. ❤️❤️

[@CatherineSTodd]

What a beautiful voice... so glad to see Shawn Colvin still out and about!

[@michaelstull1695]

Two incredibly talented musicians with the voices of angels. Simply beautiful.

[@gravelandgrain100]

I drop EVERYTHING to hear Alison Krauss, this is just perfect!! I have always wanted to learn the fiddle, Alison would be my idea of the perfect teacher. Amzing job, ladies!!!!

[@Mekratrig]

What a formidable voice, songwritar, performar she is.

[@figski]

This is fresh-cut crystal: all shimmers and sparkles.

[@LisaZirkle]

So well said.

[@kagisorapoo7533]

I discovered Shawn when I bought the Armageddon Movie Playlist. When The Rainbow Comes. Woooow... What a beautiful soul touching masterpiece

[@josephalcoff8332]

Amazing amount of talent in those two ladies...

[@geraldpribula4911]

What could be better? Two of my all time favorite voices ever! I loved, loved and loved it🤗🥰!!!

[@shawndaniels1691]

Two of favorites as well!

[@anthonyz7000]

Beautiful. So so sad though.

[@babydolphine]

After all these years I still love this song so very much, the combination of two wonderfull singers and musicans keeps it so special, just wonderful!!!!!

[@garygray7590]

A marvellous singer! I am fortunate to be able to see & listen to you. Thank you!

[@grantlee1959]

This song is haunting and beautiful.

[@talrplr]

..how freakin' awesome was that....wow....

[@dougferris5678]

I Absolutely Love Shawn Colvin!!!!

[@debrasimms6821]

This Music medicine for my Soul Thank you Shawn 🌍🚴🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@wistopnow]

Alison Krause and Shawn Colvin, Angels squared by an order of magnitude.

[@speedrasa]

Wow! Beautiful close harmony, angelic

[@gugsah]

Another great collaboration by two wonderful artists!

[@rogerzee7344]

I remember jamming with Shawn Colvin down on Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village in the '80's. One of my FAVORITE singers along with Lucy Kaplansky.

[@museluvr]

I still to this day love this song.. Alison is icing on the cake. Wonderful performance. If only I had a little bit of the talent Shawn so effortlessly presents.

[@markw4206]

What a great idea, getting these two together on this song. I hardly imagined Shawn's rendering of her stunning song could be improved on, but the violin fits in really nicely.

[@Frenchblue8]

So lovely! I Never heard this song before.

[@shelley9263]

So beautiful. I think I’m falling down the avalanche. ❤️

[@gerardusharjadib.2090]

The perfect duo...they should record a dedicated duo album...oh I mean two albums; a studio and a"live" one with all that timeless songs.

[@Shadowboro2]

This clip is from a Austin City Limits concert that Shawn played in 2001. Unfortunately, it was never released on DVD, it was probably taped for tv. I was able to upload this clip because it is included on Shawn's "Polaroids : A Video Collection" DVD, which I own. It was one of the 4 clips from that concert available on the DVD (but the only one feat. Alison). I would also like to get hold of the full concert because it hasn't been aired in my country so I never got a chance to see it.

[@51MontyPython]

What country are you in?

[@swellcat66]

Been a decade, Shadowboro2, but did Shawn and Alison duet on "I Don't Know Why"? I mean, that would be interesting and, certainly, something to hear.

[@Shadowboro2]

@@51MontyPython Romania. Whenever I come across a clip from ACL on YT or elsewhere on the net I always wish they'd make full episodes available on DVD (or at least paid streaming, that way I'd have a chance to use a VPN to register and pay for streaming). I don't really care much for the artists they are featuring on the show nowadays, but going back (from the 90's all the way to the 70's when it all started) they had a lot of artists I admire and enjoy on the show. I wish they'd make at least some of those older episodes available in full worldwide (either via DVD release or paid streaming). If there have been any DVD releases I sure as hell haven't been able to get hold of any of them (maybe I'm not looking in the right place).

[@Shadowboro2]

@@swellcat66 I don't think so (at least I'm not aware of any such a performance being recorded either on video or audio format). If they ever toured together (which I also don't know) they might have performed it in a concert somewhere. I agree that it would be interesting to hear what Alison would bring to the song and their voices blend well in general so I expect it would be a treat to hear such a duet.

[@swellcat66]

​@@Shadowboro2: Thanks for the nice reply. Alison has such an artistic imagination; her version is so different: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmWoiIOYopJ6rbc. No doubt, she could kill it at a dead-slow tempo, too.

[@unclebobunclebob]

Tremendous song, tremendous ladies.

[@johnpluck6126]

When looking up the word 'heartbreak ' in Collins Dictionary, this should be presented!

[@BlindTom61]

How could anyone night like this? I have no words...

[@moondancer.n.8334]

The day seems to be all about you guys. Such joy to have danced & sang & played my way through it all. Another life ago....C'dale:>)

[@mingonmongo1]

Wow, sheer perfection! This song always reminds me of a similar failed relationship, where you both can see the inevitable coming and there's nuthin' left to do but surrender "into the void". Nice quality video too, thanx for posting!

[@kellyjodesigns]

Fucking BEAUTIFUL!! Two of the most talented women of my generation. ❤

[@doc84662]

Really? Two of the best. Glad to hear them both together. Keep cutting glass.

[@kennethromine6332]

she is one of my favorite guitarists

[@james_marshall]

someone must be cutting up onions in the room, because my eyes always get a little watery...

[@donnlarossa9173]

talent like this is wonderful

[@aprils4890]

Boom... And to think I bought this album so many ages ago for "steady on" , still listening

[@dlagrua]

This beautiful song has a feel of peace and tranquility to it sung by two talented performers that most likely have not experienced much of this in their life.

[@folkmusicgirl]

This is a song I return to over and over again - it holds a message that takes me back many years ago to someone I once knew - a person no longer in my life - as he silently broke our ties together. So this song rings so profoundly true with the lyrics holding special meaning. Shawn's vocals are just beautiful on this version accompanied by Alison Krauss.

[@matthewstetson711]

Truly beautiful. The players are too. Nice job using snow in it's many faces and forms, comparing it to a relationship.

[@Occupied_South]

So goes deep into the soul. Poetry. Even healing.

[@MrBillstein]

Love the simplicity of these two who have mastered their craft. No theatrics necessary. Just let the talent do the talking. Wonderful!

[@jimvandemoter6961]

By far the purest version I've ever heard of a fantastic song. Their voices blend so perfectly.

[@manakamar]

....Can´t find words,so wonderful...

[@DEORLEANS1]

I used to love to watch Shawn Colvin play this song when I lived in Boston. To see and hear Alison Kraus playing with her was just a great treat. Nostalgia plus nirvana.

[@cookiecollette]

Love her artistry, song brings back many memories, beautiful lyrics and melody!

[@dancalmusic]

These two women always make shiver

[@1TexasRuby]

Simply Pure, it speaks for itself , fantastic.

[@1965kid]

So much talent on that stage!

[@lindawarner4715]

Oldie but greater, haunting sounds