Contact to book Steve Dawson
About
Steve Dawson’s new solo album tells a powerful story of faith lost and artistry reborn. Fans of Dolly Varden, Funeral Bonsai Wedding and Dawson’s previous solo works will recognize the beautiful melodicism, brilliant craftsmanship and emotional depth expressed in the soulful balladry of “Hard Time Friend” and “Forgiveness Is Nothing Like I Thought It Would Be,” the folky reflections of “The Spaces In Between,” the sublime yearning of “Beautiful Mathematics” and the gentle dreamscape of “We Are Walking in a Forest,” a duet with Dolly Varden’s Diane Christiansen. This is material that couldn’t have been written at any other time in Dawson’s life—and it addresses life in the here and now. His songwriting continues to grow in depth and lyricism while his voice has never sounded more rich or resonant. The album’s twelve songs (plus two CD/digital bonus tracks) tie together the American musical influences that span his life: the late 60’s/early 70’s folk-rock of California, where he was born; the country music of Idaho, where he grew up; and the blues, gospel and soul of Chicago, where he has spent the bulk of his adult life. AT THE BOTTOM OF A CANYON IN THE BRANCHES OF A TREE revisits depths that many of us have experienced in recent years and takes us to heights to which we all aspire.
Press
“This achingly gorgeous album shows what can result from emotional and artistic honesty. It’s a rare and wonderful thing.”
-Chris Ingalls, PopMatters on At The Bottom of the Canyon...
"At the Bottom of a Canyon in the Branches of a Tree ranks as his most expressive effort yet...soothing and sublime melodies."
-Lee Zimmerman, American Songwriter
“As part of Chicago’s criminally under-known Dolly Varden he’s churned out nothing but quality for over 15 years. A classic artist hiding in plain sight “
-Dennis Cook, Jambase
“A touchstone for our times, a talisman pointing to a moment of sheer beauty, Last Flight Out reminds us of the power of music to engage and inspire”
-Bob Fish, Folk Radio UK
“An album of quietly affecting songs [Last Flight Out]…imaginative, risk taking and a beautiful listen…be blown away by the feeling contained within Dawson’s vocals."
-Peter Churchill, Americana UK
“Steve Dawson’s status as an Americana original is unquestioned.”
-M Music and Musicians Magazine on I Will Miss the Trumpets and the Drums
“Songs of gratitude for changes, hard-time friends and good-time buddies. A truth so pure it hurts.”
-Andrew Darlington, Rock and Reel Magazine (5/5 stars) on At The Bottom of the Canyon...
“beautifully expressed, via touches like shimmering slide, CSNY-style harmonies and some irresistibly nostalgic sun-dappled folk-pop.”
-Johnny Sharp, Uncut on At The Bottom of the Canyon...
“One could pick almost any song on this record and find wisdom and grace…delivered in a voice that thankfully is warm, comforting, strong, and resonant.”
-Damian McNairney, Folk and Tumble on At The Bottom of the Canyon...
“A work of beautiful melodicism, brilliant craftsmanship and emotional depth.”
-American Blues Scene on At The Bottom of the Canyon...
“The singer-songwriter brings his deft, incisive songwriting and gorgeously evocative high tenor to a whole new slate of folk tunes.
-Robert Rodi, New City (#1 pick July, 2021) on At The Bottom of the Canyon...
"Indispensable! A great record."
-Patrick Dallongeville, Paris Move on At The Bottom of the Canyon...
"It’s not that his songs jump off the record, or demand their attention. Steve’s strength lies in restraint. Not an artist who still pursues fame or fortune, but one who just wants to make great music and be appreciated for it. Fourteen beautifully written songs on this record.”
-Rein van den Berg, Johnny's Garden on At The Bottom of the Canyon...
"I’ve fallen head over heels with this album...To the likes of me he [Steve Dawson] evokes memories of musical poets like John Martyn and, of course Van Morrison the way he intricately ties your heartstrings in knots without you hardly noticing."
-The Rocking Magpie on At The Bottom of the Canyon...
"The album’s overall sound will appeal to fans of heartland songsmiths like Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy and pop harmonists like the Jayhawks’ Gary Louris. The arrangements of fare like the yearning, waltz-time “Beautiful Mathematics” echo Laurel Canyon craft, while leaving ample room for Dawson’s haunted and expressive vocals. “Hard Time Friend” draws from the Jackson Browne playbook, with a keening melody, Alton Smith’s sparkling piano, dripping slide guitar and a heart-on-sleeve lyric about a battered soul reaching out for the hand of a steadfast partner – and thankfully finding it."
-Jeff Elbel, Illinois Entertainer on At The Bottom of the Canyon...
"Few Chicago singer-songwriters have been as solid for as long as Steve Dawson and part of the reason has to be that he’s never changed his impeccably crafted mix of twang, soul, and pop in order to follow a trend. He writes great songs and sings them beautifully."
-Peter Margasak, Chicago Reader
“One of the most underrated songwriters in American music.”
-Roy Kasten, St. Louis Riverfront Times
Highlights
Steve Dawson has supported or opened for Steve Earle, Sarah McLachlan, Jason Isbell, Gov’t Mule, Allison Moorer, Alejandro Escovedo, Marshall Crenshaw, Jesse Harris, Robbie Fulks, Slaid Cleaves, Kelly Hogan, The Bottle Rockets, Josh Rouse, Chuck Prophet and Jay Bennett & Edward Burch.
Dawson has performed at Square Roots Festival, SXSW, Central Ohio Folk Fest, Twangfest and American Music Festival (Chicago).
Dawson was awarded the “Esteemed Artist Award” from the City of Chicago, 2020
Named one of Chicago’s Top 45 in New City
Released Last Flight Out in 2020 and At The Bottom of a Canyon In The Branches Of A Tree in 2021, receiving critical acclaim
Toured the UK many times over the years solo and with prior band Dolly Varden
Dawson teaches songwriting at the legendary Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago
Dawson co-wrote a book on songwriting and creativity called “Take It To The Bridge: Unlocking The Great Songs Inside You."
Comedian, Actor and Podcaster Marc Maron is a fan of Steve Dawson's project Funeral Bonsai Wedding.
Dawson was under a songwriting contract with PolyGram Music
