Steve Dawson

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at the bottom of a canyon in the branches of a tree

Pravda, 2021

8/10

Listen to at the bottom of a canyon in the branches of a tree

The frontman for Dolly Varden, the multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Steve Dawson puts his vivid storytelling to good use here, where tales of faith lost and artistry reborn unfold in his powerful and rich song craft on this very eloquent solo effort.

“This Is All There Is” starts the listen with a soulful, ‘70s angle where Dawson’s smooth pipes glide alongside warm keys and spirited, bluesy guitar work, and “Forgiveness Is Nothing Like I Thought It Would Be” follows with a calm display of delicate folk ideas amid subtle lap steel and Dawson’s poetic singing.

Closer to the middle, “She Knew” offers a sparse, expressive display of intricate acoustic guitar in a dreamy setting, while “Hard Time Friend” takes help from Alton Smith on piano as moving and memorable soft rock radiates an emotive timelessness. Smith then returns on “I Will Never Stop Being Sorry”, as much beauty enters an accordion flavored waltz.

Landing close to the end, “We Are Walking In A Forest” recruits Diane Christiansen on the charming harmonic duet, and the title track finishes the listen with a lush, breezy climate while showcasing Dawson’s strong acoustic and electric guitar work.

Dawson retains the Americana sensibilities of Dolly Varden while also taking nods to his folk inspired work in Funeral Bonsai Wedding, and his use of guitars, drums, keys, lap steel, accordion, dulcimer and harmonium spotlights his many talents on this retro-pop and Chicago soul tinted peek into a very creative mind.

Travels well with: Tim Foljahn- I Dreamed A Dream; Spencer Cullum- Coin Collection