Ghosts
Pravda, 2024
9/10
The Chicago musician Steve Dawson returns with a 6th solo album, where 10 creative songs that were fleshed out live in the studio welcome some of Chi-town’s best.
The warm and timeless folk flavor of “Time To Let Some Light In” starts the listen with Alton Smith’s smooth keys and Gerald Dowd’s agile drums complementing the cozy mood, and “Oh, California” follows with Brian Wilkie’s glowing pedal steel that suits Dawson’s expressive and gentle pipes.
“Leadville” occupies the middle spot and presents a frisky and melodic version of Americana that’s both rugged and dreamy, while “It Was A Mistake” benefits much from Chris Greene’s soulful sax amid the reflective and emotive mood.
Closer to the end, “When I Finally Let You Down” lands in intimate areas via the poetic singing and lovely female backing vocals, and “Weather In The Desert” follows with both minimal and confessional ideas of beauty and grace.
Perhaps best known for his work in the band Dolly Varden, Dawson on his own is equally luminous and the spontaneous feel of the work is drenched in sincere and heartfelt song craft.
Travels well with: Nathan Graham- Saint Of Second Chances; Brian Krumm And His Barfly Friends- Just Fade Away