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downloadable hi-res album cover
Steve Dawson photo 1 (color)
Steve Dawson photo 2 (black & white)
Steve Dawson photo 3 (color)
BIOGRAPHY
Steve Dawson was born in California, raised in Idaho, and currently lives in Chicago. His songs show evidence of all 3 places – the California folk-rock of the early 70′s (Gram Parsons, Neil Young, Jackson Browne), the country music he heard growing up in Idaho, and the blues and soul music of Chicago. Dawson first picked up guitar at age 12 and began writing songs almost immediately. His first professional gig was playing guitar with Cadillac Carl and the Road Rangers at the Silver Dollar Saloon in Bellevue, Idaho. After high school, Dawson attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, studying jazz composition and songwriting, while also performing in the local folk music scene. In the early 90’s Dawson moved to Chicago. Upon his arrival he met Diane Christiansen and they formed the band Stump the Host, which became a training ground and a showcase for Dawson’s eclectic songwriting. In 1995 Stump The Host changed personal and evolved into a new band, Dolly Varden, releasing the first of five albums that would reflect the growing craft and depth of his songs. Critics from Rolling Stone, Uncut, and the Village Voice, among many others, have praised Dawson’s gift for melodic, evocative songwriting. Dolly Varden has toured all across the US and Europe over the last 14 years. In 2006 Undertow records released Dawson’s first solo album, ‘Sweet Is The Anchor’ a collection of quiet, layered songs recorded in Steve’s home studio. Critics noted Dawson’s heightened strength as both a songwriter and singer, combining elements of country and soul: “Sweet Is The Anchor is a vocalist’s album awash in the languor of country music and the Saturday night highs of soul†(Chicago Daily Herald) Dawson’s latest solo album, “I Will Miss The Trumpets And The Drums†(Undertow, 2010), was once again self-produced and recorded in Dawson’s home studio, Kernel Sound Emporium. The follow up to “Sweet Is the Anchorâ€, the new album features 13 haunting, melodic songs about change and letting go, sung in Dawson’s plaintive tenor, with echos of classic country, pop and soul. In addition to performing and recording Dawson teaches songwriting at the world famous Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago.
DISCOGRAPHY
“I Will Miss The Trumpets And The Drums” (2010)
Dolly Varden: “The Panic Bell” (2007)
“Sweet Is The Anchor” (2005)
“Demos for Dolly” (2004)
Steve Dawson & Diane Christiansen: “Duets” (2003)
Dolly Varden: “Forgiven Now” (2002)
Dolly Varden: “The Dumbest Magnets” (2000)
Dolly Varden: “The Thrill of Gravity” (1998)
Dolly Varden: “Mouthful of Lies” (1995)
Stump The Host: “California Zephyr (7″ single, 1993)
Booking a House Concert?
Want to hear live music, but don’t want to leave the comfort of your own home? I can come to your house solo, duo, or full band – you invite 20 to 40 friends & strangers over, open a few bottles of wine we’ll call it a house concert! This growing trend is a fun and unique way to experience live music up-close. We can help you put it together. Drop us a line if you you’re interested in being a host
