CD reviews : Steve Dawson, ELP, Chris Farlowe
Steve Dawson,”Ghosts” (Pravda Records)- The sixth solo album from sublimely soulful Chicago based singer-songwriter Steve Dawson is a mellow gem of the highest order, and one which reminded me of the late lamented Jesse Winchester in some of its most beguiling moments. The contents were a very long time in the making, having been penned in the six years leading up to 2023 with an attention to detail that sets Steve’s work apart from many of his contemporaries in this increasingly crowded field. His previous album was essentially a one man show, but on this occasion Dawson has assembled a “dream band” to underpin his efforts, drawing on the talents of some of the finest musicians that this Californian tunesmith has worked with in his adopted hometpwn of Chicago during the past fifteen years or so. The finished product should be required listening for Americana fans everywhere.