It is certainly going to be a busy year for Steve Dawson. Nothing unusual there if you know the tiniest bit about this music maestro's multi dimensional role as musician, producer, songwriter and overall shaker. The difference this year is the schedule of three solo album releases. Maybe, or probably likely, a result of a creative outpouring of material during a period where much of the industry had to realign. The two subsequent releases are boxed up for later unveiling leaving the floor clear for GONE, LONG GONE to showcase what a fine performer this Canadian native - US based artist is.
This move up front sees Dawson cut ten tracks all neatly corralled in a laid back blues blend. A pair of strategically placed instrumentals join a cover of The Faces' 'Ooh La La' and seven additional tracks possessing a clear vocal presence alongside countless instrumental interludes. Most of the songs have been co-written with fellow Canadian Matt Pateshuck, one of many recording artists in their own right to pass through Dawson's own stable, Black Hen Music.
Collaboration also features strongly on the record and it was no surprise to hear the vocals of Allison Russell on the opening track. 'Dimes' is one of the album's premium moments and understandably it had a pre-album lease of life as one of the early singles. The link between Allison Russell and Steve Dawson goes back a long way with him featuring prominently on Birds of Chicago albums and live shows. Following the opener leading things off splendidly, the mood slips into old school jazz blues mode for 'King Bennie Had His Shit Together'. Liner notes reveal that this track is also heavily influenced by a Hawaiian sound.
'Bad Omen', the title track and 'I Just Get Lost' form a trio of Dawson/Patershuck co-writes as the record reaches the half way mark. The latter is the pick of this threesome, barring some serious soulful organ on the former, and has its origin pinpointed to a pre-pandemic time when working with the Wood Brothers. More name dropping by association and a track blessed with an ultra catchy chorus plus more Allison Russell backing vocals. A useful trait if you want the record to stick out in a crowded market.
The first of the instrumentals, 'Kulaniapia Waltz', opens the second half and is the subject of one of the promotional videos showing the musical prowess of Dawson. The other track sans vocals holds court in the penultimate spot with this time 'Circada Sanctuary' spinning solo from an acoustic guitar giving a back porch feel.
Outside the Faces' cover which requires no introduction, the album line up is completed by '6 Skeletons in a Car' and closing number 'Time Has Made a Fool Out of Me'. The latter is the perfect finale slowing things down to a restful yet bluesy conclusion. Oh and a final dose of Allison Russell.
GONE, LONG GONE is a timely reminder that Steve Dawson can excel as much in the limelight as being a vital cog in the output of others. This first offering of 2022 serves up a highly palatable dish of supremely crafted music. Not too deep into any one particular sound and barely an inch of a timely template wasted. An ideal album to let the creative whims ooze out into something others will enjoy.