LOOSE ENDS AND SOLID STATES

As one of Canada's most sought after producers, session musicians and guitarists, Steve Dawson spends much of his time helping other songwriters and musicians bring their creative visions to life. As wonderful as these collaborations are, it's when Dawson hunkers down in his Henhouse Studio to record his own music that he truly shines, and the 7 time Juno Award-winning (2 as artist, 5 as producer) artist has come up with something special this time around. 'Solid States and Loose Ends' is a sublime set of new songs that play to all of Dawson's many musical strengths.??The rock-solid rhythm section of Gary Craig (Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Bruce Cockburn) on drums and John Dymond (Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, K.D. Lang) on bass set the stage for some exciting music to unfold, and having worked with some of Nashville's finest musicians since moving there, he called on some of these new friends to join in; Mike Bub (Steve Earle, Del McCoury) stepped up to offer some fine doghouse bass, the brilliant Kevin McKendree (Brian Setzer, Delbert McClinton) contributed blistering piano and organ, and Fats Kaplin (Jack White, The Dead Reckoners) swooped in on fiddle, mandolin and viola. The bar was clearly set high, and Dawson certainly rose to the occasion. Whether playing acoustic or electric, slide or pedal steel, every performance on the album showcases the warmth and fluidity of his style. ??Another part of the story of 'Solid States and Loose Ends' has to do with how much Dawson has grown as a singer. His delivery has never been as nuanced or unhurried as on these evocative new songs, and when he sings with Keri Latimer (Leaf Rapids) or the sublime McCrary Sisters, it's hard to imagine ever wanting to listen to anything else.??But, fans of his edgy, vintage guitar sounds won't be disappointed; he still loves to get down and dirty on the guitar as he does on Riley Puckett's classic 'Monkey On My Back', or blasting through a greasy rendition of Joe Tex's 'You Got What It Takes'. Dawson tackles Gid Tanner And The Skillet Lickers' 'The Henhouse Door' with a captivating acoustic solo slide guitar performance that is sparse yet fluidly funky.??A clear labour of love, it's easy to hear the blood, sweat and tears that went into creating 'Solid States and Loose Ends'. Filled with beautiful melodies, memorable lyrics, killer grooves and exceptional playing, the album is sure to have fans both old and new tapping their toes and humming along well after the final track has spun.??TRACKS?1) Loose Ends 2) Broken Future Blues 3) Leave My Name Behind 4) California Saviour 5) On Top Of The World 6) Little Silver 7) Riley's Henhouse Door 8) Final Words 9) Can't Put That Monkey On My Back 10) Early Warning 11) You Got What It Takes 12) Driver's Wheel 13) Delia 14) Rose's Blues