Bob Dawson

Solo pianist Bob Dawson claims to break a lot of rules on this recording, but the album is not so far out as to escape appreciation. One rule broken: define your style and stay there. Dawson lets all his styles shine, from the traditional stride/ragtime (a style he calls piano bluegrass) of "Sassy Fingers" and "Walkin' in Tall Cotton" to the dreamy and introspective "Searching" and "Night Sounds on the Mountain" to the melodically dramatic covers of "An Affair to Remember" and "All I Ask of You" to the cool jazz of "Sonic Woman." Dawson's touch is perfectly suited for each song. He can drive the notes home harshly, coax out expansive spaces, stride like a honky-tonk player, or sweep one away with a lyrical flair and panache. Dawson went to the care to find different pianos and recording spaces to fit each song. After all that variety, the sweeping and bittersweet "All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera is what moved me the most. ~ Carol Wright, All Music Guide