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“Dawson Smith and his band The Dissenters
always deliver the perfect blend of
high energy rock ‘n’ Americana
blues rock how its meant to be!
switch-blade tight with no frills and great songs!”
Blues Matters 2020
PRESS RELEASE
Dawson Smith & The Dissenters new album ‘Been So Long’
Released Friday 6th August 2021 on Annson Records.
Full Digital Distribution, Download From All Major Platforms And Providers.
Also On All Major Streaming Services And Available On CD from www.Dawsonsmith.com
‘Been So Long’ was written and recorded throughout 2020 and 2021 during lockdown.
Recorded live at Quad Studios in Leicester over Easter 2021. The songs are all recorded live with no overdubs except for some acoustic guitar parts being added. The recording is full of energy and captures the band on top form playing together in one room.
The album contains nine brand new Dawson songs and one co-write between Dawson and Malcolm (guitarist). The album kicks off in great style with the title track ‘Been So Long’ which is a new classic, an energy filled roots rocker that is reminiscent of 60s British R&B bands such as early Stones and The Yardbirds. The new songs tick every box in the blues rock and Americana genre including slow burning blues, a country rocker, plenty of rock and roll and boogie, a dark Mexican gothic song and some strong Delta blues influences. The last track is an atmospheric epic that tells the true story of Dawson meeting a very friendly ‘working girl’ in a thunderstorm outside the famous Peabody Hotel in Memphis.
Musically the album is classic guitar driven bluesy rootsy Americana with loads of lead and slide guitars provide by new guy Malcolm Watson. Dawson’s vocals are strong and confident and full of passion and energy, Dawson also contributes electric and acoustic rhythm guitars. The other new guy is Garf Mundin on drums and percussion and Steve Burton handles bass guitar and backing vocals.
There are three new videos to accompany the album. The first video ‘Been So Long’ will be released on the same day as the album on Friday 6th August.
"A whiskey fuelled romp!" "Dawson and his Dissenters in fine fettle"
Blues In Britain 2021
"Been So Long is a terrific album!"
Editor Americana UK
"Check out this rather fine album!"
Norman Darwen - R2 Mag 2021
Live Shows
Dawson Smith & The Dissenters are a great live band! Stalwarts of the UK venue scene,
this band are at home on any stage. Dawson has all the banter and knows how to work an audience. Live shows are always full of energy and great playing and the set is always adapted to the venue and the show.
Expect some well chosen classic covers along with the class originals as these guys know their stuff and can draw on a deep well of songs from classic bands and artists.
Well versed in Blues Rock and Americana (and much more) with a genuine understanding of the roots and history of the music they know and love.
"Dawson Smith And The Dissenters played a blinder!
A rocking blues and Americana masterclass.
Well chosen covers and great original songs.
Ones to watch! " - POWER PLAY
"The Dissenters had constant forward momentum
throughout with solid riffs and classic songs
made for an excellent set.
Dawson had some awesome banter with the crowd and seemed
genuinely humbled by the adoration of the fans”
HRH CROWS Fest
Sheffield 02 Academy
Read Full Biog HERE
