The third instalment of Dawson’s ‘pandemic trilogy’ was recorded under lockdown conditions with artists contributing their parts from various corners of Nashville, Los Angeles, Toronto and Vancouver. Birds of Chicago partner, Allison Russell, Keri Latimer and daughter Casey Dawson contribute vocal support, Nashville legends Fats Kaplin and Tim O’Brien play mandolin and various strings, LA drummer Jay Bellerose joins house band Gary Craig (drums), Jeremy Holmes (bass), Chris Gestrin and Kevin McKendree(keyboards). String arrangements by Ben Plotnik (viola/ violin) and Kaitlyn Raitz (cello) and horn section of Jerry Cook, Dominic Conway and Malcolm Aiken.

Four original songs – ‘The Owl’, ‘A Gift’, ‘Hemingway’ and ‘Polaroid’- form the centrepiece - graceful, heartfelt and keenly literate in their observations about love, attainment and the ephemeral nature of time, each a masterwork of roots music songcraft. And there is a tasteful assortment of song interpretations that do not disappoint. With beautiful melodies, inspired instrumentation and soulful vocal performances, Dawson’s newest music soars effortlessly and deserves recognition that this is, in fact, the third record to be released under his name within a year. And as so often with hard workers, their quality remains astounding. Workaholic.