Blues In Britain

Though recorded remotely during lockdown, the all- instrumental Phantom Threshold positively oozes the warmth and spontaneity that occurs when top players and pickers get together. Canadian Dawson is renowned for classy musicianship (check out Telescope, his pedal steel-based instrumental album from 2008) and likewise this is a splendid set, with Dawson joined by Jeremy Holmes on bass, Chris Gestrin on keys and drummer Jay Bellerose. There's a Ry Cooder Paris, Texas era vibe, but something more: a late '60s psychedelic country undercurrent of shuffling drums, pedal steel, Wurlitzer and pump organ that underpins wonderful tracks like 'Twig Bucket' and funky 'Ol' Brushy' or the accordion-led 'The Waters Rise'. A woozy cover of The Beach Boys' 'You Still Believe In Me' feels right at home here. Masterfully performed, Phantom Threshold is a joy from start to its Weissenborn finish.