“Waikiki Stonewall Rag” marries Dawson’s love of Hawaiian guitar stylings to that of the hillbilly East Coast, whereas in “Polaroid,” imagination and contemplation bordering on infatuation all emanate through the music and the words. All of it places Dawson in a category reserved for the best. Eyes Closed, Dreaming mesmerizes and entertains with ease and purpose.”

“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.”

“The finale, Let Him Go Mama has Dawson all alone singing and playing his ‘Weissenborn’ guitar …. quite exceptionally, it has to be said; and the result is three minutes of outstanding and beautiful music.”

“His pleasing vocals switch effortlessly among all the styles represented on the album and are particularly effective on his unembellished version of John Hartford's "Let Him Go On Mama." Here, alone with his Weissenborn, his playing is especially resonant on this rich, varied, and exceptional album.”

“It’s imaginative and uplifting, not a downer. Dawson’s earthy vocals and down-home vibe add a fine touch to this 11-song set, including four originals. Many songs explore themes of love and fulfillment of life.”

“It’s a tribute to Steve and all the superb musicians involved that the whole album feels like it was recorded by musicians playing in the same room. The arrangements on the album are trademark Steve Dawson with lots of layers of guitars and a whole raft of instruments that are unusual in any context but particularly in Americana arrangements.”

“Lots of different moods on the disc, including the ironically titled Singin’ The Blues which is actually an instrumental. With Eyes Closed, Dreaming it seems Steve Dawson has saved the best for last. I have to be up early tomorrow for work but screw it, I’m listening to this one more time before bed. Street date is March 24th.”

“Beautifully recorded, sensitively arranged and played, Eyes Closed, Dreaming, like all of Steve Dawson’s albums is like a master class in composition, melody and counterpoint. From beginning to end, it is quite simply stunning and almost certainly features the most beautiful and engaging music you’ll hear this year.”