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Artist: Steven Clawson
Release: “Restless” (2006)
Steven Clawson is a singer/songwriter based out of Nashville, TN. His
latest release, “Restless” has elements of country but it’s infused with
some mellow pop and bluesy elements that make it extremely radio
friendly for both country and top 40 radio. Although the overall vibe of
the CD brings me back to a place in the soft rock 70s and evokes a Seals
& Crofts, America, the Eagles, and Poco summer groove, it also stays
present with elements of Rascal Flatts’ country/rock feeling, with similarly
melodic vocal lines. Standouts: “The First Time” is smooth and
easygoing, or to paraphrase a famous Commodores’ song, it's “easy like
Sunday morning”…it’s a feel good reminiscing song with solid
musicianship and a nice groove; “That’s What I’m Talking About” kicks up
the pace, bringing to mind old school rock and roll with its echo-y vocal
effects, danceable beat, and Johnny Be Goode guitar licks; “Where’d You
Go” ventures into R&B/blues with success, showcasing Clawson’s very
versatile voice; “You Bring Me Back” is the most radio friendly track of the
bunch, a simple story, a pared down musical arrangement featuring lovely
piano accompaniment. Clawson has an excellent CD, and is working hard
to support it with gigs throughout the Southeast. Check out his myspace
page at: www.myspace.com/stevenclawson. - http://www.exmogul.com/CDreview.html
Steven Clawson – Southern Soul
from Matthew Bjorke
The Bottom Line
"Southern Soul" announces the arrival of a splendid new talent. While Steven's voice is soulful, his lyric and melodies are pure country which is something that could have Steven in his own unique niche. Why Nashville Star didn't keep him around I have no idea. Perhaps they "let him go" because they knew he didn't need the show to get a major recording contract. There's not a bad track on the EP.
With Nashville Star 3 rapidly approaching, there has been an influx of new, "untapped" talent trying out for the show. One of those who tried out was Steven Clawson. A 23-year-old singer/songwriter from Thomasville Georgia, Clawson is the son of two vocalists. With one listen to any of the seven songs on Steven's debut EP "Southern Soul" the bloodlines are immediately evident. Simply, Steven possesses an enchanting voice that mixes well with modern country, pop music or even R&B/soul.
Leading off the collection is the mid-tempo ballad "You Bring Me Back." "Unwind" is a song that could find its way onto a radio station. It features a Motown-like melody that backs up a sweet lyric about the way that special woman makes him feel. "Golden Ring" is a great up-tempo track that will make ya wanna dance. As if to prove that he can do more than mid-tempo and uptempo tracks, Steven rounds out the record with some ballads, the type of ballads country radio eats up. "East Meets The West" is a tender track about a guy who is thankful for the time he had with a special girl. "I Cry Alone" rounds out the short EP and it's a wonderfully crafted ballad.
While the lyrics and melodies truly shine on "Southern Soul," it really is Steven's voice that is the true highlight of the EP. With a talent as big as his, I have no doubts that he'll be getting a major record deal and having hits, despite the fact that Nashville Star didn't keep him around for the TV portion of the show. - About.com
Discography
"Southern Soul"
"Restless"
Select Songs
Streaming On:
www.myspace.com/stevenclawson
Photos
Bio
“I’ve always felt that blues, rock n roll and country are just a beat apart” – Waylon Jennings
For 24 – year old South Georgia native Steven Clawson blues, rock n roll and country are on the same beat. That beat, mixed with a little Cajun roots brings a sound that Steven and his fans like to call “Southern Soul”.
A buzz about Steven Clawson’s songwriting and vocal ability first began to stir during his time at college in Nashville, TN. It was this buzz that lead into his first album release naturally entitled “Southern Soul”. Touring from a mountain top in Vermont to the beaches of Florida, Steven has expanded southern soul up and down the east coast.
In 2006 Steven released “Restless”, an album produced by Ian Fitschuk and Justin Loucks (Griffin House, Trent Dabbs). “Restless” while sticking to Steven’s roots, brings a new and warmer vibe. In support of his latest release, Steven has been touring aggressively, performed on the WB’s nationally syndicated morning show “The Daily Buzz”, and has garnered international airplay in twelve different countries in hopes of spreading the sound of southern soul even further.
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