Craig Dawson and Simone Olding
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Craig Dawson and Simone Olding

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Band Folk Singer/Songwriter

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"Review on So Near Yet So Far"

"Canberra's Craig Dawson & Simone Olding have appeared individually or together on several albums and this latest outing from the talented duo is their best joint effort to date.

The ten tracks on this contemporary folk album have that indefinable quality which is characteristic of the work of Craig & Simone so that the music is immediately recognisable as being theirs. They feature confident and tuneful singing and beautiful harmonies throughout. Simone has surely found her blues voice: check out her sensitive renditions of "Nobody Sees a Fish Cry" and the amazing "There May Be Times", both written by her. All the compositions are their own and deal with a range of personal and social issues. Our favourite songs are their very moving "Jenny's Flowers" and the opening track "House on the Hill" which is about as poignant an epitaph for a dying small country town as you will find anywhere in poetry or song.

Instrumentation on the album is excellent, with good work by Simone on flute and by Craig on acoustic guitar supported by the efforts of several other well known Canberra musicians. As well Craig plays a workmanlike folk harmonica and performs several outstanding slide guitar passages.

Produced by Angel Train's Greg and Jac Carlin, the artwork on the album is stunning. This most satisfying and entertaining album deserves to be a commercial success." - Peter West Radio 2XX


"Review on So Near Yet So Far 2"

Craig Dawson and Simone Olding are popular performers around the festival scene and their latest album, "So Near yet So Far," is sure to enhance a reputation built on thought provoking and well crafted songs. Ten original tracks including one instrumental, are presented in their familiar restrained and unhurried style allowing the lyrics and drifting melody lines sufficient space to achieve maximum impact.

The songs, although not written collaboratively, sit together comfortably as an album and the musical arrangements present each musician's original work to good effect. Instrumentation retains an acoustic feel throughout with guest musicians variously adding cello, bass, accordion and keyboards to the duo's strings, harmonica and percussion. The songs' subject matter covers a range of contemporary social and personal issues, some presented with an understated intensity and gradually increasing sense of tension. The economic decline of a small rural community, the internal struggles of a Vietnam veteran and images of loneliness and isolation may not be typical themes for a jolly folk CD, but "So Near Yet So Far" offers insight and passion rather than froth and bubble. Take up the offer - this is a most impressive album - Bruce Cameron Radio 2MCE - FM


"Review on Let Isabelle Out"

Dawson and Olding . . . This CD was thrown across my desk along with a plethora of other amateur folk, rock, and blues artists seeking their own small pocket of popularity in order to break the constraints that life has currently shackled them with. Dreams and hopes, aspirations and fantasies of creating music the developed world craves and embraces and most importantly pay over inflated prices for.

Does each artist dream of cars, inner city acreage and an unbridled level of consumerism that would make even the most capitalistic American sigh in disbelief?

As I am currently subjected to the same never ending pop tune from another lithe 18 year old enticing me with an abundance of sexual connotations I pause a little longer on this question . . . is this what music has come to . . . an endless parade of barbie and ken clones churned out with factory like precision . . . less than 0.02% acceptable error, efficiency, downsize, upsize, and lets lose the middle management?

With this effervescent and overtly accepting attitude I reached across for the next plebulus dronings of what I assume to be more commodified crap. As fate would have it the CD was Let Isabelle Out by Craig Dawson and Simone Olding. This CD is reminiscent of the true artistry of Folk music. In an almost bygone era - folk was considered the flaneur of society. Folk music was analogous to the court jester who through parody and resistance informed the public of perceived injustices in order to prompt and question our own sense of morality.

Dawson and Olding’s music poses the question – Their unique lyrical blend of satire and apocalyptic drama begs for answers in a contemporary musical epoch that politicises and justifies economic, ecological and sociological mal-practice. Simply put - this double CD provides a rich tapestry of insights into modern society that serves to question our morality, our lust for consumerism and our almost contradictory and hypocritical longing for the communal epoch that has now past us by.

Dawson and Olding combine sublimely to produce an accomplished acoustic melody that is often in stark contrast to the haunting harmonic overtones that ripple with overt tartness, as a constant criticism of societal actions and processes. This is particularly evident in wasteland on the edge of town and the introduction to high water rising – an obvious satire of current water restrictions. The double CD commences with the creation of a solemn environment that then subtlety leads us through a complexity of societal concerns before finishing with a direct question:

Do you suppose it’s too late for change?

As I ask myself that question and reflect back on my original musings of the consumerism of modern music I say – “Scab take action now!” - Blind Hector McPhee


"Let Isabelle Out Review 2"

Craig Dawson and Simone Olding have just released their new double CD Let Isabelle Out. This new work represents their individual styles, with his and hers CDs. Both Craig and Simone are very talented singers and musicians, which is showcased on both CDs.

The first CD contains 9 tracks from Craig, with a blend of musical styles including contemporary ballads, blues and Hawaiian slide guitar. They are a mix of haunting and questioning hard edged songs with thought provoking lyrics. Craig’s hallmark is his fabulous deep resonating voice and talented guitar playing which are very evident throughout the CD. Some highlights are the poignant symbolic 9/11 song ‘The Dove’, a powerful metaphor for the breakdown of peace, and the instrumental title track ‘Let Isabelle Out’ which features Craig’s guitar playing in a more playful mood.

The second CD contains 11 tracks from Simone, influenced by Celtic and English folk traditions. This collection includes lyrical ballads and light hearted songs in Simone’s beautiful voice. The musical arrangements are very effective, never cluttered but with a good variety of instruments. Simone is a very accomplished musician and plays a wide variety of instruments including flute, mandolin and bodhran. Some highlights are the light hearted song ‘Suburban Cowboy’, a parody on city life, and ‘Rover’ about how the lack of compromise leads to failure of relationships.

Craig and Simone provide their beautifully balanced harmonies on many of the songs on both CDs. This is a double CD set with something for everyone.

CD set is available from the Let Isabelle Out website or Craig & Simone's website.

Mart & Jude Fowler, Northside Folk, Triple H 100.1 - Mart and Jude Fowler


"So Near Yet So Far Review 3"

The CD contains five songs and an instrumental piece written by Craig, and four songs by Simone. Both Simone and Craig share the vocal duties. Craig plays guitars and harmonica, while Simone plays flute, bouzouki, mandolin, clarinet, congas and percussion. This multi-talented duo is ably assisted by other musicians to augment their intimate and clear acoustic sound.

The original songs on this CD cover topics such as the plight of small towns, relationships in an uncertain world, the importance of memory and the ongoing quest for meaning in life's journey. Every songwriter brings unique life experiences to their songs. Like the gum leaves featured on this CD label and booklet cover, every one is different. It is always pleasing to be presented with new, creative responses. Songwriters also express and explore shared or universal experience, challenging the listener in various ways through their words and music. And so it is with Craig Dawson and Simone Olding's new collection of songs.

The CD begins with a wistful lament to a dying town. Craig returns to this topic in the last song The Ballad Of Frank and Vince. In trying to develop the theme, I feel he allows the song to become somewhat contrived. Craig's voice reminds me a little of Neil Murray, with its throaty tone and loose enunciation of words. It's Gonna Rain is a good example of this. Most of the time his vocals start in a rather intimate, confiding way, suggesting that he has something to say and it is worth a listen. The melodic, haunting Jenna Lee is Sleeping and the sadness of the narrative in Jenny's Flowers suit this vocal delivery.

The reflective There May Be Times and Nobody Sees A Fish Cry with its moody, spiritual refrain, bring Simone's warm vocal style to the fore. The Dust Bunny, a bright and breezy instrumental, concludes the CD, breaking the rather sombre mood of many of the songs.

The songs are a mixture of musical genres, especially country, blues and folk. The CD comes with a beautifully presented booklet containing brief extracts from the song lyrics.


The CD is available online from Folk Trax and Trad and Now
- Jim Low


Discography

1999 - The Malfunction Room - Craig Dawson
2000 - Jenny's Flowers - Craig and Simone
2001 - The Pitchfork Disney Soundtrack - Craig and Simone
2003 - So Near Yet So Far - Craig and Simone
2005 - Let Isabelle Out - Craig and Simone
(Let Isabelle Out songs available on itunes and www.letisabelleout.com)

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

Finalists - Top 5 2006 Musicoz Awards Folk Category
Finalists - Top 5 2001 Tamworth Independent Artists Awards Instrumental section
Winner - 2000 Tamworth Independent Artists Awards Instrumental section
Simone and Craig perform a blend of original songs and instrumentals which cover a range of Folk music styles including Delta Blues, Ki Hoalu (Hawaiian slack key) with occasional Celtic and Country Music influences. Their original songs are often poignant and hard hitting ballads which explore a variety of political and social topics. Craig and Simone are also known for their ability to get audiences laughing and singing along. Together they are regulars on the festival circuit and have performed at many venues including the Woodford Folk Festival, the National Folk Festival and the 2003 Sydney Acoustic
Guitar Festival.

Simone and Craig have completed a live EP, Jenny's Flowers and in 2001 were involved in composing, recording and producing a soundtrack for a play performed in Brisbane called The Pitchfork Disney. They are also included on the compilation CD Green Songs, the 2001 Sydney Folk Gala compilation CD and the Folk Alliance Australia 2000 compilation CD. Their 2003 recording So Near Yet So Far was produced with assistance from artsACT and Angel Train Pty Ltd. Craig and Simone have just released a double CD titled Let Isabelle Out.

“So Near Yet So Far with Simone Olding is an absolutely fabulous blend of superb instrumentals, fine storytelling and Craig’s trademark emotive vocals. Highly Recommended.” - Pat Drummond

"..but the (live) performance is just as good as the CD as you get the visual appreciation of Craig and Simone's musical talents and just how together their music really is." - Cornstalk Gazette

"With such strong performances, a great design by Geoff Corbett and
evocative original soundtrack by Craig Dawson and Simone Olding, “The
Pitchfork Disney” is hard to fault..." - Time Off

“Both Craig and Simone provide beautifully balanced harmonies which complement each other.” - TiJude and Mart Fowler Triple H 100.1

SIMONE

Simone has had a history of experience in many different bush music and celtic bands. She has a great deal of experience as a session musician and has appeared on a number of different CDs as a flute player or vocalist. Simone has performed in many different folk festivals and venues since the early 1980’s.
She is an experienced vocalist and plays a variety of instruments including mandolin, bouzouki, flute, recorder, clarinet and bodhran. Simone has played a lead role in several musicals, performed in her former local community band and is currently writing two children’s books. She was involved in the production of three commercially available recordings with Serendipity.

Simone has surely found her blues voice: check out her sensitive renditions of "Nobody Sees a Fish Cry" and the amazing "There May Be Times", both written by her. - Peter West 2XX

Craig Dawson and Simone Olding are popular performers around the festival scene and their latest album, "So Near yet So Far," is sure to enhance a reputation built on thought provoking and well crafted songs. - Bruce Cameron

CRAIG

Craig is a songwriter, music teacher and musician who has performed in bands and as a soloist since 1984. He has written several children's musicals, performed as a studio musician and released two CD's and one EP. At the year 2000 Tamworth Country Music Independent Artist's Recognition Awards (TIARA) Craig won the "best instrumental" section for his solo acoustic guitar tune Pickin' on The Captain. He has since gained favourable recognition for his songwriting and fingerstyle guitar work in reviews in overseas music magazines and Internet sites in Italy, the United Kingdom and California. Craig has also appeared on a number of community radio programs and the ABC.

"Moody folk musings from a musician who understands the less-is-more aesthetic to songwriting. Craig Dawson is a proficient guitar player and Singer-Songwriter. He seems to have grown up with a plethora of good folk music that naturally seeped into his own songs. Dawson's music is as good as anything that has influenced him." - Eric S. "www.listen.com"

“... this is probably the only real style of country/folk music that has been perfected in Australia and it is certainly achieved here. With the great debate going on about what is “The Australian Sound” I wish more people would listen to these type of songs.” - Les Speerin. Editor of “Total Country.”