Artist description The music of Dawson Cowals has been affectionately described as: "Dave Matthews meets Matchbox 20 in a small cafe frequented by Sarah McLachlan, where lyrics by Rich Mullins are on the menu." But there's a lot more to this Oregon computer programmer whose Contemporary Christian offerings have won praise and listners in Acoustic, Adult Alternative, Funk, Pop and Rock categories.Sometimes his licks sound like Dave noodlin' with a notion and his voice once in a while rasps like Rob Thomas. But the sound -- and the message -- is uniquely Dawson's. He's a story teller gifted in a lyrical way with words that make the sublime ("Away in Five") and the mundane ("Lazy Laundry Day") as relevant to his generation as Harry Chapin's were. There's always a message in the music whether it's classic and rocks like "Green," or if it's simple and understated support for verbatim scripture as in "Psalm 101." His lyrics, as much as his music, have won crossover listeners because his music is most accurately described as Christian without being preachy. Jesus told his disciples that the world would know us by our love, and that is how Dawson endeavors to reach his listeners. As Dawson explains in his own words, "I try to write about experiences, struggles, heartaches and victories that have happened in my own life and that I feel others can relate to easily. Then I show how I was able to go through some of these valleys, not by my own strength, but by leaning on the giver of all strength, Jesus." As Zach Garland put it, Dawson's music is "Nice jazzy rock, with very creative lyrics; a message that doesn't hit you over the head. Dawson honors his God and shares the happiness he feels without insulting a nonChristian's intelligence. He's just got something cool he wants to share. Take note gang. Make music this good, and nonChristians will listen. Take it to the river; don't keep it in the church." From the raw acoustic brilliance of "I'm Not That Strong" that leaves you waiting for and wondering about the missing beat in the 11/4 time signature. To the echoes of a Russian Gypsy Dance lingering after "Pain" delivers its aural pleasure. Enjoying his guitar's acoustic duet with a sweet jazz sax doesn't require a "Leap Of Faith." It's an affirmation of sound and style as much as it's a celebration of belief. Whether it's for a crowd of one or none, Dawson's as much at home on a stool in a coffee shop as he is leading worship services or performing for thousands at an open-air concert. After listening to him play, one can't help but be left with the exhoration, that "whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." -Colossians 3:12-17 Dawson currently has three full-length CD's available, "Swirling Waters Tug", "Reach Out", and "Sackcloth Charms". He is in the studio working on three more: an all original worship project entitled "Inhabit Our Praises", a collection of new songs called "Don't Look Back", and an alternative Christmas CD with new arrangements and several original pieces that should be coming out in the Fall, "Born is the King".

Music Style Singer/Songwriter Acoustic/Folk Rock with Christian lyrics

Musical Influences Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Sarah McLachlan, White Heart, Bryan Duncan, Iona, Shaded Red, Third Day, PFR, Phil Keaggy, Caedmon's Call, Sting, Chasing Furies, Out of The Grey, Phil Collins, Bebo Norman, Burlap to Cashmere, Satelite Soul, Small Town Poets, Jars of Clay, more than I can list...

Similar Artists Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, Sarah McLachlan, Bebo Norman, Matchbox 20, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Caedmon's Call, Jennifer Knapp, Natalie Merchant

Artist History Opened under the name of "Sewing Machine Leg" for a "Thread" concert at Oregon State University May 15, 1998. Before then and since I have been mostly playing solo, either for Worship with a college Bible study, playing special music for churches, or some gigs in local coffee houses. Recently Applegate Christian Fellowship gave me the opportunity to record some of my music, and they have been playing the songs on their radio station in Southern Oregon, KAPL 1300 AM. KHPE 107.9 FM in Albany has also picked up a few of the CD's, and most recently KBVR 88.7 FM, OSU's student-run radio station has been using my songs for their programming.

Group Members Dawson Cowals - Guitar/Vocals/Flute || Demian Norvell - Bass/Keyboards/Electric Guitar || Jim Sitter - Bass/Drums/Electric Guitar

Instruments Guitar, Flute, Bass, Drums, Keyboards, Percussion

Albums Petal Strewn Path (07-15-98), Drink (08-15-98), Ruler of My Heart (09-15-98), The KAPL Radio Mixes (5-15-99), Swirling Waters Tug (06-07-99), Your Face (06-19-99), Reach Out (07-11-99), Five (08-26-99), the Green E.P. (09-28-99), Sackcloth Charms (11-23-99) , Inhabit Our Praises (09-05-00), Born Is the King (12-12-00), Unplugged (09-05-01), Don't Look Back (10-14-01)

Press Reviews ["Dave Matthews sings Rich Mullins" - Mark Munsell of MadelynIris] ***** ["4 1/2 out of 5 YAKS" - mp3yak.com] ***** ["Seraph's Wings" chosen for the "GRIP MAGAZINE" compilation.] ***** ["Lead singer snarls like a male Natalie Merchant, curling his lips around upbeat, social commentary with surprising ferocity. The band hangs tight behind him -- neatly compressed pop package. Sounds like: Dave Matthews Band, Sarah McLachlan, Natalie Merchant" - listen.com]

Additional Info All cover artwork by Dawson Cowals. Photos by Alan Calvert.

Location Corvallis, OR - USA

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