Hey, I'm Jill Dawson, and wanted to introduce myself personally. I'm not some glamorous rock star, just a singer and songwriter who believes in the power of a song to transform people's mood and perspective for at least 3 to 4 minutes, and hopefully longer. I have released music and toured in the past, but today I am a mother of two young children, and am balancing my passion to share music with the priorities of everyday life. The universe has been delivering songs to me, and in the immediate term this website is the primary vehicle from which I am giving them to you to share with others. For those who are familiar with my previous releases, my hope is that you can appreciate the growth in my sound, musicianship and songs. I'm not sure where this second phase in my musical journey is heading, but I'm grateful to be back on the path.
The "official" music bio/press description is below.
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"Very fresh tasting acoustic pop ... destined to grab increasing attention soon" ~Muse's Muse
Chicago-based singer/songstress, Jill Dawson, has released two CDs of her unique fusion of styles, described as a "remarkable blend of folk and pop". Her music has been critically acclaimed and highlighted by some of the major regional media, including Chicago Centerstage, The Reader, and the Illinois Entertainer. Her CD, First Time Around, was nationally and internationally distributed, and her songs have been featured on NPR, PBS and college radio stations from east to west coast and across Europe. Her follow up CD, Acoustically Yours, was recorded in Australia at Spring Studios. Several of her songs ranked #1 on AAA Adult Contemporary chart on Australia's premiere MP3 website. Her live performances have captivated audiences, and she's been featured as a performer for the Midwest Artist Search Songwriter Showcase, the International Songwriting Competition, Folk Alliance (represented by CRM Management), Chicago's Singer Spotlight, the infamous Chick Singer Night, as well as the Venus Rising showcase in Melbourne Australia. Jill also founded FAB Chicago, a networking organization for female artists and bands which hosted sold-out showcases at the Heartland Cafe in Rogers Park.
In 2004, Jill placed her music career on the back burner to focus on her more recent releases, her two young children. In 2009, she is returning with a new sound that has been gaining significant attention. Her songs "Never Home" and "Dancin in a Rainstorm" are both being licensed to recorded by singer, Gaia Galvan. She also wrote a song titled "When I Dream" which is the theme song for the wonderful girl apparel company, "Pigtail Pals." She's currently raising funds and interviewing producers for her next CD, and in the meantime is recording demos of her newer tunes. So show your support, and become a fan/friend today.
PRESS COMMENTS!
Patrick Derksen, Rambles
“It’s sort of an alternative pop/folk sound… The result is a remarkable blend of music, always brought together by Jill’s expressive singing talent…. This album is very good; if you’re a fan of female vocalists, then Jill Dawson is someone you don’t want to miss. Her next album is anxiously awaited!”
Kate Schwartz, Centerstage Chicago
"She's a singer/songwriter with a folk/pop fusion, joining the rather crowded world of acoustic femmes. Dawson doesn't get lost in the shuffle though. Her voice is a lucky combination of strong and sweet with lyrics that don't put undue stock in the sweet end of the equation. She's honest, singing sung themes with a refreshing twist"
Chad Bowar, Suite 101
"Jill Dawson stands out in the crowded indie female singer/songwriter genre... She has a voice that is strong, warm and sweet... Her thoughtful lyrics match her vocal abilities and make for a very enjoyable listen."
Mark Cunningham, Grass Roots Entertainment
"Illinois-based singer/songwriter scores HIT with her first release... You can feel the quality, effort and talent combined from the first track. Jill Dawson is an example to all indie artists... Exceptional work."
Ben Omhart, Muse's Muse.
“Does Jill get it right the first time around. Well yeah! ...very fresh tasting acoustic pop...Jill is destined to grab increasing attention soon"
Jennifer Layton, Indie-Music
"The song "She" is a standout for its beautiful description of love’s saving grace. I played that one several times. It really touched me. So did the heartbreaking final track, "When I’m Gone," about a woman slipping away from life... "First Time Around" is a beautiful debut from this Chicago artist.
Joseph Filipak, Chicago Gigs
"What stands out from the first listen is how well she sings. Her lilting voice can be both powerful and sweet.... and if you have the chance to see her live, do so, you will be in for a real treat.”
SHORT & SWEETS...
4 of 5 stars! **** “tell your friends to go get it and to give you your copy back!… the whole album is screamingly good”
–PersyGrrl Review
"Melodic, compassionate....captivating" -John Noyd, Maximum Ink
"As a mature women with a bit of experience...she brings a different inflection to the usual tales..." -Monica Kendrick, Chicago Reader
"From the first listen, I felt a rare quality in her music…we should all keep our eyes on this treasure." -Nancy Walker, FSYWH
"A shining new talent who creates her own genre with an effortless blend of sophistication and warmth" -DWM Music Company
“Dawson… has a uniquely delicate style, in perfect balance …that never abandons its lovely floating quality even in the lower register and hums.” –Go Girls Music
