Memphis Dawls - Rooted in the Bone (2014)

In recent years, Memphis Dawls have served at the vanguard of a burgeoning Memphis folk scene. The core group is made up of three veteran musicians who have played with several successful local bands. Brought together by their similar tastes in melody and style, and perhaps a slight nod from fate, Holly Cole (guitars, vocals), Jana Misener (cello, vocals), and Krista Wroten (viola, mandolin, accordion, vocals) deliver hauntingly romantic and lyrical folk music with a modern flair.

The themes of the band’s music tend to lean toward the power of love and heartache, just like their creative muses: Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt. Their harmonies and music push folk, country and rock through the filter of southern hymns. Religious only in the context of their dedication to their respective crafts, they deliver a unique and hypnotizing sound that jumps from genre to genre. The Dawls are not afraid to be inventive, exploring soundscapes ranging from complex vocal harmonies, similar to bands like Fleet Foxes, to the more complex string arrangements of The Decemberists.

In early 2014, the Dawls signed with Madjack Records. Their first full length release, “Rooted in the Bone” was recorded at historic Ardent and Sun Studios in Memphis, TN. The eleven songs, all composed by the Dawls, utilize a cross blending of the Mid South’s finest musicians including Ken Coomer (Wilco), as well as Charles and Teenie Hodges (Take Me to the River, Love and Happiness) from the legendary Hi Rhythm Section, famous for their work with Al Green and Ann Peebles.

The recording, produced by Jeff Powell (Bob Dylan, Afghan Whigs), will be distributed world wide by Redeye Distribution, and will be available on CD and in all digital formats on September 23, 2014.