Contemporary Americana sounds with a singer/songwriter's respect for the song

11 MP3 Songs
COUNTRY: Country Folk, COUNTRY: Modern Country



Details:
Ian Dickson is a singer/songwriter, and guitar player living in Texas. Ian was born in Dunfermline Scotland, and came to Texas by way of Canada, Ohio, and Michigan.

After spending a few years playing with Shenango, an acoustic folk/pop band in Cleveland in the 70's, Ian formed Pine Creek in 1977. Pine Creek took their own brand of "Bluegrass and Beyond" to regional success on the club circuit in Midwest. Ian is currently writing and performing in Northeast Texas where he took top honors in the 2005 Wildflower performing songwriter competition. Ian has opened for several Texas music icons including Ray Wylie Hubbard, Brave Combo and Gary P. Nunn. Ian also serves on the board of directors for the Dallas Songwriters Association.
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Buddy Magazine Review Posted: Aug 30, 2006
Record Review
Love, Music & the Road

On âBeer On My Guitarâ Ian Dickson sings âDonât tell me how much you had to drink, son. Just donât spill your beer on my guitarâ. While thatâs not the point of his CD, Love, Music & the road, it shows the maturity of his outlook.

Dickson, now a Texan by way of Dunfermline, Scotland; Canada; Ohio; and Michigan sings of, well, as the title indicates, love, music, and the road. He also explores traditions, small towns, and outlaws, and the musicianâs life --- many of the same subjects younger performers explore too, but Dicksonâs been there, done as much of that as he wants to and has moved on to wiser takes.

Itâs a musically mature, sincere, well done CD from a performer who would fit in at any folk festival in the country.

He wrote ten or the 11 songs and covers Ray Wylie Hubbardâs inspirational âThe Messengerâ

Dickson, who co-produced with Patrick McGuire, did all the lead vocals, with harmony help from Beth Wood. Milo Deering added pedal steel, mandolin, dobro, and fiddle; Warren Dewey drums; and McGuire bass.

Tom Geddie
Buddy Magazine
August, 2006


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Miss Lana Review Posted: Aug 30, 2006
It was just before Christmas 2005, my husband and I decided to take the kids on a rare night out to Love and War in Texas. We knew it was Randy Hopperâs Singer/Songwriter night, so the whole family would be content at the very least to hear Randy and eat fried pickles and onion rings for a while. The evening kicked off with our buddy doing what he does so well.

Several performers later our kids were ready to go. The other young performers had been fine, but frankly, I canât even remember who they were. As we began to pack up, the next performer stepped up. We decided to listen to a tune or two before leaving. As he began to play and sing we were mesmerized!! This was my first taste of Ian Dickson. Merry Christmas to me.

Randy had mentioned Ian to me before, but I hadnât had the opportunity to hear him. I was absolutely blown away. His finger-style picking, coupled with wonderful lyrics literally excited me. Thereâs just no way to describe that feeling of a ânew findâ. The kids were getting tired, so we had to leave before he finished, but I slid a card to Ianâs wife Diane and said, âholler at me!â

I was pleased to learn that Ian had a CD in the works, and immediately booked him as an opener into my own house concert series. As luck would have it, the CD came out a couple weeks before our show.

For someone lucky enough to write music reviews, there are always CDâs being handed or sent to you. Often, the reviewer sees someone onstage that is phenomenal, then is handed a CD of poor quality or just not up to par. It often puts the reviewer in an awkward position of love the artist, hate the CD, so I was excited about getting this one, but a little nervous at the same time.

Within the first few notes of track one, âHoney Groveâ, my fears dissipated, and a flood of music filled my soul. I felt as if Ian were in my living room singing right in front of my. I was amazed and pleased at the high quality of his first CD, and knew instinctively Iâd be in for a treat the rest of the time I listened. That pickinâ and songwriting I loved from the first time is there, as well as Ianâs crystal clear, always on pitch, and wonderful voice. Damn, this CD feels good. And for the record folks, this particular song is the best thing thatâs ever happened for Honey Grove, TX!

For a gal like me, self-diagnosed by a seven question Internet test as being
A-D-D, it takes diversity and quality to keep me listening to a CD start to finish. Itâs not often I find CDâs that Iâll play beginning to end, with âover and overâ being even more rare. With this CD, five times in three days might be a record for me. From the sweet love songs to hard hitting grab-you-and-make-you-think songs, to flat out fun and all in between, this CD is worth every penny and then some. Even the artwork is great, who could ask for more?

I canât say I have one particular favorite on the CD, frankly, they are all fantastic. I would say if I had to narrow it down some, âFactory Townâ would be on the list. Growing up understanding labor unions probably lends toward my fondness and appreciation for it. I seem to relate to âNobodyâs Drinkinâ Whiskey Anymoreâ too, since our Texas Music buddies and we just donât hit it as hard as we once did. Itâs almost as if Ian has captured many of us on video with this one. I know I sure as hell canât do the shots like we used to!!

The only cover on the disc is Ray Wylie Hubbardâs âThe Messengerâ. Tackling a Texas Music iconâs tune, especially on your first CD, is adventuresome. He does it well, makes it his own, and still does Ray very proud in my book.

Spend the $15 on this one, folks. This one will be one great quality, favorite CD youâll be playing from now on. Check the schedule at www.iandickson.net and catch a show! Iâve seen Ian performing several times now, and he is truly one of the best performers youâll see.

Lone Star Mama (Dana Jones)
Miss Lana.com
May, 2006