This is the third album of material written and recorded by Dawson during the pandemic, also his third release in about a year. Eyes Closed Dreaming is absorbing and conducive to letting go as were Gone Long Gone and Phantom Threshold.   Some seriously excellent playing and evocative storytelling is happening that takes you away. “This is the 3rd and final album I’m releasing of music I recorded during the pandemic” Steve says in the press release. “Through the months of isolation, some good friends and I dialed in a way of working remotely that kept us busy, somewhat employed and relatively musically active.  (The) 3 albums are very connected sonically and emotionally.”  Eyes Closed, Dreaming is exquisitely produced and performed, and feeling thrilled at the musicianship on display is just the first step on an incredibly vibrant journey through the center of Dawson’s mind. Steve is an acclaimed producer in his own right, working out of his Nashville studio. Generally speaking, all 3 of these records were recorded at the same time. “Many of the songs spread out through the 3 albums were recorded on the same day” Dawson notes. “When the process was complete I had to split the songs up into 3 different albums, and this is where I landed. I guess in my mind there’s a bit more of a traditional side to the new album, and so I put some of the older material in there (along with) a Bobby Charles song and a Johnny Cash song.  I hope that the material I wrote with Matt Patershuk on here can stand up to (them).” Maybe it’s the leisurely approach taken by Dawson & Co. here, but ECD is relaxing and musically arousing at the same time.  Lots of different moods on the disc, including the ironically titled Singin’ The Blues which is actually an instrumental. With Eyes Closed, Dreaming it seems Steve Dawson has saved the best for last.  I have to be up early tomorrow for work but screw it, I’m listening to this one more time before bed. Street date is March 24th.