In an industry where the most-often asked musical question is “what kind of music do you play?” it’s perhaps not surprising that it would be a couple of guys from the west coast of Canada who would smile and answer “Strang”.

What the hell, you may well ask, is Strang? 

Well, it’s a whole lot easier to listen to than it is to describe. The musical influences and evocations in Strang could fill a record catalogue, but the short answer would be “acoustic music that kicks ass”. It’s folk music for people who don’t like folk music- and for people who love it dearly. Those that have been listening to roots music over the last 25 years or so might find some musical sign posts pointing towards the work of Bela Fleck, Tony Rice, Ry Cooder, Darol Anger and David “Dawg” Grisman. However, you would also have to remember that these are the musical milestones of a previous generation. 

For Steve Dawson and Jesse Zubot, this is just the starting point for the amazing musical journey that is Strang. While they were listening to all of the above, they were also listening to classical, country, folk, funk, rock, Hawaiian and bluegrass - all of which are now part of their musical DNA. You also have to add in 2 or 3 kinds of jazz, blues and electronica… all brought to you by 2 seriously accomplished musicians - Jesse on violin and mandolin and Steve on acoustic, National steel-bodied and Weissenborn Hawaiian guitars (a hollow-necked lap steel instrument).