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Finally! After listening to innumerable instrumental albums that added little to the holiday chestnuts we know so well, I suddenly encountered this exciting breakout album. What a find! Dawson Cowals' Born Is the King is a bona fide, acoustic rock/folk pop gem. This superbly talented singer-songwriter hails from the Northwest and has an emotive alternative rock voice à la Dave Matthews or perhaps John Mayer. His 14 tracks include five originals; of the remaining holiday classics, most have been entirely refashioned with innovative arrangements and additional lyrics that make even the staid "Silent Night" burst with brilliant rejuvenation. The helpful liner notes present every imaginative word for the listener's enjoyment.

Every song is fantastic--both Cowals' new numbers and his re-crafted classics. Born Is the King opens very well with Cowals' incredible a cappella "Intro" to the pounding, driven "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel/We Will Exalt You," which has the greatest back-up vocal (Karissa Nelson singing "shall come to thee, shall rescue thee"). The original "Born Is the King" begins like a lively Jethro Tull/Ian Anderson tune, Cowals' flute blazing. I was rockin' with his remodeled "Good King Wenceslas" every step of the way--what a joy! The artist cleverly rechristens "The Holly and the Ivy" as "Mr. Bah Humbug," asking the jaded Humbug to disclose how to convert crass commercialism to heartfelt authenticity on Christmas morn. The final track is also the longest on this generous album (over an hour of music!); it is an exquisitely performed acoustic version of "O Come All Ye Faithful."

Dawson Cowals' Born Is the King is the real deal! Those who favor alternative rock, acoustic rock, folk pop, or just plain excellent music will adore this intensely creative and well-crafted CD. The musicianship is outstanding. Bravo!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Vocals, Acoustic guitar, Flute: Dawson Cowals
Drums, Acoustic & Electric guitars, Bass: Jim Sitter
BGVs on "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel": Karissa Nelson
BGVs on "Room in This Inn": Lynda Morrison, Jim Sitter

Dawson Cowals wrote words & music for the original songs: "Born Is the King," "When Jesus Was Born," "Sweet Baby Jesus," Mr. Bah Humbug," and "Room in This Inn."

I hope that these songs bring the same spirit of joy that the shephers felt on the hillside so long ago. May they help you remember the most incredible gift every given as we celebrate the season of His birth. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Produced by: Dawson Cowals, Demian Norvell, & Jim Sitter Engineered by: Jim Sitter & Demian Norvell

From the Web site:

This Christmas CD was originally released on 12/12/2000, but has now been rereleased with new artwork and the bonus acoustic version of "O Come All Ye Faithful". The CD features the title track and 4 other original carols, plus new arrangements of 9 classics.

Dawson Cowals

Born is the King

Artist link

Track List