Michael P. Dawson

Multi-instrumentalist and composer Michael P. Dawson, based in San Francisco, blends classical, rock, and jazz elements throughout his works. Although he first took up the guitar under Dylan's influence, his direction gradually turned toward the classical-rock approach associated with King Crimson, Jethro Tull, and Emerson, Lake and Palmer. Following his final concert appearance in 1991, when he performed on flute and saxophone, Dawson devoted himself entirely to studio projects. His first album, The Brandnewbug Concerto, appeared on the Elephant Shrew Music label in 1995.

A San Diego native, Dawson began writing original music in the early 1970s. The Crawford High School Student Orchestra gave the premiere of his earliest orchestral composition during the spring of 1973.

After completing a biology degree at the University of California in San Diego, Dawson maintained parallel studies in music. His teachers included composer Pauline Oliveros, pianist Cecil Lytle, harpsichord player Anthony Newman, and contrabassist Bertram Taretzky.

Dawson has also established himself as a scholarly music journalist, contributing to Goldmine, Musician, Option, and the All Music Guide. He characterizes his own output as "cybernetic chamber music."