As a bright young talent, Caleb Hawley has created an excellent new album with incredible songs that range through a variety of genres. He does not pin himself down at all on this album, showing off his incredible vocal abilities with a soulful delivery. The highlights of the album are reggae song “Real Vacation” and the folk rocker “My Own Two Feet.” The biggest surprise is a cover of the song “The Way It Is,” which Hawley interprets in such a way that it keeps its classic appeal while still feeling new and fresh. Caleb Hawley is one of those special unknowns that you love discovering, and his latest album is definitely worth discovering.

Songwriting contests will always be subjective. Imagine comparing “Let it Be” to “Superstition” – both are amazing songs in their own right, but basically apples and oranges. That being said, all the songwriters I met and heard out there were very talented and would be worth your time to check out. If you have a minute, you can go to http://www.bluegrass.com/telluride/contests.html to find the top 10 finalists.

In case you’re wondering what this contest is all about, it’s a nationally recognized songwriter competition for people who aren’t famous. In other words, John Mayer wasn’t allowed to sign up. Contestants are judged on the quality of the song’s composition, vocal delivery, and the overall performance, sort of like figure skaters. Some of the past winners who may have heard of include Catie Curtis, Deb Talan of The Weepies, Cosy Sheridan, and Brian Joseph. Pretty sweet, eh?

It’s all going down in June, and tickets to the festival can be found here: http://www.bluegrass.com/telluride/ – it’s June 17th – 21st and has one heck of a lineup!

My thoughts on songwriting competitions? They are ALWAYS subjective… that is, until you win one. Then they become totally fair (sarcasm alert). This is the second competition that has given “Other Side of it All” high praise, which is very gratifying. I wrote the song for our country, and it’s humbly fulfilling to see it connect. Thank you all.

On Monday, my song “Other Side of it All” was selected as one of 12 songs (out of over 5,000) to be performed in the 2009 New York Songwriter’s Circle Songwriting Contest. The event will be held at the Bitter End in NYC, November 18th and 19th at 8pm. To be honest, my hands get sweaty just typing this out. I mean, there are some pretty big prizes on the line. First place gets ten grand and a Gibson guitar, are you kidding me?!

Regardless of what happens, it’s gonna be a great night of music. My friends Reed Waddle, Martin Rivas, Kate Branagh, and Barnaby Bright also have songs in it, which makes it even more exciting! Plus John Oates is performing on Thursday night, so that will be awesome too.

BLURB – This disc cannot capture the pure and effortless talent that is Caleb Hawley. Berklee grad Caleb Hawley is likely the best songwriter you’ve never heard and will continue to fly under the radar for the time being. Hawley oozes music in a manner that is genuine, personable and, dare I say…fun? I’ve had the pleasure of seeing this distinguished artist a handful of times, being exponentially pleased with each successive performance. His knack for chord progressions and modulation is unparalleled. Each of his songs contain no less than 239 chords and countless licks that always leave you wanting more. The only problem I can find is the ability to effectively contain and reproduce his energy and genius on a record. ‘Steps,’ while having a very raw production quality is filled with hits and brilliant tones that will leave you asking, why isn’t this on the radio?

Rating – 8.5 out of 10

FULL STORY – Where to start? I was introduced to Caleb through a co-worker’s e-mail…’Hey my friend is playing a show downtown tonight, please come.’ Thank you Brittany! Working at a music company I get countless e-mails telling me about the next great act and how I should ‘definitely’ check them out. So with a couple of hours to fill before a company volleyball game about a year ago, I decided to fill the time by seeing this Caleb Hawley-guy. Great decision. He was playing at the Rockwood Music Hall, which is no bigger than my modest Astoria living room and I was sold. Instantly. I’ve played guitar for 9 years and I’ve learned to be able to recognize good songwriting when I hear it. The first time I heard Hawley play I immediately compared him to John Mayer…but he may be even a little more well rounded than the latter. When I sat down and started learning Mayer’s ‘Room for Squares’ I fell in love with the chords and musical decisions he made. That’s not an E chord….thats’ an Ebm 9th chord and wait…he goes to a G#maj 7th after that? Mayer introduced me to creative, yet pop, songwriting that could cover blues, jazz, rock and soul simultaneously. Hawley does the same thing. Maybe it’s a Berklee thing? The main thing that I noticed at the first show at Rockwood was that Hawley’s fingers never stop. He’s constantly moving and changing tones and keeping the audience on their toes.

So on to the record. ‘Small Steps’ opens up the disc with a playful bluesy – jazz riff and clever lyrics depicting his efforts to be patient in life. The track is filled with horns and organs, adding color to Hawley’s understated vocals. It’s no ’stop-in-your-tracks’ masterpiece, but it readies the audience for what is in store. The chorus is powerful and full of momentum, while retaining a relaxed and mellow vibe.

The second track, ‘Other Side of it All’ showcases Hawley’s relate-ability, and serves as somewhat of an anthem of perseverance. His lyrics traverse decades describing past generations and the ability overcome any obstacle, which is matched in intensity by his musical songwriting. This song performed solo with just an acoustic guitar bears the weight of the world, however on the record, after starting out acoustic, he incorporates a bevy a strings adding depth and emotion to the track.

Another track of note is, ‘Every Shade of Gray’ which is a fairly laid back blues number that is hard to not tap your foot to. The bridge of this song is quite powerful and offers an optimistic view on striving to be the person we want to be.

‘My Own Two Feet,’ which is likely Hawley’s best track, is yet another gem of lyrical observations on life. The verse is made up of an intoxicating riff that is actually quite difficult to hear on the record. I would definitely recommend viewing this track on YouTube to gain a full appreciation of his talent: My Own Two Feet. Nonetheless, it is still an awe-inspiring track whether hearing it on the record or live.

What’s really great about Hawley is his ability to be self-deprecating through his music. He’s immensely talented, yet has no problem throwing a song on the album that is fun loving, while poking fun at himself. He accomplishes this through the song, ‘Who’s Your Doggie?’ which compares his life to that of his dog. It’s hard not to chuckle during this track, and while it is extremely playful, the blues foundation that which it is laid upon makes it all the more credible. It’s songs like these that make the listener realize how truly gifted he is at the guitar. The way in which he subtly lays down a creative, non-monotonous pop-blues riff is all too refreshing.

All in all, this record is a great buy that will likely introduce you to one of the top songwriters in the country. Despite the album having a low ceiling on production values, Hawley’s likable demeanor and personality shine through brilliantly. And oh yeah…the guy is pretty good at guitar too. Caleb Hawley is one of the good guys in the music industry right now…it’s only a matter of time before he is a household name.

The beauty of singer-songwriter Caleb Hawley’s sophomore album, Steps, is the way it blends his classic, controlled, and powerful music with the same energy as his live performance and the professionalism of a perfectly mastered record. From the opening track “Small Steps,” which brilliantly captures the struggling artist’s desire to make it to the top to the final piece “Fade,” a hauntingly beautiful song that mesmerizes it’s listeners with it’s trance-like quality, Steps plays strong from start to finish, with no need to push the “skip” button on your iPod.

Hawley has made huge strides artistically since his debut album, ironically titled Greatest Hits, a name that gives a small window into Caleb’s quirky, dry sense of humor and tendency to not take things too seriously. In Steps we see a variety of level’s in Caleb’s personality, such as the sensitive, loving husband doting on his wife in “Samantha’s Song,” and his humorous, playful side in “Who’s Your Doggy?” Some highlights of the record include “Real Vacation,” a track laced with light ukulele, catchy lyrics, and a melody that begs to be placed on a Sandals commercial, and “My Own Two Feet,” Hawley’s hit song that won him a top spot in the prestigious New York Songwriter’s Circle contest last year.

Engineered, mixed and mastered by Glenn Barratt of Morningstar Studios and featuring a cast of musicians and instruments fit to challenge the finest band in NYC, Steps is a definite album to add to your collection of outstanding indie artists. Caleb’s vocal mastery and musical genius can be witnessed this coming Thursday, October 29 at his Bitter End Record Release, 8:30pm. Chock full of special guests, light laughter, and amazing talent, this is an evening not to be missed.

Steps is now available for purchase and download… Please visit www.calebhawley.com or www.myspace.com/calebhawley for details and tour dates.