Jeremy Dion
Boulder, CO | Established. Jan 01, 1996 | SELF
Music
Press
Singer/songwriters often tend to over-think things, so for singer/songwriter and psycho-therapist Jeremy Dion the inner struggle to not over-analyze his work must be excruciating. But maybe because he listens to other people’s problems for a living, Dion spares his listeners the same torture, and for the most part, writes fairly upbeat songs that even if they hint of melancholy, still seem to have an overall theme of hope.
Dion’s “Mile High Americana” was captured by producer Jamie Mefford, who has worked with Front Range heroes Gregory Alan Isakov and Nathaniel Rateliff. Dion is also lucky enough to be joined on a few tracks by Hot Rize’s Tim O’Brien.
While his last album Finally was similar on many levels, Golden Some Day seems to go miles beyond in its song structure and particularly in its lyrics and vocal arrangements. Dion doesn’t attempt to go huge on his vocals here and that restraint reveals an honesty in the lyrics that his previous work lacked. It’s a big step forward. - Marquee Magazine
A psychotherapist by day, Boulder-based singer-songwriter Jeremy Dion also knows a few things about penning heartfelt slices of Americana. On Golden Some Day, the followup to his 2008 debut full-length, Finally, he takes a few vocal cues from David Gray, especially on the relaxed title track, the sprawling ballad "Legend of the Moon," and faster tunes such as "Waiting" and "Better Day." Dion's singing style works well here, surrounded as it is by the sparse instrumentation, which includes his acoustic strumming; the occasional presence of strings, mandolin and drums; and background vocals from Jessica DeNicola, Tim O'Brien and Anne Sibley. With producer Jamie Mefford (who's worked with Gregory Alan Isakov) at the helm, Golden Some Day sounds as discerning as Dion's earnest lyrics. - Westword
In reference to his other job, Jeremy Dion is known throughout Boulder as the Songwriter Psychotherapist. His subdued, amiable voice is certainly suitable for both job descriptions. Dion’s latest full-length album, Golden Some Day, doesn’t stray far outside the realms of an Americana-folk comfort zone, but his songwriting and guitar-playing talents are similar to those of fellow Boulderite Gregory Alan Isakov. Dion’s self-described “Mile High Americana” is a genre-title aptly named for Golden Some Day, his acoustic sound supported by a full artist crew inclduing Jamie Mefford on lap steel and banjo, Peter Sharpe on mandolin and Tim O’Brien on fiddle. The album’s highlight, “Legend of the Moon,” is completed with Phil Parker’s underlying cello throughout, bringing to mind a similar technique used frequently on Isakov’s The Weatherman. With Jeremy Dion’s comforting voice and good heart, Golden Some Day is worth the listen. - Scene Magazine
Jeremy Dion
“Finally” Independent
Breckenridge-based artist Jeremy Dion clearly has a grasp on what makes a song good. He takes a very basic approach to writing, telling a personal story through his lyrics then layering harmonizing strings and simple percussion over the top. Keeping it accessible to listeners of all kinds, Dion injects enough pop pleasure into his work to make it sound both familiar and new — no small feat these days. The end result is a beautiful collection of country-folk tunes that gets right to the heart of what it means to be human.
Dion wrote each of the 11 tracks on his debut CD “Finally,” and there’s no doubt it’s the final-product of a labor of love.
“Finally” is clearly influenced by classic artists such as John Denver and James Taylor, but in a good way. “And you sleepwalk through your days and you dream away your nights/ There’s no longer any difference between our lovemaking and our fights,” Dion sings on “Good Enough.”
The great irony of the album is that the lyrics it showcases were obviously written during some of Dion’s more personal low points in life, but you’d never know it by the upbeat nature of the music. “Finally” is one man’s life poured out in guitar chords and engaging poetry, and every bit worth the listen.
Jeremy Dion will play Thursday for his CD release party at the Silverthorne Pavilion in Silverthorne. For more information, call 970-376-3213.
— Charlie Owen, High Life writer - Vail Daily
By Beeb Ashcroft
Genuine and heartfelt lyrics over lush folk melodies, Finally by Jeremy Dion is an emotional ride through the singer-songwriter's psyche. Featuring honest songs exploring faith, love, pain and sadness, Dion pours out his soul in this album. With big sonics and slick production from Lance Bendiksen (Sara McLachlan, The Fray), this pop-folk album is polished and well thought out.
There are a lot of catchy songs on this record, like the cut "Just a Little More Time," which has lush sonics and good harmonies. "So Wrong" has some nice guitar work, while "As I Lay Me Down" has a slightly eerie feel, as Dion explores his feelings about faith and religion. And he certainly doesn't shy away from tough topics - "No Lullaby" and "Back Breaking Wall" both deal with grief and healing, which Dion wrote after the death of a close friend.
My personal favorite tracks on the CD are "Just a Little More Time" and "Inside My Eyes," which has a vague 80s pop vibe to it. Dion is obviously passionate about his music, and it shows. Although the sound is excellent, I did notice that the vocals seemed a little off at times – they don't always sit quite right with the music. And after a point, the songs get a mite repetitive, as similar guitar riffs seem to show up throughout the album. Nonetheless, there is some great work on this record, especially for a debut.
- Indie-Music.com
Jeremy Dion
“Finally” Independent
Breckenridge-based artist Jeremy Dion clearly has a grasp on what makes a song good. He takes a very basic approach to writing, telling a personal story through his lyrics then layering harmonizing strings and simple percussion over the top. Keeping it accessible to listeners of all kinds, Dion injects enough pop pleasure into his work to make it sound both familiar and new — no small feat these days. The end result is a beautiful collection of country-folk tunes that gets right to the heart of what it means to be human.
Dion wrote each of the 11 tracks on his debut CD “Finally,” and there’s no doubt it’s the final-product of a labor of love.
“Finally” is clearly influenced by classic artists such as John Denver and James Taylor, but in a good way. “And you sleepwalk through your days and you dream away your nights/ There’s no longer any difference between our lovemaking and our fights,” Dion sings on “Good Enough.”
The great irony of the album is that the lyrics it showcases were obviously written during some of Dion’s more personal low points in life, but you’d never know it by the upbeat nature of the music. “Finally” is one man’s life poured out in guitar chords and engaging poetry, and every bit worth the listen.
Jeremy Dion will play Thursday for his CD release party at the Silverthorne Pavilion in Silverthorne. For more information, call 970-376-3213.
— Charlie Owen, High Life writer - Vail Daily
Discography
Finally (2008)
Golden Some Day (2012)
More Lately (2018)
Photos
Bio
Singer songwriter Jeremy Dion puts as much energy into his guitar playing as he does his songwriting. Based in Boulder, Colorado, Dion's infectious Mile High Americana style has been likened to John Denver jamming with David Gray, and John Mayer back porch picking with Jerry Garcia. A percussive guitar approach lays the foundation for insightful lyrics, often inspired by his other career as a licensed therapist. Jeremy adds his own voice to those of his influences, creating an engaging combination of passion and presence mixed with storytelling and optimism.
Raised on a diet of Simon & Garfunkel, Crosby Stills & Nash, and John Denver, Jeremy was steeped in the soaring harmonies and technical guitar playing of the masters. Later gravitating towards rock & roll, bluegrass, and Americana, Dion developed a sound of contemporary folk and acoustic rock that is engaging and honest. With a present voice, versatile guitar skills and a spectrum of emotion, Jeremy is emerging as a formidable thinking-man's musician. Dion is also the author of the book, "The Art of Mindful Singing."
"....while he isn’t yet in the songwriting class of a Tim Hardin or Townes Van Zandt – he is on their doorstep."—John Apice, No Depression
"The contrast between the sorrowful lyrics and the hopeful beat makes it a tragically beautiful masterpiece that we can’t stop replaying."—Evelyn Hernandez, Tongue Tied Mag
Career Highlights Include:
- Singing the National Anthem at Coors field.
- Finalist, Rocky Mountain Folks Fest Songwriting Contest
- Regional Finalist in NPR's NewSong Competition.
- Opening for Gregory Alan Isakov, Nathaniel Rateliff, Willy Porter, and Ritchie Furay
Band Members
Links