The Memphis Dawls are known as the crowning jewel of the Memphis folk scene.  The core group is made up of three veteran musicians who have played with several successful local bands. Brought together by their similar tastes in melody and style, and maybe a slight nod from fate, Holly Cole (guitars, vocals) Jana Misener (bass, cello, vocals), and Krista Wroten (violin, mandolin, accordion, vocals) deliver hauntingly romantic and lyrical folk music with a modern flare.

The themes of the band’s music tend to lean toward the power of love and heartache, just like their musical mentors: Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt. Their harmonies and music push folk, country and rock through the filter of southern hymns. Religious only in the context of their dedication to their respective crafts, they deliver a unique and hypnotizing sound that jumps from genre to genre. The Dawls are not afraid to be inventive,   exploring soundscapes ranging from complex vocal harmonies similar to bands like Fleet Foxes to the more intricate string arrangements of The Decemberists.

Press Quotes:

"Utterly unlike anything else happening on the scene today." 

-Mark Jordan (The Commercial Appeal)

"Call it "cello rock" or "chamber pop" or whatever you want, the debut EP by Cole, 

fellow Heathen Krista Wroten, and Jana Misener is unabashedly beautiful."

 -Chris McCoy ( Live From Memphis)

"The Memphis Dawls and their take on Americana through a hymnal filter have 

been building buzz in Memphis over the past year. Offering a wonderful show, the 

Dawl’s charm is something not to be missed."

-Charles Gray (The Vinyl District)

“With the Memphis Dawls, Cole teams with cellist Jana Misener (Giant Bear) and violinist Krista Wroten (currently playing in Amy LaVere’s band, but also a member of the Heathens) for a prettier, softer folk sound built on lilting strings and harmony vocals. It’s an old-fashioned but timeless sound.”

-Chris Herrington (The Memphis Flyer)

Upcoming Shows:

May 19, 2012 - Bay Saint Louis, MS @ The Mockingbird Cafe 

May 20, 2012 - Lafayette, LA @ Artmosphere

May 24, 2012 - Oxford, MS @ Two Stick Sushi Bar

May 25, 2012 - Birmingham, AL @ Moonlight on The Mountain Concert Series  

Jun 2, 2012 - Memphis, TN @ Swanky's

Jun 6, 2012 - Jackson, TN @ The Downtown Tavern w/ Randolph Robinson

Jun 23, 2012 - Fairhope, AL @ Fly Creek Cafe

Jun 29, 2012 - Chattanooga, TN @ JJ's Bohemia w/ Brown Chicken Brown Cow & Strung Like A Horse

Jun 30, 2012 - Asheville, NC @ Jack of the Wood

Jul 1, 2012 - Knoxville, TN @ Preservation Pub

Jul 27, 2012 - Fort Smith, AR @ R. Landry's New Orleans Cafe