YORK singer and songwriter Adam Dawson has released his debut album, the aptly titled In The Beginning on his own label.

Student Adam, 20, divides his time between English Literature studies at Hull University and performing either solo or with bass player Stu Russell in the covers' duo The Beatnicks.

The album was recorded between August and November last year, and comprises six Dawson compositions - Garden On The Moon, Omniscient Scarecrow, I'm Coming Home, Aurora, There's A Girl and Behind The Light - on which he plays all the instruments.

Adam handles 12 and six-string acoustic guitars, piano, Hammond organ, banjo ands vocals, and he produced the record too.

"In The Beginning represents my first step into writing and recording music, and as such I have kept it mainly acoustic, although the electric guitar at the very end gives a hint to where the journey will begin in the next project," he says. "This debut album captures an acoustic warmth, which is reminiscent of yesteryears, with rich harmonies and engaging melodies."

In The Beginning is on sale at £6 from Adam's website, www.deltamoon.co.uk, or at £8 from Track Records, Borders, Rock-o-la and the Barbican Bookshop. In addition, the album is available at his gigs in York at the Northern Wall, April 4; the Old White Swan, April 6; O'Neill's, April 11; and Hole In The Wall, April 20.

Adam also hosts Open Mic nights for like-minded singer-songwriters at the Bay Horse, Marygate, on Monday and the Northern Wall each Thursday.

Updated: 16:07 Thursday, March 25, 2004