In the world of music, there are partnerships that feel more like fate than coincidence, collaborations that transcend distance, culture, and background to create something truly magical. Steve and Dolapo is one such partnership. An American-Nigerian singer-songwriter duo, their sound is a theatrical blend of indie pop, rock, R&B, choral, and world music, infused with the timeless influences of jazz and soul. Their music is more than just melody and rhythm; it is an artistic expression of friendship, positivity, love, empathy, and inclusion. The story of Steve Petrinko and Dolapo Oladejo began in December 2021 in the online music review group Reinventing the Wheel – The Music Barn. As solo artists, they quickly recognized something special in each other’s work, exchanging thoughtful and enthusiastic commentary on their respective songs.
But it was in April 2022 that their collaboration officially took flight. A single message, Steve reaching out after hearing Dolapo’s song Heaven Please, sparked a friendship that would soon evolve into a dynamic musical partnership. Inspired by Steve’s track Singularity, Dolapo suggested they co-write a song. From that moment on, they spoke every day, crafting songs and refining their distinct sound with a dedication that would soon define their journey. In 2024, Steve and Dolapo solidified their creative vision by launching Steve and Dolapo Productions, a production company dedicated to their ever-expanding musical catalog. Their debut full-length album, Companion, was met with critical acclaim, showcasing their ability to blend diverse influences into something fresh yet timeless.
With over 60 years of combined choir experience, Steve’s multi-instrumental prowess, spanning drums, bass, guitar, saxophone, piano, vibraphone, world percussion, and even sitar, perfectly complements Dolapo’s rich vocal stylings and songwriting sensibilities. Drawing inspiration from legends like Orlando Julius, The Beatles, Angelique Kidjo, Bee Gees, Earth, Wind & Fire, Lionel Richie, Fela Kuti, Andrea Bocelli, David Bowie, Josh Groban, Luther Vandross, Abba, and Queen, their music embodies a seamless fusion of old and new, deeply rooted in melody, harmony, and emotional depth. Their production style pays homage to greats like Quincy Jones, Albhy Galuten, and Karl Richardson, ensuring that each composition is both polished and heartfelt.
With their growing presence on platforms such as Open Stage Radio and MM-Radio, and Steve’s role as the host of The Feels, an independent music show, their reach continues to expand. But at its core, their music remains a deeply personal expression of their journey, a journey that shows no signs of slowing down. Some songs are like a gentle whisper in the morning, soft, warm, and filled with quiet beauty. Early Morning Glow, the latest single from Steve and Dolapo, is exactly that: a mesmerizing blend of contemporary and traditional jazz, infused with a hauntingly reflective atmosphere and rich harmonic textures. Set against the backdrop of delicate piano phrases, soulful saxophone melodies, and an immersive jazz arrangement, Early Morning Glow captures the essence of dawn itself.
With a March 29, 2025 release date, Early Morning Glow is yet another testament to Steve and Dolapo’s ability to create music that resonates deeply with the soul. The track unfolds like the first rays of sunlight filtering through a window, filling the room with a serene glow. Vocally reminiscent of greats like Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Roberta Flack, Steve and Dolapo create an intimate soundscape that is both tender and evocative. At its heart, Early Morning Glow is a feeling. It is that quiet moment before the world awakens, that peaceful reflection before the day begins. With its carefully crafted instrumentation and heartfelt vocal delivery, the song is an invitation to slow down, breathe, and embrace the beauty of the present.
There are songs that gently nudge you awake, and then there are songs like Early Morning Glow by Steve and Dolapo, which wraps you in its warm embrace and lifts you into a world of serenity. From the very first note, the track unfolds like the first rays of sunlight spilling over the horizon, illuminating a soft jazz-infused landscape that instantly feels intimate and timeless. The song opens with a delicate piano phrase, light as dawn’s first whisper, accompanied by a subtle bassline that provides just enough grounding to the airy instrumentation, with a voice cruising on top of this beautiful sounds with the opening lyrics Early Morning Glow. Then, the soft caress of a saxophone emerges, floating effortlessly in the background, setting the stage for what can only be described as an exquisite musical conversation between sound and silence.
The musicality of Early Morning Glow is a stunning blend of jazz, soul, and modern influences, woven together with a masterful sense of balance. The arrangement is meticulous yet organic, allowing every instrument to breathe within the space it occupies. The saxophone, vibraphones, upright bass, and gentle percussive elements are all expertly layered, creating an immersive experience that feels both lush and restrained. As the song progresses, shifts and transitions are executed with a natural elegance, each section flowing seamlessly into the next without disrupting the dreamlike quality of the track. The song does not rely on dramatic peaks and valleys to make its mark; rather, it draws the listener in through its subtle evolution, like the soft shifting of light as morning fully awakens.
The vocal performances were nothing short of mesmerizing. The voices were rich yet airy, exuding a warmth that feels like honey melting into a cup of tea. The vocal delivery is evocative, not just in the words they sing but in the way they caresses each phrase, letting the notes linger just long enough to create an emotional connection. The multiple layered vocal harmonies complemented each other effortlessly, adding depth without overshadowing the central melody. The interplay between these voices is one of the song’s greatest strengths, it feels intimate, like a quiet conversation shared between two kindred spirits in the stillness of morning.
Instrumentally, the song is a testament to restraint and precision. Every note played by Steve carries intention, from the gentle vibraphone accents to the fluid saxophone passages that weave in and out of Dolapo’s vocals. The upright bass offers a steady, grounding pulse, ensuring that even in its ethereal beauty, the track maintains a sense of structure. This blend of instrumentation and vocals creates an atmosphere that is both tender and immersive, transporting the listener to a place of peace and reflection. It is the kind of composition that invites you to close your eyes and lose yourself in its warmth, a sonic embrace that lingers long after the music fades.
From the moment the song begins, it evokes a feeling of quiet joy, like stepping outside to witness the world bathed in the soft glow of dawn. There’s a meditative quality to the music, a sense of presence that encourages the listener to slow down and savor each note. The high-quality production ensures that every element is crystal clear, allowing the intricate details to shine without feeling cluttered. There is a remarkable depth to the mix, the way the reverb on the saxophone gently dissolves into the background, the subtle dynamics in the percussion, the velvety smoothness of Dolapo’s voice, all these elements contribute to a sonic experience that is deeply gratifying.
As a whole, Early Morning Glow is more than just a song; it is a moment suspended in time, a reminder of the beauty that exists in simplicity. Steve and Dolapo have crafted a piece that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant, a testament to their musical synergy and artistic vision. The atmosphere they create is one of warmth, nostalgia, and quiet wonder, a song that doesn’t demand attention but rather earns it through sheer grace and authenticity. It is the kind of track that lingers in your mind long after the final note fades, leaving behind an imprint of calmness and quiet joy. This is music in its purest form, a delicate yet powerful expression of artistry that deserves to be experienced and cherished.
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Listen to Early Morning Glow by Steve and Dolapo and many more on our Classical/World/Jazz/Roots/International Playlist.
