Dusty Knees was formed by Steve Haywood and Chris Ridsdale in 2002 although Steve and Chris had worked together on many occasions before. As well as treading the club circuit together for 5 years they had helped each others solo projects and been involved in sessions for other artists.

It was 2002 though when they decided to concentrate on writing and soon had enough songs to record the album Tellurider . A mix of country blues and swamp boogie, its finely textured layers offer something new with every listen and the ferocious Hell Heating Up was included on the Little Feat Fan compilation cd "On Our Way Up Vol 3" . Other tracks include Get 'Em When I'm Gone, which gained interest from Nashville, and Chris' haunting instrumental Waiting At Waverley Station.

A year later and the next cd was ready, The Peacock Tree. This album is full of strong tunes which showcase Steve's remarkable vocal arrangements alongside Chris' intuitive guitar talents. Their enjoyment in making these songs shines through and as a follow up to Tellurider creates a definitive sound to call their own. They were approached to include a song for On Our Way Up Volume 4 and the country stomp of Jezebel was submitted and quickly accepted. The album also includes tastes of blues, swing and the touchingly biographical ballad Answer Me.

With the latest songs taking a more acoustic direction it was decided that they would follow this and two new musicians were added to the line up to create the Dusty Knees Acoustic Band. Haydn Brough, an old colleague from previous projects, was added on percussion and the rhythm section was boosted by the addition of Paul Beckett, an accomplished local guitarist. Steve, as before, took on the role of producer for the new recordings and a four track taster cd called Hometown was completed. When Paul made the decision to leave, the band were lucky to be able to call on Shaun Thompsett as a replacement and were soon as solid as ever. The all acoustic sound gives the listener space to appreciate both Steve's voice and the high quality musicianship of the band.

2007 saw the release of Carnival, their first full album of acoustic songs. A mix of new material and re-works of previous tunes it firmly retained the Dusty Knees sound highlighted by Steve's distinctive vocals. Now including mandolin, banjo and various percussive elements from Haydn, the whole feel of the album is one of a band very comfortable with the music they play and has a charming integrity.

Steve's lyrics are well structured stories of lost love, missed chances, preconceptions and lighthearted perspectives on life. Usually with a positive message Steve manages to make evident what is sometimes hidden from plain sight.

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