Ashes In The Morning
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
Listen to Ashes In The Morning
Ken Dunn returns with his 9th album after 2 years of working on it, and as usual it’s a listen packed with topical lyricism and stripped back song craft that resonates with sincerity and soulfulness.
Dunn leads with the warm folk sounds of “King High Tide”, where backing vocals from Anna Green and fiddle from Tyler Beckett add much to the bare beauty, and “Come Back Joni” continues the timeless approach with a hurdy gurdy in the dreamy atmosphere.
Further on, "Red And Purple Too” turns a bit darker though not without soft and agile acoustic guitar, while “Deep In The Hive” recruits cello from Michael G. Ronstadt in the the album highlight that benefits from strong percussion, too.
The album is bookended by “Laughter In Your Veins” and “Farewell To The Cages”, where the former brings the only appearance from a plugged in instrument and the latter has Anna Green’s sweet pipes again punctuating the heartfelt execution of folk and Americana.
The world would benefit greatly from listening to Ashes In The Morning right now. Dunn’s peaceful, eloquent display of wordplay and music in a time with so much strife is the sort of positivity, inclusiveness and compassion that we could all use more of.
Travels well with: Roger Street Friedman- Rise; Surrender Hill- A Whole Lot Of Freedom