Anthology, Volume 1
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The diverse artist Ken Dunn brings us a mixed bag of sorts here, where previously unreleased, rare, live recordings and selections from his albums from the past 25 years are all slapped together on one lengthy and heartfelt listen.
Dunn opens the listen with the soothing and lush “If You’re Lost”, where the strings and guitar interact with much bare beauty, and “Fukushima Nightmares” follows with organ from Drew McIvor and thicker guitar thanks to Dead Drouillard that make for a more firm display of crunchy rock.
Further along, “Forsaken By These Blues” recruits harmonica for the soulful and mesmerizing, bluesy climate, while “Heart Of Mine” lets the strings cultivate a very emotive landscape of sparseness amid the melancholy. “Arms Of Reason”, another very well thought out track, then brings impactful female vocals from Anna Green that harmonize with Dunn alongside the eloquent folk delivery.
Moving deeper, “Hard Yellow Light” pairs bright harmonica with meticulous acoustic guitar to highlight Dunn’s vivid storytelling in a country sort of way, and “Don’t Believe” exits the listen with a live tune that welcomes the late Steve Didemus on guitar, as well as the Denny Kennedy choir.
A veteran Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumenalist, Dunn has enjoyed a lengthy career that’s focused on social and environmental justice, and for those of us unaware of his work, this collection is an excellent starting point.
Travels well with: Karen Morand & The Bosco Boys- Ghost Hotel; Jim Standard- Color Outside The Lines