Press

Ken Dunn Press
PRAISE FOR "WONDROUS BEAUTY"

"Ken Dunn must have that song catcher soul to have such tradition in his musical mind. This new ten track LP brings you back to earth and cleans out your ears with moments of “Wondrous Beauty” for sure. Dunn’s very John Prine-influenced performance also forays into the stylings of folk-legends like Tom Rush, Tom Paxton, David Ackles and John Hartford. A stew of wonderful notes stirred perfectly, it sneaks into your feet, heart, and soul."

- John Apice, No Depression, USA

"Ken Dunn keeps on surprising. His music is like honey to me - I love it!

- Fred Schmale, Real Roots Cafe, The Netherlands

Wondrous Beauty is an acoustic album from a troubadour who understands the art of presenting unique and contemporary folk music based on traditional and Celtic influences.

Last year, together with his band Gypsy Starfish, Ken Dunn released "The Great Unknown", an album featuring a beautiful mix of acoustic and electric folk songs. As such, we looked forward to the next album by this contemporary Canadian troubadour. That album is "Wondrous Beauty", acoustic and contemporary, yet firmly rooted in traditional folk, with the occasional Celtic twist.

The album features the sublime vocal harmonies of both Ken and partner Anna Green, as well as an instrument mix comprised of Ken's acoustic guitar, Anna's keyboard, Tyler Beckett's prominent and striking fiddle, as well as hurdy gurdy, bodhran, bass, and drums. Thematically, the focus ranges from love songs, such as "Saskatoon" and "Hold On" to the calls for social and environmental justice found on "Wondrous Beauty" and "On My Merry Way". The Celtic influences are found most strongly on the instrumental tunes, such as the playful "Tales of Wandering" featuring spot on instrumental control.

In sum, with "Wondrous Beauty", Ken Dunn once again has a wonderful, restful album behind his name. Contemporary, yet traditional folk featuring two formidable voices, backed by a powerful fiddle performance.

- Lambert Smits, Keys and Chords, Belgium

"Canadian folk-rock singer-songwriter Ken Dunn should be extremely pleased with his seventh recording "Wondrous Beauty." 10 great songs allow plenty of time for suspense while sometimes drawing the listener into a meditative mood.

"Wondrous Beauty" is an acoustic album penned by the hand of a troubadour who dispenses with the usual stereotypes in his lyrics. The songs are about real people, real emotions, and the personal desire for social and environmental justice.

Deeply rooted in traditional folk, earthy roots and enriched with a pinch of Celtic music, Ken Dunn's work enchants with contrasts: sometimes rough, sometimes gentle, mostly full of melancholy, but also joy, pain, tragedy, darkness, and love.

Ken has also succeeded in leaving a lot of room for his captivating voice, even as his own producer of this work, and is only occasionally supported by singing partner Anna Green. Dunn acts sensitively and differentiates purposefully.

On the whole, "Wondrous Beauty" is a sensitive work that rewards multiple listening, and the discovery of ever new facets throughout."

- Max Achatz, Country Jukebox, Munich, Germany

"Strong Canadiana with vision... and true conviction, Ken Dunn's lyrics spread hope, and a stubborn belief in humanity, despite all the darkness around.”

- Tom Arvidsson, Thirsty Boots, Sweden

"I fell in love with Ken Dunn’s lovely languid singing voice and thoughtful songwriting on his fabulous 2015 album “The Great Unknown”. His wonderful new album “Wondrous Beauty,” (his seventh,) is the start of a whole new relationship with his music. 10 new well-crafted Ken Dunn songs - with some really nice harmonies from partner and keyboard player Anna Green, some great fiddle from Tyler Beckett, and a lovely understated production from Ken himself. I’m loving it! Can’t wait to hear these new songs played live."

- Jan Hall – Folk Roots Radio with Jan Hall

“With Ken's charming voice, great songs, and really superb arrangements, Wondrous Beauty sounds easy and true. Perfect by the fireplace, it is a simple, but so authentic pleasure!”

- Mike Penard - American Roots Music, Radio ISA, France

"A collection of 10 well crafted, reflective, and beautifully arranged songs revealing the passion of a modern day troubadour. Ken's desire for social and environmental justice and his personal experiences with faith, love, and all that life offers are at the forefront of this album, in all of its myriad colour and texture. Contemporary, with hints of traditional folk and dashes of Celtic flare, Ken Dunn weaves magic with this pure Canadiana collection, capturing the spirit and positive messages within each song."

- Michelle Fortier, Trespass Music

Read More