Monte Dunn and Karen Cruz: Monte Dunn and Karen Cruz

Released in the late ‘60s but finally seeing the light of day on CD, Monte Dunn and Karen Cruz exemplify the delicate folk style that was so rife in that era. Featuring members who would work alongside Tim Hardin, Richie Havens and also Bob Dylan, the tandem of Dunn and Cruz make sweet music on the melodic “Never In My Life” which recalls the likes of a more somber Mamas and the Papas. Perhaps the only drawback to this effort is how some numbers come off too highbrow or artsy, as is the case with the almost medieval “Order To Things” which would fit better in a British theatre piece than any Brit-folk album. The tandem fleshes out “You Don’t Smile Much” perfectly thanks to the work of the seasoned supporting case of banjo player Eric Weissberg and guitarist Bruce Langhorne. It makes for a fine, troubadour, train-chugging number. And it’s in sharp contrast to the mellow, lounge-y and limp “Loving You”. Dunn takes a large share of the vocals on “Self Satisfaction” which has some timeless content suited for the genre. Meanwhile, the pair nail “Outside Looking In” with its John Denver, toe-tapping seasoning. Dunn and Cruz also work in a little swinging country-rock nugget called “Yellow Cab”. It might be only 28 minutes, but it makes every moment count.