Monte Dunn & Karen Cruz

Released in 2012 on the Japanese label Vivid Sound, this collaborative album serves as a notable entry in the discography of guitarist Monte Dunn. The project pairs Dunn, whose career spans decades of session work and jazz performance, with vocalist Karen Cruz. Produced for the Japanese market, the record captures a refined, intimate aesthetic often found in Vivid Sound's catalog of adult-oriented jazz and pop standards, prioritizing clarity of instrumentation and emotive vocal delivery.

The album reflects a polished mid-career effort for both artists, emphasizing a minimalist acoustic arrangement that highlights the interplay between Dunn’s guitar technique and Cruz’s phrasing. By opting for a clean, studio-focused production style, the creators intended to provide a timeless listening experience that pays homage to traditional jazz vocal interpretations. Upon its release, it was received primarily as a niche acquisition for collectors of Japanese jazz pressings and fans of the artists' respective solo works.