Album Notes

Multi-Instrumentalist/Singer/Songwriter Carolyn Cruso has released eight recordings since 1989; six of them instrumental and two singer/songwriter. Have You Ever is her most recent songwriter CD, released in June of 2009. It explores diverse genres from folk to jazz to funk to pop while maintaining the focal point of Cruso’s own “elegant and sophisticated” style. Lyrics range from poetic to narrative, illuminating images and stories of the traveler, the griever, the fool, the one left bewildered yet still radiant with love, the natural world and the inner world


Recorded and mixed on Orcas Island in the San Juan archipelago in Washington State over a course of nine months, Have You Ever was produced by Martin Lund a sought after session player as well as veteran producer. It showcases both Orcas Islands wealth of talented musicians as well as fine Seattle and Portland area musicians including Sandin Wilson (Quarterflash, Gino Vannelli) on fretless bass, Chris Leighton (Laura Love) on drums and percussion, Harry Manx on slide guitar, Jon Hamar (Dawn Clement, Jay Thomas) on acoustic bass, Larry Murante on backup vocals, Page Smith (Pacific NW Ballet) on cello, and Willie Thomas (Peggy Lee) on trumpet and fluegel horn.

“The folk diva mixes excellent musicianship with poetic lyrics and an ear for lilting melody…a gifted singer”

Glen Starkey, San Luis Obispo New Times


“Cruso brings multi-instrumental skills and an eloquent set of pipes to the table”

Cheryl Eddy, San Francisco Bay Guardian