If the tone of this LP is any indication, summers in Sweden must be exquisite. The composition began during a week-long cabin residency, sparked by long walks in the woods with a loyal dog. As an American living in Copenhagen, Jason Dungan integrates his international influences to create a fluid album that matches his moniker of Blue Lake. The simplicity of the cover suggests a stripping away of concerns, a concentration on surroundings. The release date – summer’s first Friday – is no coincidence; neither is the inviting Sun Yellow Vinyl.
The journey, however, begins in Dallas. Already Dungan is breaking out the instruments, which will eventually include “48-string zither, acoustic guitar, keyboard, pump organ, cello, clarinet, alto recorder, drums, small percussion and Roland 606 drum machine.” Yet Blue Lake never sounds like a solo artist, as each instrument is infused with its own personality. “Dallas” is pure warmth, folkish in nature, with just a hint of jazz; the American primitive style pokes through, but the nation of origin is difficult to distinguish: as it should be, given the artist’s background. The transition between the zither-dominant “Green-Yellow Field” and “Bloom” is like that between late spring and summer.
Side B delves into texture, beginning with the curiously-titled “Writing.” It’s surprising that the title appears so infrequently in music, given the fact that most music is written; the most popular song of that title is by Elton John, and it wasn’t a hit. Blue Lake’s “Writing” conjures images of a person walking in the woods, thinking about writing, already conjuring melodies in synaesthetic fashion, prompted by the streams, the birds, the wind in the leaves, later sitting down to write, thinking about the woods.
By the time the artist reaches the title track, the listener has forgotten all about geography and is immersed in a sense of the seasonal outdoors. The zither seems to sparkle, yielding less a melody than a feeling, with theremin-esque high notes entering mid-piece. Closer “Wavelength” reveals the origin of Dungan’s moniker, as he expresses an admiration for Don Cherry’s album Blue Lake and seeks to replicate its affect. How many albums culminate in an alto recorder solo? The final impression is languid peace, as if one is floating in that blue lake, oars resting in the boat. There’s no rush to choose a shore. (Richard Allen)
a closer listen 
Despite the fact that I am biased by being Jason’s father, I don’t think that it is too much to say that this is a really special album. This is amplified by the fact that Jason has created a unique instrument, for which it must be incredibly difficult to compose music, and then play all the instruments. This deeply perceptive and informative review captures all the aspects that led to this work, including the idyllic setting in Sweden, Jason’s status as a gifted and caring citizen of the world, and the dog’s intense devotion. I am so pleased that he is able to meld all these influences into such lovely music.