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"Dave Gunning is the next big thing in the True North of Song, an artist as compelling, as assured and attentive to every nuance of the writing process as Lightfoot, Cockburn and Stan Rogers before him." — Greg Quill, The Toronto Star
There are stories that wash over you like a tide, and then there are stories that grab you by the heart. Dave Gunning has made a point of finding the latter and wrapping them up in song since he broke upon the East Coast music scene in Canada back in 1997. The Pictou County, Nova Scotia born and bred singer-songwriter and working class hero has built up from humble beginnings to a point where his name is regularly included in conversation with artists such as David Francey, James Keelaghan, Ron Hynes, Stan Rogers, Bruce Cockburn and Gordon Lightfoot. Writing from a sonic menu that includes flavors of Irish, Scottish, French Acadian, folk and country musical styles, Dave transcends genre with songs that fill your senses and touch your soul.
Dave is celebrating another milestone with the release of his new recording project, "No More Pennies" (September 2012) marking another chapter for one of Canada's finest songwriters. "No More Pennies", features 12 original songs penned by Gunning and includes co-writes with George Canyon, Dave Francey, Bruce Guthro, Lennie Gallant, Jamie Robinson, Jim Dorie and Scottish songstress Karine Polwart.
"The album's signature track, "These Hands" was co-written with George Canyon and is a Pete Seeger style, call to action song, which has been magic to sing every night. The song is starting to take on a life of its own and is the first single and video. I'm really looking forward to getting out and touring in support of this new record".
Dave has ten critically acclaimed CD's to his credit. His previous release, "… a tribute to John Allan Cameron" was honored with a prestigious 2012 Juno Award nomination and was the winner of two 2011 Canadian Folk Music Awards and two ECMA Awards. He was the winner of the Indie International Song Contest (for his song, "Hard Workin' Hands, co-written with Ron Hynes) and a finalist in the Great American Song Contest, the USA Songwriting Competition, the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and the International Songwriting Contest. All of the hardware and certificates aside, however, it is the personal connection that Gunning's music engenders that is the greatest testament to his craft.
Dave's holiday album, "Christmas Too" (released November 2011) follows on the heels of his 2006 seasonal release, fittingly titled, "Dave Gunning Christmas" which produced the holiday hit, 'Daddy's Beer' (co-written with Jamie Robinson). "Christmas Too" features a festive celebration of original and classic holiday favourites that will engage listeners in a musical tribute to Christmas past and present and wrap them in a warm blanket of rich acoustic sound.
A seasoned performer and entertainer, Dave has toured extensively both solo and with his band, performing to sold-out venues, festivals, house concerts and theatres throughout Canada, the U.S., the U.K. , Ireland, Denmark and recently in Afghanistan, entertaining the troops. Engaging and charismatic, Dave's magnetic gift of captivating audiences by creating a bond through down-to-earth details, homespun humour and seasoned musicianship will be in full display as he continues to tour in support of the latest chapter of a career heading for international recognition.
Stay tuned and watch for Dave's new CD, "No More Pennies"!
