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Redicovering Dave Gunning
The other night when I was reviewing the East Coast Music Association 2013 Awards, several of the nominees were familiar. One of the familiar artists was Dave Gunning. I don’t remember when I came across his name, but I remember listening to his 2009 release We’re All Leaving.
I remember I enjoyed it, but evidently it was one of those albums that I may have listened to all too briefly, and as I listen to it now, I can’t figure out why?? Because what I hear is great.
Award-Winning Songwriting
Anyway Dave was nominated in several categories and “These Hands” a song he co-wrote with George Canyon was awarded Song of the Year at the 2013 East Coast Music Awards!
Here’ some awards that he’s won…..
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.
All this has led Greg Quill, The Toronto Star to write:
“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.”
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Listening to No More Pennies
So over the last coupled of days I’ve been listening to Dave’s latest release No More Pennies and really loving his songs about people and life… at times as I’ve been listening I’ve been reminded of the music of Rod Picott (and that’s a good thing!) Here’s some more about No More Pennies from Dave’s website:
Dave’s 10th album No More Pennies is inarguably his finest collection of songs to date. The record celebrates the journey and pays tribute to the trials and tribulations, the highs and lows and the goodness at the heart of people
On No More Pennies, Dave has proven to be a deft arranger and a songwriting master craftsman with co-written gems with George Canyon, Jim Dorie, David Francey (duet), Lennie Gallant, Bruce Guthro, Karine Polwart (duet) and record producer, Jamie Robinson.
The lead signature track, These Hands co-written with George Canyon is a ‘call to action’ style song reminiscent of classic Pete Seeger to inspire us to make good in this world. Dave and his song, These Hands were awarded Song of the Year at the 2013 East Coast Music Awards and picked up nominations for Folk Recording and Fans Choice Entertainer of the Year.
Songs About People
In his review Bob Mersereau of CBC – East Coast Living writes”
Dave Gunning’s at it again. Defining our lives, baring our souls, telling what it’s like on the East Coast these days, or for people from the East Coast. From retired railway men to hard-core hockey fans to those who’ve had to pack up and go to Alberta, Gunning’s speaking for them, telling their tales Read more.
This is one young artist to check out….I know that his music is not going to be forgotten this time around!!
Links for Further Exploration
Artist’s Website
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Amazon
Here’s Dave performing the award-winning song “These Hands” and if you’d like you can watch Hard Workin’ Hands here
2026 Update
Looking back, I can see why Dave Gunning’s music appealed to me immediately. Like so many of my favorite songwriters, he writes about ordinary people and everyday life with honesty and compassion.
Reading this post also reminded me how interconnected the Canadian folk scene really is. Dave co-wrote with Ron Hynes, David Francey, Lennie Gallant, Bruce Guthro, George Canyon, and others—many of whom I’ve come to appreciate over the years.
At the time I compared Dave’s songwriting to Rod Picott’s, and I still hear that same ability to tell stories about working people and real life. Those are exactly the kinds of songs that continue to draw me back to folk music.