Brian J. Dunn, Artist of the Week

Brian J. Dunn is a singer-songwriter from North Wilshire, Prince Edward Island. In the mid 90’s he played in the Celtic-Folk band Life of Reilly with Michael Pendergast. They travelled across Atlantic Canada entertaining their audiences with their blend of music and humour. After leaving the band to go to school in Mississippi, Brian took his “Maritime East Coast” songs and stories to coffee shops, festivals, and pubs on the Gulf Coast of the United States from Biloxi to New Orleans. It wasn’t long before the Maritime heart in Brian’s music was infused with the eclectic, soulful and easy groove of the South. This led to the development of his unique, yet familiar, Americana style of music. It’s a little bit folk, a little country yet infused with some pop musical stylings as well.

Upon returning to PEI in 2006 with his family, Brian was amazed by the robust singer-songwriter scene on the Island. He says almost everywhere you turned there was world class talent. Brian says he found the huge amount of talent on PEI was both intimidating and inspiring all at the same time.”

Brian recently released his debut album, Death Do Us Part, produced and engineered by PEI’s Jon Matthews at The Sound Mill Studio in Emyvale Prince Edward Island. Any great songwriter will tell you songs need a source of inspiration and there is no greater inspiration than an up close and personal experience with life and death. Brian’s debut album was born from the pain and sadness of losing his wife Susan to cancer in 2011, but also the joy and hopefulness brought by his three young children.

Brian J Dunn’s album features a strong supporting cast of fine Atlantic Canadian musicians including PEI’s Catherine MacLellan on harmony and backing vocals plus Cape Breton’s Kim Dunn on keyboards. In support of his debut album Brian has been performing across PEI, at venues like the Trailside Cafe, Marc’s Studio and Old Belle River Church. He has developed a loyal following of music lovers who enjoy the stories behind the songs as well as Brian’s infectious on stage humour.