Two of Canada’s greatest roots singer-songwriters, Dave Gunning and J.P. Cormier, introduce their second album together, Leather and Dust, following on the heels of their critically acclaimed, blockbuster recording, Two.
Gunning & Cormier are great friends, frequent collaborators, co-writers and touring partners; the pair share a rare musical and personal affinity. For the past few years they’ve lived down the road from one another in Nova Scotia, and their neighborhood has since exploded with great music.
When not playing together, the duo keep busy with their successful solo careers. Dave has released 14 albums, been nominated for a Juno award, and has won two Canadian Folk Music awards. Meanwhile, J.P. has 13 East Coast Music Awards, and one Canadian Folk Music Award to his credit, and has spent time on stage at the Grand Ole Opry playing with Waylon Jennings, Marty Stuart, and Vince Gill.
Join us for an evening of stirring, soulful roots music with these two songwriters, interpreters, guitar players, and singers at their peak as they share original songs and rare covers. It’s two friends, brothers, and uncompromising performers; there couldn’t be a better time to discover Gunning & Cormier.
Let’s meet J.P & Dave.
J.P. Cormier – At the age of 5, JP began teaching himself to play the guitar. At 9, he won his first guitar competition against 30 other players 4 times his age. By his mid teens, he was playing a variety of stringed instruments, including the fiddle, mandolin and banjo.
He recorded his first album of bluegrass instrumentals at 16, which led to 10 years of living and performing in the US. His time there included many memorable nights at the Grand Ole Opry with artists such as Waylon Jennings, Marty Stuart, Earl Scruggs, Bill Monroe, Charlie Louvin and Vince Gill. Since returning to Canada, JP has released over a dozen award-winning albums. His impressive body of work has earned him a loyal fan base and multiple award nominations and wins.
Dave Gunning – With fourteen albums to his credit, there’s no denying Dave Gunning’s impressive body of work. Fortunately, he’s just getting started. The Nova Scotian folk musician has shared the stage with legends like Ron Hynes, Rita MacNeil, Stuart McLean, and Stompin’ Tom Connors, and has been recognized in his own right as a master of his craft, both as an award-winning singer-songwriter and a captivating performer.
Known for his abilities as a gracious storyteller, Gunning’s knack for connecting with audiences precedes the skills and experience he’s earned on the road—It is, for him, very much a way of life. Gunning shares the same sort of relationship with music as an eagle does with the sky. From a very young age, music has been Gunning’s way of interpreting the world around him, the lens through which he sees it, and the medium by which he engages with his community.
