With the expansive discography Dave Gunning’s got under his belt, he’s managed to boil folk music down to a science. Each new release tweaks and adds to the formula. His newest album, Up Against The Sky, is a shining result of years of experience. Gunning spends ten tracks perfectly capturing the human experience in all of its facets – life and love and loss.
The mood encompassing this album is definitely bittersweet. Gunning weaves several stories involving memories of the past. Some of them are clearly treasured memories – “Ferris Wheel” is a track that revolves around a single carnival ride with somebody special. It’s an upbeat track, and the cheeky nature of some of the lyrics is a nice reflection of young love. “Nothing On Me” is another fun track in which Gunning boasts of his clean-cut past.
Other songs have a decidedly haunting tone. “The Loyal Fisherman” is a harrowing tale about the infidelity of a fisherman’s wife and the ensuing fallout. Despite how dark it is, the storytelling aspect is a lyrical high point of the album.
Regardless of the subject matter, Gunning excels at crafting lyrics that are simply real. There’s really nothing generic about the things he sings about. Even if you can’t relate to what he’s singing about, he manages to make even the most specific experience seem universal. “Celebrate the Crop” contains subject matter that is far from broad, but Gunning sings it so earnestly. He paints an image so clear that you fill as if you’re there.
All of the stories and messages on this album are delivered in Gunning’s warm and comforting croon, but he’s adept at changing his tone just so, enough to completely change the feel of a song. Melodically, his range doesn’t really reach any crazy or unexpected extremes. Emotionally, there’s no stopping the depths and heights he can reach.
Tour Dates:
03.08.19 – Humboldt, SK @ Humboldt and District Gallery
03.15.19 – Halifax, NS @ Casino NS Schooner Room
03.16.19 – Halifax, NS @ Casino NS Schooner Room
03.22.19 – Corbyville, ON @ Riverside Concerts
03.23.19 – Napanee, ON @ DogHouse Studios
03.24.19 – Ottawa, ON @ National Arts Centre – Azrieli Studio
03.26.19 – Midland, ON @ Concert
03.27.19 – Belfountain, ON @ Higher Ground
03.28.19 – Sarnia, ON @ Concert, Sarnia
03.29.19 – Kingsville, ON @ Kingsville Lions Hall
03.30.19 – Walkerton, ON @ Victoria Jubilee Hall
03.31.19 – Toronto, ON @ Hugh’s Room
04.01.19 – Guelph, ON @ Guelph Masonic Centre
04.02.19 – Millgrove, ON @ Studio 13
04.03.19 – Ingersoll, ON @ Stonecroft Folk
04.04.19 – Kincardine, ON @ Concert
04.05.19 – St. Thomas, ON @ Princess Avenue Playhouse
04.06.19 – Sharbot, ON @ Sharbot Lake Inn
04.12.19 – Bedford, NS @ Private Event
04.13.19 – Bridgewater, NS @ Best Western
04.18.19 – Sydney, NS @ Cape Breton Guitar Night, Centre 200