DAVE DUNLOP is a native of London Ontario. In 1975 he moved to Toronto to attend Humber College. Studying with Rainer Schmidt and Don Johnson had a huge impact on Dave’s playing and helped prepare him for a long and varied career. His trumpet and flugelhorn have been heard around the world in many styles of music from Cuban to Gospel. Big bands have always been a big part of his career.

“I’ve had the pleasure of playing with Peter Appleyard, John Macleod Big Band, Brigham Phillip’s Big Band, the Maritime Jazz Orchestra, NOJO, the Spitfire Band, and Jim Galloway. The highlight has been playing lead trumpet in Rob McConnell’s Boss Brass”.

Throughout the 80’s Dave worked in clubs with the likes of Whiskey Howl, Billy Reed, the Men from UNCLE, Manteca, Liberty Silver, Soul Stew, and the Montuno Police.

Some of the theatrical productions have been “Chicago”, “Fosse”, “Saturday Night Fever”, “Hairspray” and “Les Miserables”. Live shows have offered plenty of variety backing up greats like Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin, Aaron Neville, and Lou Rawls to Roger Daltrey and Petula Clark.

“I’ve been fortunate to have worked with three very successful Canadians, Shania Twain, Michael Buble and Mr. Paul Anka on his 'Rock Swings' tour.”

Pops concerts with the National Arts Center Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony and the Hamilton Philharmonic have also been highlights because Dave considered a career as a classical musician.

“I really enjoy playing lead trumpet with an orchestra; you get to bring all those years of experience playing different styles to that particular show. It’s always a challenge.”

The list of jazz greats includes Mel Torme, Mercer Ellington, Al Jarreau, Doc Severinson, Manhattan Transfer, Tito Puente, John Pizzarrelli, Maria Schneider, Joe Lovano, Bill Holman, Vince Mendoza, Gonzalo Rubacala, and Dave Valentin.

Some of the Canadian jazz icons have been Guido Basso, Moe Koffman, Archie Alleyne, Phil Nimmons, Terry Clarke, Ed Bickert, Doug Riley, Joe Sealy, Maynard Ferguson, Kenny Wheeler and the amazing Arnie Chycoski.

“Arnie really showed me how to play lead trumpet. No one could swing above a big band like he did.”

Recording has also played a major role in Dave’s career. He has played on CD’s for Holly Cole, Brian Hughes, Eddie Bullen, Mark Kelso, John McDermott, Hilario Duran, Michael Pickett, Roberto Occhipinti, Domenic Troiano, Alan Jackson, Don Breithaupt, Jack de Keyser, Rick Emmett, Manteca, Memo Acevedo, Robbie Rox and Emily Claire-Barlow. Dave has played on the Junos, Geminis and Canada’s Walk of Fame as well as the soundtracks for the films “Net Worth”, “The George Chuvalo Story”, “The Last Mogul” and “The Mary Kay Story”. He has also played on Canada’s other national anthem the theme to “Hockey Night in Canada”.

"Finkleman’s 45’s” and the “Evolution of Jazz” are only two of the many radio shows. Animated work includes “Beetlejuice”, “Babar, the Movie” “Monster by Mistake” and “George Shrinks”. His music has also been used on episodes of “Degrassi Jr. High” and “Instant Star”.

Dave has traveled to Jazz festivals in Montreux, Bern, Montreal, Halifax, Ottawa, and also played at the Downtown Toronto and Beaches Festivals.