Brian Dunning (flautist) facts for kids

Brian Dunning (born 21 December 1951 – died 10 February 2022) was a talented Irish musician. He was known for playing the flute and for writing music. Brian was a key member of the famous Celtic band called Nightnoise. He loved both traditional Celtic music and jazz music from a young age. He studied both jazz and classical music and even learned from the famous flutist James Galway. Later, in 1977, he studied at the Berklee College of Music in the United States.

Brian Dunning's Musical Journey

Brian Dunning played a big part in different music groups. He explored many styles, from traditional Irish tunes to jazz.

Playing with Puck Fair

In 1984, Brian helped form a group in New York called Puck Fair. This group played mostly instrumental music, mixing traditional Irish sounds with jazz. They called their style "Irish jazz." Brian played the flute and panpipe. In 1987, they released an album called Fairplay. Brian played the flute, and Tommy Hayes played the bodhran, which is a type of Irish drum. Later, the group reformed in Dublin and released another album, Forgotten Carnival, in 2008.

Working with Jeff Johnson

Brian also worked closely with keyboard player Jeff Johnson for many years, starting in the late 1980s. Together, they recorded several albums. Some of their albums include Songs from Albion (1992), The Music of Celtic Legends – the Bard and the Warrior (1997), and Byzantium (2000). Their music often explored themes from ancient stories and legends.

Being a Part of Nightnoise

Brian Dunning joined the amazing band Nightnoise in 1987. This band was known for its unique blend of traditional Irish music, jazz, and classical styles. Brian's flute playing was a very important part of their sound.

Music in Movies

You can hear Brian Dunning's music in several movies! He played on the soundtracks for films like Gangs of New York, Windhorse, and The Outcasts. This shows how his music reached a wide audience.

Later Years

Brian Dunning passed away on 10 February 2022, when he was 70 years old. He left behind a wonderful collection of music that continues to inspire many.

See also

• Jeff Johnson

Selected Albums

Here are some of the albums Brian Dunning recorded with Jeff Johnson and Wendy Goodwin:

• Under the Wonder Sky (2010)
• Winterfold (2013)
• If I Do Not Remember... (2016)
• Kohelet (2020)
• Coming, Going (2022)