Introduction
Every once in a while someone comes along who makes complete sense to everyone, Francis Dunnery is that man. After spending much of his life as a British Rock star, being chosen to lend his guitar playing skills for such respected artists as Robert Plant, Santana, Yes, Lauren Hill, John Mellencamp and Ian Brown, Dunnery hit the middle of life with a bang and was forced inward. He has spent the past twenty years studying Psychology, Philosophy and Astrology and has since forged his mark on lecture circuits throughout the world.
Looking for more of a meaningful entertainment experience, rather than the one dimensional music industry, in 2005 Dunnery initiated a series of intimate House Concerts combining Psychology, Philosophy, Astrology and music. The shows have become so incredibly popular, Dunnery has performed House Concerts in New Zealand, Australia, UK, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, France, Spain, Italy, Holland, Switzerland and Germany as well as every corner of the USA and Canada. The shows have become an international phenomenon.
Francis Dunnery is impossible to pigeon hole. Hailed by Melody Maker Magazine as ‘the most interesting man’ in Rock and Roll, The Francis Dunnery experience is a complete one off that will have you laughing, crying, thinking and knowing all at the same time. Dunnery’s style can be brash and down to earth yet he’s capable of singing aching, beautiful music that penetrates the soul. Many have said Dunnery's concerts are life-changing and unlike anything they have experienced before.
Works and Collaborations
Born and brought up in the working class housing estates of Cumbria, England, Francis Dunnery took up music at age 11, playing the drums four nights a week in a cabaret club. He later went on to study the more melodic guitar, bass and keyboards and developed his own unique style. The progressive group It Bites was his introduction to the limelight as the band had a top ten hit with their single 'Calling All The Heroes'. In the mid 80's It Bites were signed to Virgin Records and released their debut album 'Big Lad In The Windmill' (1986) was followed by the bands masterpiece 'Once Around The World' (1988) and the epic 'Eat Me In St. Louis' (1989). The band were recognized as a potent live act with a fanatical following when they imploded. To this day no-one seems sure why. A posthumous live album, 'Thank You and Goodnight' was all that was left.
Francis retreated to the USA where he toiled producing a debut solo album 'Welcome To The Wild Country,' which was first released in Japan on Virgin records and then reissued, in 2001, through Aquarian Nation Records.
After leaving Virgin, Francis took stock of his life and utilized his superb guitar skills playing back-up for many well known artists. It was while playing guitar for Robert Plant that he was spotted by Plant's manager Bill Curbishley who quickly recognized his songwriting talents.
With new management he secured a deal at Atlantic Records and two superb solo albums 'Fearless' (1994) and 'Tall Blonde Helicopter' (1995) put him back on track including an international hit with 'American Life In The Summertime'.
After the critically acclaimed acoustic live album 'One Night In Sauchiehall Street' was released in the UK (1997), another studio set 'Lets Go Do What Happens' was let loose on the American market. In addition Francis managed to use his unique guitar talents to good effect on such diverse releases as Lauren Hill's 'Miseducation of Lauren Hill' and the multi-platinum rebirth of Santana with 'Supernatural'. He also played all the guitars and co wrote some of the tracks on ex Stone Roses vocalist Ian Brown's brilliant CD 'Music of the Spheres'.
In 1998, unable to sustain his enthusiasm for the music industry, Francis retired to the mountains of Vermont with his girlfriend, raised a child and developed his interest in Jungian Psychology and horse training. Lured back to the UK in the year 2000 he was surprised to find that gigs sold out and he returned with a bigger tour that autumn. The songs that had been swirling round his head for the last four years finally found substance when he completed the recording of a studio album at the Forge studio in Oswestry. 'Man', the fruits of that labour, appeared on his Aquarian Nation label only available at gigs and from his own web sites.
"The album is a collection of songs that I wrote during a turbulent period of my life. They describe the lonely transition that we all must make from the final chapters of youth into full psychological adulthood. After fulfilling the accomplishments of my youth I am now able to present to the world Francis Dunnery, MAN."
A live album, 'Hometown' (2001), was recorded at an emotional gig in Whitehaven Civic Hall, with assistance from bassist Matt Pegg and released at Christmas that year.
During 2002 Francis produced and co-wrote 'I Didn't Get Where I Am' for former Squeeze stalwart Chris Difford which appeared initially on Aquarian Nation and was named Album of the Year by such diverse talents as Danny Baker and Elton John. It features song about Chris' childhood and adolescence set to Francis' sensitive yet musical arrangements. As a 3 piece, Francis and Chris teamed up with vocalist Dorie Jackson to tour with Elvis Costello, Jools Holland and Chris Rea as well as their own dates in the run up to Christmas.
Francis Dunnery is now domiciled in Pennsylvania, plays gigs, and has returned to school to study for a Masters Degree in Psychology. Although immersed in school, he has managed to keep a busy schedule, including the release of an astounding acoustic CD, 'The Gulley Flats Boys' (2005) . Francis collaborated with pianist David Sancious to create a magical album that was toured throughout the US and the UK.
In 2005 Francis embarked on a House Concert World Tour that has literally taken him into living rooms throughout the world. The House Concerts allow him the opportunity to combine his life stories, educational interests and amazing musical talents into an intimate life changing evening.
As if Francis isn't busy enough, he recently produced The Syn's new album called 'Big Sky' and John and Wayne's second album, 'Cumbrian At Heart'.
However, the big Francis Dunnery news is after many many months of recording, Francis has just released a new album entitled, 'There's A Whole New World Out There'. This new album is a timeless recording featuring songs that span Francis' 30 year career. For more details, please visit www.francisdunnery.com
|
