Person to Person: 'My earliest memory is of going to Cork matches with my grandfather'

Tell us about yourself;

Although at home in a variety of musical styles as a trombonist/composer/arranger, I concentrate primarily on jazz and improvisation. This has furthered my reputation as one of Ireland’s most in-demand musicians.

I have performed/toured/recorded with the likes of Michael Bublé, RAYE, Incognito, Cassandra Wilson, Frankie Valli, Liam O’Maonlaoi, Mick Flannery, Richard Reed Parry (Arcade Fire), Bryce Dressner (The National), Lewis Nash, Peter Washington, Billy Drummond, David O’Rourke’s O’ Rourkestra, Sachal Vadsandani, John Clayton, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, The Dublin City Jazz Orchestra, The New Irish Jazz Orchestra, and The Syd Lawrence Orchestra.

I’m a graduate of the CIT Cork School of Music, holding both a bachelor’s degree in trombone performance and a master’s degree in composition. I held the chair of principal trombone with the Band 1 Brigade - Irish Defence Forces from 2001 to 2022.

Where were you born?

Originally from Mayfield.

Where do you live?

I’ve been living in Carrigaline since 2011.

Family?

Married to Susan and we have 11-year-old twin boys - Aedan and Casey.

Best friend?

Hard one to answer. I’m lucky to have quite a few close friends, ‘Jamsey’ - James McCarty and ‘Jay’ Jason Coughlan are my oldest friends for sure, but I’ve got many good friends from my time in the Army and throughout my career.

Earliest childhood memory?

Going to Cork matches with my grandfather. He was a big Barrs man and he’d take me to Cork hurling and football matches all over the country. I can remember him telling me not to stop at the turnstile - which probably meant he didn’t have a ticket for me!

Person you most admire?

My mum, Liz.

Person who most irritates you?

Most likely myself.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Myself and Susan travelled in Australia for a month back in 2004. Pretty epic. Only time I’ve been there.

Favourite TV programme?

Breaking Bad or Succession.

Favourite radio show?

Blue of the Night - Lyric FM.

Your signature dish if cooking?

Carbonara.

Favourite restaurant?

Rossini’s or Miyazaki.

Last book you read?

Free Play - Stephen Nachmanovitch

Best book you read?

Born To Run - Christopher McDougall.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Arakatak - Metropole Orkest

Favourite song?

Smile - Charlie Chaplin

One person you would like to see in concert?

Tom Waits

Do you have a pet?

No

Morning person or night owl?

Night Owl

Your proudest moment?

Birth of my kids

Spendthrift or saver?

Spendthrift.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

Less traffic!

What makes you happy?

Being with Sue and the boys on the couch watching a movie!

How would you like to be remembered?

For being dependable and sound... hopefully.

What else are you up to at the moment?

Working on a few original projects. Hope to have a new album out next year.

• Paul Dunlea will open this year’s Ballydehob Jazz Festival with Lau Noah on Thursday, April 30. The festival marks its 20th anniversary and runs from April 30 to May 4. Tickets and full details are available at ballydehobjazzfestival.org.