Although at home in a variety of musical styles, Cork Trombonist/Composer/Arranger, Paul Dunlea concentrates primarily on Jazz and Improvisation. This has furthered his reputation as one of Irelands most in demand musicians.
Dunlea has performed/toured/recorded with the likes of Michael Bublé, Cassandra Wilson, RAYE, 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 Vasandani, John Clayton, National Symphony Orchestra, RTE Concert Orchestra, The Dublin City Jazz Orchestra, The New Irish Jazz Orchestra, The Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Hot House Big Band, Freezeroom & Brian Deady.
Dunlea retired as principal trombonist with Irish Defence Forces following 21 years service in 2022 and holds a bachelor's degree in trombone performance as well as a masters in composition from CIT, Cork School of Music.
2011 saw the release of his debut album ‘Bi-polAr’ to critical acclaim - reaching #1 in the iTunes chart. 2016 saw the release of his second album 'Fraternal' recorded at the renowned Bunker Studios, Brooklyn, NY featuring bassist Peter Washington, drummer Billy Drummond, guitarist David O’ Rourke (co-leader) & Cork’s Cormac McCarthy. New albums and projects are set for release in the coming months.
In 2013 Dunlea established his own big band as a creative outlet for his own compositions. To date, the band has performed sell out shows across the country in venues such as The Opera House, Cork, The Grand
Opera House, Belfast & The Everyman Theatre - Cork along with headlining the 2015 Cork & Limerick Jazz Festivals. Entire concerts have also been broadcast nationally on both RTE and BBC radio. Dunlea is musical director of the New Irish Jazz Orchestra.
In 2024 Paul arranged and directed the final big band concert at Sligo Jazz Festival featuring Elio Villafranca, Freddie Hendrix and a host of Irish and international jazz stars.
Dunlea is an artist for