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Category: Bunny Brunel
Bunny Brunel is a French-born American bass player and is one of the four founding members of the bass fusion movement (along with Stanley Clarke, Jaco Pastorius, and Jeff Berlin). Brunel has performed and recorded with Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Al Jarreau, Natalie Cole, Tony Williams, Michel Polnareff, Jack DeJohnette, Milt Jackson, Dizzy Gilespie, Stevie Wonder, and others. Bunny Brunel has put out countless solo albums and is the leader of the Grammy-nominated CAB (a band with the original members Tony MacAlpine, Dennis Chambers, and Brian Auger, as well as various other members, including Virgil Donati, Patrice Rushen, and more. His latest CD Bass Ball by Bunny Brunel & Friends, co-produced by Stanley Clarke, features bass players including Billy Sheehan, Victor Wooten, Hadrien Feraud, Armand Sabal-Leco and others here and abroad. Also known for his many bass instruction books, his designing basses for Gibson, for Carvin, and ESP. He is also one of the few bass players alive who conceived, designed, and constructed his own electric upright bass: the Bunny Brunel Electric Upright Bass (BBEUB).
The New Boffomundo Show is honored to have as its first guest, Bunny Brunel, one of the greatest bass players in jazz. He tells some tales from his associations with the likes of Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, Patrick Moraz, Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke and more. Bunny’s wit and wisdom is also on display and it makes for a fine debut from the Boffomundo Boys. Enjoy! (Original Source: http://www.boffomundomusic.com/the-new-boffomundo-show)
An ode to the roots of jazz in all its splendor. The public and the music-loving festival-goers of the capital have been entitled to it during the last two days.
From the Carlton Anosy to the University of Antananarivo, the banner of American jazz proudly floated in the framework of the international festival Madajazzcar. From a musical evening on the Anosy side Tuesday to the friendly and warm stage of Ankatso University campus yesterday, sweet jazzy melodies in Uncle Sam’s country, intoxicated the public.
With a 27th edition that continues on the track of its previous ones, Madajazzcar keeps accumulating eminent guests on its stage. After the famous Frenchmen Francis Lockwood and Guillaume Peret who enchanted the ears of the public through their performances and their collaboration with the Malagasy artists during the first half of the festival, it is the turn of the American musicians to display their know-how , To the delight of the ears of good jazz lovers who joined Madajazzcar.
The American evening at the Carlton Anosy was just as friendly as it was unheard of through the performers who excelled on stage. With “American Jazz Night”, Madajazzcar wanted to make a strong impression, in particular, with the trainings to the poster. If he marked the audience of Antsahamanitra on October 8, the duo Bunny Brunel on bass and Kaylene Peoples on vocals, accompanied by Malagasy musicians, again delighted the audience.Similarly, The Jazz Diplomats was discovered with grace and vivacity.
Couples
“Year after year it is consistently a pleasure for us to promote jazz and its history to a wider audience. What these Western artists propose, enriches the festival as much as our understanding of this musical genre, “says Désiré Razafindrazaka, chairman of the organizing committee of the Madajazzcar festival. Interpreting mainly the great standards of jazz, but also their own compositions, Bunny Brunel and Kaylene Peoples charm the public.
As with their brothers-in-arms of the US Navy Band of last year, The Jazz Diplomats which also consist of US Marines, remains the big attraction this week. It is a formation in quartet issue itself of the US Navy Band which in its totality, consists of nearly five hundred, marines musicians. The Jazz Diplomats amazed the Jazz scene at the University which was at its 24th edition yesterday afternoon. The group consists of Everett Cencich on tenor saxophone, Colin Greggs on guitar, John Parris on bass and Dave Ward on drums, all in second class rank. The university campus was the theater of a unique musical discovery yesterday, and the student audience did not ask for more.
“This is our first visit to this country and we are delighted to be here, to interact and to share with all these resplendent artists of youth. It feels a great passion for jazz, “says Colin Greggs.Yesterday, The Jazz Diplomats shared the stage with Band’n Tanana and Deba ft Jazz Quart.Today these jazzmen of the American Navy will hold a jazz workshop in the American Cultural Center Tanjombato. Andry Patrick Rakotondrazaka
In October 1988, three young Malagasy doctors passionate about jazz decided to create a platform dedicated to this musical genre. They are Allain Razakatiana, Bruno Razafindrakoto and Henri Rakotondrabe. They first set up a jazz club at the French Alliance of Antananarivo (AFT) and then decided to multiply their activities by organizing shows. Thus was born the festival in 1989, referred to debut ” Jazz in Tana ” and ” Jazz in Mada “. In 1991, the event observed a stand-by but returned in force in 1992, inviting a pleiade of musicians of international renown. Quickly, the festival has gained momentum under its new name ” International Festival Madajazzcar ” selected under the inspiration of the composition of the pianist and clarinetist Rajaobelina Arly Arnaud Razafy. Desired Razafindrazaka took the helm in 2001. In 2010, Madajazzcar received the label called ” DjangodOr- international jazz trophies ” that allowed him to be part of the jazz festivals recognized in Africa. In 2014, it was voted Cultural Event by the Minister of Crafts, Culture and Heritage. And this year, it is at its 27th edition which will see the participation of many musicians from all over the world.
Invited foreign artists
The French saxophonist Guillaume Perret
Currently on tour internationally, Guillaume Perret specializes in the electric saxophone. It distills an original style mixing funk, rock and classical as well as various African rhythms that deliver a new vision of jazz. Armed with his saxophone, he succeeded in producing various sounds ranging from percussion to bass guitar.
The Norwegian guitarist Hakon Storm-Mathisen
This musician is not only a teacher at the Norwegian Music Academy, but also a conductor and soloist in several bands.Hakon Storm-Mathisen oscillates between the electric, acoustic and even classical styles. Winther founder of Storm Group, he won the Independent Music Award award in the category jazz albums in 2013 with the album ” Spinnaker “.
The French pianist Jean-Pierre Como
Passionate about jazz since his childhood, Jean-Pierre Como decided to deepen his passion by studying in a conservatory.He then accompanied several jazz musicians such as Bernard Maury, François Couturier …
The Swiss pianist Christoph Hegi
Self-taught, the musician created a group called Tschapsmusik in 1977, now Tin Roof Jazz Orchestra. More committed than the others, he decided to put his talent at the service of education, sharing his experiences with the students of Dattwi. In 2003, he met the singer Kristina Tajsic and formed the duo called Voice meets piano inspired by the American jazz of the years 20, 40 and 50.
The American bassist Bunny Brunel
Composer, arranger, producer and designer, Bunny Brunnel participated in one of the biggest concerts of Michel Polnareff “Ze tour”, officiating at the same time as bassist and musical director. This tour received a Victory of Music for the best live performance. The artist has also created a line of electric bass guitars and double basses, and is also the author of bass guitar learning books.
The American singer Kaylene Peoples
This artist is not only a singer, she is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and conductor. Kaylene Peoples adopts neo-classical symphonic styles. Note that she was the coach of David Raksin and Henry Mancini who were the winners of one of the editions of the Academy award. Working with several large production boxes such as Warner Bros., EMI, Universal … she has composed several soundtracks for films such as American Pie 2, Serendipity …
French pianist Francis Lockwood
Overwhelmingly talented since his early childhood, Francis Lockwood received the Alto Violin Prize at the Conservatory of Calais at the age of 17. But interested in the piano, he has integrated a number of rock and jazz bands. In 1987 he was named one of the top five pianists in Europe by Jazz Hot. He is influenced by artists like Bob Dylan, Cream and sometimes even Johann Sebastian Bach.
The German Quartet Jin Jim
The band evolves into a more modern genre mixing jazz and rock. In 2014, he won the jazz competition of the 35th edition of the Leverkusener Jazztage. The quartet especially highlights the sound of the Peruvian flute which allows in some pieces to make a musical journey between the Balkan folklore and hip hop.
The French saxophonist Baptiste Herbin
Baptiste Herbin started playing the saxophone at the age of 4. At 15, the artist decided to take an interest in jazz by studying at the Conservatory of Paris. Great artists like Charlie Parker or Cannonball Adderley influenced him a lot.Currently, he plays with the star Charles Aznavour.
The American group The jazz diplomats
Belonging to the US Navy, the four musicians share the same passion, jazz. Members of the US Navy Band that was already in Madagascar last year, they decided to form another band called The Jazz Diplomats.
The 27 th edition of Madajazzcar festival will take place from 1st to October 14, in any city Tana. Some 60 groups will move the city to the rhythm of the jazz endiablé.
Madajazzcar, an annual and inevitable rendez-vous for jazz lovers, takes ages but does not age. 27 years of history now, passion and a lot of motivation for each year to organize a festival of international scope, the committee does everything to make this event indelible in the annual cultural calendar Malagasy. Every month in October, and for many jazz fans both in Madagascar and abroad, like the jacarandas that bloom, the Madajazzcar offers its musical bouquet.The story then begins when three jazz-loving doctors, Dr. Allain Razakatiana, Dr. Bruno Razafindrakoto and Dr. Henri Rakotondrabe, decided in 1988 to create a jazz club at the Alliance Française de Andavamamba. Other illustrious musicians and aficionados will join them, such as Dr Hervé Razakaboana, Arnaud Razafy, Serge Rahoerson, the brothers Raymond, Dédé and Jeannot Rabeson, the brothers Gilles de Commarmand and later Désiré Razafindrazaka, who chairs the committee Organization to date.
Carrefour . Jazz is increasingly vulgarized and no longer remains within the walls of “music lovers” who have to be jazz fans to be part of a certain social class. Today, jazz goes down the street, and thanks largely to this festival which organizes free concerts practically throughout the city, the general public can appreciate this music at its true value. A true crossroads of international jazz, the Madajazzcar is, like all the other festivals of this world, a great international scene to be included in its artistic journey. This year again, several international artists will be invited to participate. 11 in total, including Bunny Brunel, Kaylene Peoples, and The Jazz Diplomates of the United States, Baptiste Herbin, Francis Lockwood, Guillaume Perret and Jean Pierre Como. Jah Pinpin from France, Hakon Storm-Mathisen from Norway, Jin Jim from Germany, and Christoph Hegi from Switzerland. And a multitude of national groups and artists, 43 in total. They will play in 17 sites, which leaves the choice to all jazz lovers to appreciate without moderation this music.
After 25 years of designing basses for Carvin, legendary bass player Bunny Brunel has changed companies. He now designers for ESP Guitars, and has
designed four basses, including the special one-of-a-kind bass with his daughter Gigi’s handprint. The basses are available in ESP Guitar stores worldwide, as well as online. Carvin and Carvin patrons didn’t take the news well at all, but when we asked Bunny how he felt about the change, he was delighted.
Bunny Brunel:
Bunny Brunel’s Bass with Gigi’s handprint (Photo: Devino Tricoche)
“It’s been a good 25 years with Carvin, but all good things must come to an end. I feel I will be doing great things as a designer for ESP. I’m excited about the possibilities!”
Image 1 (L) – Bunny Brunel holding his first newly designed bass from ESP Guitars (Photo: Arun Nevader)
Image 2 (R) – The ESP bass which is one-of-a-kind, designed by Bunny Brunel. It has the handprints of Gigi, his 12-year-old daughter. (Photo: Devino Tricoche)
Music director Sandeep Chowta and vocalist Sanjay Chitale are all set with their new album ‘American Pilgrimage’ which comprises Indian melody and jazz improvisation – a cross-cultural intersection seldom heard.
The album is the culmination of a life-long dream of Bollywood music director, multi-instrumentalist and composer Chowta. He wanted to meet and record with his jazz idols, including John Scofield, Bunny Brunel, Eddie Daniels, Andy LaVerne, Dave Valentine and more.
His friend and musical partner, Chitale, made it his mission to bring this dream to reality. Several years ago, the two embarked on a two-year-long journey across the US, knocking on doors, calling friends, crashing on couches and recording music with the aforementioned legends they sought out.
While Chowta is a prolific music director whose work can be heard in some of the biggest Bollywood films such as Om Shanti Om and Rowdy Rathore, Chitale’s life was rooted in music until he found himself working in IT but when the opportunity to record American Pilgrimage came along, he sold his investments and drove head first into the project.
It seemed almost every great bassist in L.A. turned out for the Sunday night premiere of “Jaco,” the documentary about the late bass virtuoso Jaco Pastorius, including Robert Trujillo of Metallica, the film’s producer, Verdine White, Lee Sklar, Bootsy Collins, Hadrien Ferraud, Bunny Brunel and Darryl “The Munch” Jones, who holds up the bottom end for the Rolling Stones.
Not since Anaheim’s immense National Association of Music Merchant’s convention in January had so many professional bass players assembled under one roof.
The capacity event, which took place at downtown’s Theatre at the Ace Hotel, stood as a fitting tribute to a musical force of nature whose career took a tragic turn at the pinnacle of his creative powers. On-screen testimonials from such musicians as Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers — who introduced the film, along with Trujillo and the film’s co-director Paul Marchand — as well as Wayne Shorter, Peter Erskine, Joni Mitchell, Herbie Hancock, Sting and so many others reinforced the notion that Pastorius was the Jimi Hendrix of his instrument.
Trujillo recalled first seeing Pastorius play with Weather Report in 1979 at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium as a teenager. “I witnessed something I will never forget,” he recalled form the stage. “It really changed my life. The thing that was amazing beyond him being a composer and an incredible bass player was the performance itself, the stage presence. It made me realize that you could be fearless.”
Post screening, the evening shifted into a bass clinic extravaganza, with multi-bass groups; Pastorius’ bassist sons Felix and John performed original jams and also covered their father’s music, while Trujillo thrashed with Mass Mental, joined by Flea.
The film is scheduled for a Nov. 27 release on VOD, DVD and Bluray.
Bunny Brunel is well known as an early progenitor of fretless electric bass in fusion, but he has also been involved in instrument design for many years. His previous signature model was one of Carvin’s most popular instruments, and his electric-upright design is a unique and effective contribution to the EUB genre. But even before that, Brunel helped to design prototypes with Gibson that never hit the open market. Now teamed up with ESP Guitars, Brunel brings out version 2.0 of his signature instrument, in fretless 5-string and fretted 4-string models. The new BB1005FL and 1004 basses bear a close resemblance to their predecessors, but a detailed look reveals changes to the platform that could make this the best Bunny bass yet.
All-Access Basses
Brunel’s design goal has always been an instrument that gives unfettered access to all the notes, is well balanced physically and musically, and provides a wide variety of tones. The ESP models certainly live up to those ideals, and they stand out in the crowded import field as a real alternative to higher-priced exotic models. While you don’t have to be a fusion player to appreciate the Brunels’ playability, those who use the entire range of the fingerboard will find the necks very player-friendly. The fretless 5 felt roomy, but not too spread out. The asymmetrical neck profile gave me better access to the lower strings in high positions and fit my hand’s shape naturally. The fretted 4-string model has a nicely rounded C profile that reminded me of a mid-’70s Jazz Bass. The ebony fingerboard looks great and provides plenty of snap for the slap lover, and the fretless 5 is unique for its polyester- coated fingerboard. Ever since Jaco slathered marine epoxy on his Jazz Bass fingerboard, fretless players have been fascinated by this idea. Brunel himself has always preferred this on his personal instruments, but his previous signature model did not offer this option. To be fair, applying the coating is a messy, toxic, and painstaking job that most luthiers try to avoid. It is unusual for a production line instrument to come with this feature, so kudos are in order. The main purpose behind the coating is to protect the wooden fingerboard from damage inflicted by roundwound strings, but it has a sonic influence as well. The high-frequency response from the string against the super-slick surface is definitely present in the final tone—it’s the icing on a very substantial cake. The fretless board was dressed to perfection, allowing each register to sustain naturally. As for mwah? We’ve got your mwah right here. The spreading, vocal-like articulation is easily produced in any spot on the 1005FL lined fingerboard. One feature held over from previous models is orienting the 5-string’s position dots as if it were a 4; if you’re new to 5-string, it’s comforting, as the dots are easier to see.
The new ESP BB basses are powered by Aguilar electronics, with a MM-style humbucker in bridge position, and a hum-canceling J-pickup in the neck slot. The Aggie OBP-3 preamp provides plenty of gain, a 3-band EQ implemented with a concentric pot for bass and treble, and a separate control for the mids with a push/pull pot to switch the frequency from 400Hz to 800Hz. While I’m not opposed to concentric controls, they can be tricky to set up properly, and I found that on both review instruments the stacked knobs tended to stick together, making it hard to adjust just one band. A push/pull pot for the volume control accesses passive mode, and the Aguilar pickups have all the output you need for a more old-school tone. Both instruments come with Hipshot hardware, and the traditional clover- style paddle tuners look extra cool in the flatblack finish. Both instruments also come standard with the Hipshot Bass Xtender. While the previous incarnation of the Brunel signature model offered a wide range of wood choices, cosmetic options, and pickups, ESP has decided to limit the finishes for now to Burnt Orange or Black Aqua for the 5-string and a Black Burst for the 4, both over nicely figured quilted maple veneer.
Thumping Bunnies
As a Carvin endorser back in the ’90s, I owned several Bunny Brunel models, in 4, 5, and 6-string versions, fretted and fretless, and while the ESP bears a strong resemblance, it feels very different. The ESP neck profile is a bit fuller, and the area around the body/neck joint is beefier, creating rigidity where it most benefits the sound. While I don’t typically describe neck-through-body instruments as “punchy,” these Bunnies can definitely thump. The fretted 4-string invites the thumb to slap it around, and the pickup configuration covers the classic MM-fueled spank tone of Louis “Thunder Thumbs” Johnson with ease. But the pickup blend produces a thicker texture with depth and clarity. The hum-canceling neck pickup let me fully explore the hollow chunk of a ’51-style P-Bass without 60-cycle dreck spoiling the fun. The preamp made it easy to conjure up virtually any tone I desired, but the nature of the beast is clear articulation. The tone of a bass line will pop while still being supportive in nature, but if you are a soloist, the BB basses are definitely your friend. With the bridge pickup favored, the BBs provided the punch and directness that brings a bass solo to the front. Approached passively, I could get a whole palette of more traditional Fender-like tones from the Bunny, making it applicable for pretty much any type of gig.
As Brunel is highly regarded as a fretless player, his fretless model is predictably dialed in to perfection. I was impressed with the consistency of the fingerboard dressing—I’ve paid hundreds of dollars to get my fretless boards feeling this good, and on an out-of-the-box import? Very nice. The BB11005FL responds to touch like a much more expensive bass; it can burp, hit, spread, and whine if you’ve got the hands to make it happen. Playing moving runs on the BB, it seemed all I had to do was stop on a note to get a lot of sustain. The glassiness of the coated board provides a little edge that gets you heard, and adds some finger mojo to the overall tone.
The new Bunny Brunel signature models are well suited to the demands of hardcore jazz fusion, but their playability and versatility make them a great choice for any gig.
SPECIFICATIONS
ESP
BB1005FL & BB1004
Street BB1005FL, $1,400; BB1004, $1,300 Pros Well balanced, versatile tone, better-than-average build quality Cons Concentric tone controls “stick” Bottom Line Basses that play well and sound great for any style of playing.
SPECS
ESP BB1005FL, BB1004
Construction Neck-through Body Alder Neck Three-piece maple Fingerboard 1004, ebony; 1005FL, acrylic-coated Fingerboard radius 1005FL, 16″; 1004, 12″ Frets 1005FL, 24 fret lines; 1004, 24 XJ Nut Molded Neck width at nut 1005FL, 1.75″; 1004, 1.5″ Bridge Hipshot A-style; e” string spacing Scale length 34″ Pickups Aguilar MM & humbucking J Tuners Hipshot w/Bass Xtender Weight 1005FL, 9.2 lbs; 1004, 9 lbs Made in Korea Contact espguitars.com
Reviewed by Sean McKenzie | The Indie Hotspot | April 18, 2015
As I watched the amazing lineup of jazz royalty remembering the true legend, Joe Sample, I had never been so moved by such a fitting musical tribute. I remember it was only a little over a year ago that Wayne Henderson had been given his regal sendoff. And now, amongst other Sample fans, I experienced a healing concert for yet another Jazz Crusader. Who was on the lineup? Musical director and pianist Bobby Lyle, who also assembled an incredible group of musicians, including saxophonist Wilton Felder; saxophonist Everette Harp; trumpeter Rick Braun; trombonist Jeff Bradshaw; guitarist Randy Jacobs; drummer Jay Williams; percussionist Doc Gibbs; bassist Nick Sample (Joe’s son); and vocalist Lizz Hogue.
(Interesting information: Wilton Felder, Joe Sample, and Wayne Henderson co-founded the Texas based Jazz Crusaders; Joe’s son, Nick Sample toured with his dad right up until illness forced him to retire; and trumpeter Rick Braun was also performing at the Berks Jazz Festival with his band Jazz Attack.)
Each song performed was beautifully and tastefully executed. It met my highest expectations—something I always appreciated when watching Joe Sample perform. “Viva de Funk,” “Spellbound,” “Joe’s Creole Shack (a Lyle original),” “In All My Wildest Dreams,” and “Seven Years of Good Luck” took me way back. Vocalist Lizz Hogue captured the audience with her heartfelt versions of “One Day I’ll Fly Away,” and especially “Street Life!” Aside from the impeccable musicianship showcased that evening, it was a continuous flow of flawless performances, reminding me just how much Joe Sample’s legacy has influenced this genre of music. Hogue also performed “I’m So Glad I’m Standing Here Today,” which was originally sung by the late Joe Cocker in collaboration with the Crusaders and Joe Sample.
Aside from the impeccable musicianship showcased that evening, it was a continuous flow of flawless performances, reminding me just how much Joe Sample’s legacy has influenced this genre of music. Another big highlight was the breathtaking medley of piano solos, which included “Melodies of Love,” “It Happens Everyday,“ and “Ashes to Ashes.” Bobby Lyle held the audience captive with such an endearing remembrance of Joe Sample’s talent as a pianist. It was a very creative display of Lyle’s virtuosity on the piano. But I also felt the profound respect as he tickled each note of that ivory! While watching Lyle, I could see the friendship he had with Joe Sample. I got a sense of the loss Lyle felt for his departed friend. Needless to say I was deeply moved by Lyle’s tribute.
One very appreciative couple who had attended all but one of the 25 Berks festivals stated afterwards that, “This was definitely one of the best shows we’ve ever seen here at Berks. We are both Joe Sample fans, and tonight’s program definitely lived up to his legacy.”—a view apparently shared by many as they stood and applauded the ten performers taking their bows onstage at the show’s end.
The Berks Jazz Festival is known for its excellence in musical performance throughout the years; and “Remembering Joe Sample” on April 18, 2015, in Reading, PA, has lived up to the festival’s high standards. May the memory of Joe Sample’s music live on.
ESP is happy to announce that world-renowned bassist Bunny Brunel, whose talents have been employed by a wide range of artists covering many genres of music, is now part of the ESP Guitars family. As you may already know, we also recently announced the introduction of two new Bunny Brunel Signature Series basses: the BB-1004/QMand theBB-1005FL/QM.
“I’m a fusion player, but I play every style,” says Bunny Brunel. “Pop, rock and roll, and much more. My signature basses from ESP match any kind of music.”
“We are thrilled to have Bunny onboard at ESP,” says Jeff Moore, ESP senior vice president. “He represents the type of bass player who we love, with the ability to astound other musicians with his technical playing chops, and is respected by all. He came to us in search of a bass that would be up to the task of his many live performances and recording dates, and we were happy to deliver.”
Primarily known as a jazz fusion bassist, Bunny Brunel’s resume looks like a “who’s who” of the jazz world, having played with Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Tony Williams, Jack DeJohnette, Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Stanley Clarke, Dizzy Gillespie, Tania Maria, Patrick Moraz, Ziggy Marley, Al Di Meola, and many more. His melodic approach to bass playing covers everything from smooth fretless growls to tight funk popping. He is a member of the fusion group CAB and also lends his talents to film and TV scoring.
Bunny’s two Signature Series basses are the LTD BB-1004/QM and LTD BB-1005FL/QM. The BB-1004 is a 4-string bass in See Thru Black Sunburst finish, while the BB-1005/FL is a fretless 5-string model in Burnt Orange. Both basses incorporate neck-thru-body construction, quilted maple top, ebony fingerboard, and a special Aguilar pickup set with an OBP-3 active preamp. Bunny was very active in regard to the basses’ designs, with a goal to create an instrument with excellent playing feel and balance, as well as tonal variety that made it appropriate for multiple music genres. He has also just released his latest solo album, Invent Your Future, which features jazz fusion notables Patrick Moraz, Virgil Donati, Patrice Rushen, and many more, and includes songs composed by Brunel as well as Chick Corea, Jaco Pastorius, and others. Continue reading “Bunny Brunel Joins The ESP Family”
As I watched the amazing lineup of jazz royalty remembering the true legend, Joe Sample, I had never been so moved by such a fitting musical tribute. I remember it was only a little over a year ago that Wayne Henderson had been given his regal sendoff. And now, amongst other Sample fans, I experienced a healing concert for yet another Jazz Crusader. Who was on the lineup? Musical director and pianist Bobby Lyle, who also assembled an incredible group of musicians, including saxophonist Wilton Felder; saxophonist Everette Harp; trumpeter Rick Braun; trombonist Jeff Bradshaw; guitarist Randy Jacobs; drummer Jay Williams; percussionist Doc Gibbs; bassist Nick Sample (Joe’s son); and vocalist Lizz Hogue.
