Larry Dunn – First Take PR

January 27, 2024February 13, 2024

Bunny Brunel, Stanley Clarke, Kyle Eastwood, & Armand Sabal-Lecco Take Center Stage for an Unforgettable Night of Bass!

Bunny Brunel & Friends "Bass Ball 2" CD Release Concert

On January 19, 2024, legendary bassist Bunny Brunel headlined at the Catalina Jazz Club for his “Bass Ball 2” CD release concert. The packed event featured iconic bassists Stanley Clarke, Kyle Eastwood, and Armand Sabal-Lecco, with performances by Larry Dunn and Kaylene Peoples. The night showcased bass virtuosity, surprise collaborations, and a captivating mix of jazz, blues, and Bossa-nova. Hosted by Kevin Foster and opened by Pat Prescott, the event received high praise and an unforgettable evening for all.

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Jan. 27, 2024 – First Take PR

(All Photos by Sheryl Aronson)

Bunny Brunel & Friends "Bass Ball 2" CD Release Concert at Catal — Host Kevin Foster

Bunny Brunel & Friends “Bass Ball 2” made its way to the Catalina Jazz Club on Sunset Blvd. for a once-in-a-lifetime night of music. Never have these four players (Bunny Brunel, Stanley Clarke, Armand Sabal-Lecco, & Kyle Eastwood) graced the same stage during a performance . . . and the audience was thrilled to be there to witness it. This night was filled with great collaborations with a variety of styles and techniques. Bunny Brunel and Stanley Clarke who are both known for their tenure with Chick Corea were pivotal in bringing the bass upfront. Pioneers of the jazz-fusion bass movement, Brunel & Clarke helped pave the way for future bass players to carve their own niche in the industry. The performances that evening was epic. Several attendees remarked how distinctive each bass player’s sound was. One guest remarked, “You could close your eyes and know who was playing.”

Larry Dunn, the original keyboardist for Earth, Wind & Fire, added to the musical feast with his playing, bringing his sound filled with nostalgia, and adding something extra to the show. Dunn’s performance was nothing short of brilliant.

And Kaylene Peoples, a vocalist and flutist, charmed the audience with her command of the stage, bringing another flavor entirely. As Peoples jokingly expressed before she performed, “I’m the treble amongst all this bass!”

The engaged audience was mesmerized by each performer. There was something very unique about this unexpected lineup. The personnel, featuring Mahesh Balasooriya on keys, Monette Marino on percussion, and DeCarlos “Hulk” Davis on drums, showcased a fusion of talent.

To kick off the show, TV Writer/Comedian (Monogamy) Kevin Foster warmed up the audience as anticipation brewed. He brought to the stage Pat Prescott, a popular radio host, expressed how important jazz and supporting live music is today.

Then bassists Bunny Brunel, Stanley Clarke, and Kyle Eastwood set the tone with the infectious grooves of “G-Blues,” setting the crowd’s anticipation for a night of musical grandeur. The spotlight remained firmly on the bass instrument, providing an innovative palette for musical expression. Larry Dunn joined Bunny Brunel and Stanley Clarke for a captivating performance of “Changing,” which is slated as the first single from “Bass Ball 2” and showcased Dunn’s keyboard virtuosity. The dynamic duo of Stanley Clarke and Armand Sabal-Lecco then captivated the audience with a masterful interpretation of “La Caucion.”

Kaylene Peoples brought a touch of Romantic Bossa-Nova to the mix with her rendition of “Girl from Ipanema,” accompanied by Bunny Brunel on bass.

Kaylene Peoples performs “Spain” with Kyle Eastwood and Bunny Brunel

The climax of the night was the “Bass Jam,” where the four legendary bass players exhibited their technical prowess, melodic sensibility, and dynamic camaraderie on the electric bass.

Honoring the iconic Chick Corea, Kaylene Peoples returned to perform a flute solo on Corea’s “Spain.” The grand finale featured Larry Dunn rejoining Stanley Clarke, Bunny Brunel, Kyle Eastwood, and Kaylene Peoples for a jazzy rendition of “That’s the Way of the World.”

-by-Sheryl-Aronson — (L-R) Larry Dunn, Kaylene Peoples, Armand Sabal-Lecco, Monette Marino, DeCarlos Hulk Davis

Attendees praised “Bass Ball 2” and its legendary cast, with one remarking, “Tonight was the most beautiful jazz concert I have ever attended. Congratulations. True beauty is holy,” said Terran Steinhart, an Attorney at Law. Journalist A. Scott Galloway added, “Truly an unforgettable evening of heartfelt joy, camaraderie, and low-end love.” The enthusiastic crowd on January 19th included notables like fashion designer Kevan Hall, “Monogamy” Actress Chrystee Pharris, bass player Talmadge Hawkins, and Howard Johnson of “So Fine” fame. The event drew in a diverse audience, including Grammy-winning Phillip Aphillyated Guillory and the Executive Board of the Tuskegee Airman Scholarship Foundation.

Bass Ball 2, the brainchild of Bunny Brunel, follows the groundbreaking release of BASS BALL in 2017, the first-ever CD exclusively showcasing bass players. Co-produced by Stanley Clarke, the collaboration marked a historic moment for bass enthusiasts, thrusting the instrument into the forefront of musical expression. BASS BALL 2, released in 2023, features a stellar lineup, including Kyle Eastwood, Federico Malaman, Stanley Clarke, Armand Sabal-Lecco, Sekou Bunch, Josquin des Pres, Dominique di Piazza, and special guests Patrice Rushen, Larry Dunn, Kaylene Peoples, Virgil Donati, John Wackerman, Steve Ferrone, and countless other notable musicians. For more information about “Bass Ball 2” and the complete lineup, visit bunnybrunel.com/music.

The concert was proudly supported by the promotional teams at First Take PR, Concerts.cafe, and Music Magique Promotions, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Wounded Warriors Project.

(All Photos by Sheryl Aronson)

June 18, 2023September 28, 2023

Celebrating Larry Dunn’s 70th Birthday on the LA LIM Show!

Join in on the fun on Sunday, 6/18/23 at 2pm-6pm on the LA LIM Show (D.A.V.I. Radio Los Angeles) to celebrate the legendary Larry Dunn who will be featured, as well as a spotlight on the iconic album “That’s the Way of the World” (heard in the 4th hour). Be prepared for surprise guests, incredible conversations, and more on LA LIM, an increasingly popular radio show. Larry’s birthday falls on Juneteenth (June 19th), but the show broadcasts on Sundays. You won’t want to miss this one! Visit Daviradiolive.com to join the fun!

Larry-Dunn-LA-LIM-Show-Juneteenth Ad — Artwork created by FIRST TAKE PR

A LITTLE ABOUT LARRY DUNN:
Larry Dunn is an American musician and songwriter known for his time as a keyboardist in the iconic band Earth, Wind & Fire. Born in 1953, Dunn’s classical piano training and music theory knowledge formed the basis of his musical talent. Joining Earth, Wind & Fire in 1972, he played a pivotal role in shaping their renowned sound, blending genres like R&B, funk, soul, jazz, disco, and pop. Dunn’s keyboard skills and innovative use of synthesizers can be heard on hits like “Shining Star,” “September,” and “Boogie Wonderland.” He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of Earth, Wind & Fire in 2000. With his songwriting prowess, Dunn also gained induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Throughout Larry’s career, he has received seven Grammy Awards, solidifying his status as a highly acclaimed musician and songwriter. And folks, this brief biography doesn’t even touch the surface of Larry Dunn’s many accomplishments!

Also, read the published interview that ran in AGENDA Issue 11, 2020 about Larry Dunn in honor of his milestone birthday now available on agendamag.com.

July 27, 2022September 28, 2023

EnterTalk & JackTrip Present a Virtual Musical Supergroup, Featuring the Legendary Musicians Larry Dunn & Bunny Brunel

EnterTalk-JackTrip-LarryDunn-BunnyBrunel-artwork

Legendary Musicians Larry Dunn and Bunny Brunel, Drummer Roger Friend and Guitarist Charles Julian Fearing performed JackTrip virtual collaboration technology during a live performance on January 27^th, 2022; the event was co-sponsored by industry insider outlet EnterTalk.

Los Angeles, CA, July 27, 2022

JackTrip Labs and EnterTalk partnered to host a one-of-a-kind musical showcase, powered by JackTrip’s revolutionary Virtual Studio. Streaming on JackTrip Radio, it featured legendary musical icons 7-time Grammy winner Larry Dunn, 2-time Grammy-nominated Bunny Brunel, 2-time Grammy/Emmy-winner Roger Friend, and guitarist/producer Charles Julian Fearing. These musicians performed together live (remotely) from multiple locations and demonstrated groundbreaking, “real-time” musical collaborations, using high-speed, low-latency tools. The group of players connected with famed drummer Roger Friend for this hybrid experience.

”I’m really looking forward to performing with the other great talents, all from my studio! This is an absolutely amazing development in audio technology, from a rehearsal and collaboration standpoint,” enthuses keyboardist Larry Dunn, a driving force behind this event. “To be able to have credible sessions with musicians as far as 500 miles away is awesome!”

During NAMM 2022, using JackTrip’s technology, Grammy winner and virtual choir pioneer Eric Whitacre led virtual singers in the debut performance of his piece, “Sing Gently.” A cloud-based platform, the technology allows musicians to perform in near-perfect sync while they are miles apart from one another. In the Virtual Studio, jams never sacrifice the experience of actually performing together.

“I was skeptical, I’m so critical about every sixteenth note being so precise. It was so tight and so much fun. I was blown away.”—Roger Friend

Virtual technology has grown leaps and bounds in the last few years, but the JackTrip team has been working on their tech for two decades. Their dual focus on sound quality and speed means musicians who can’t be together in the same place can still come together, forging connections that once seemed impossible.

“This will change the game for many musicians, possibly performing live shows in our separate living rooms while fans watch from the comfort of their own homes. In this pandemic world that we’re becoming accustomed to, this is just the thing to bring music back in a big way . . . and all of us together again!”—Bunny Brunel

“[JackTrip] brings everyone closer together. There are opportunities for live concerts, for education. There are a lot of people in the virtual technology race, but JackTrip separates from the pack. You win if it’s done right.”—Charles Julian Fearing.

“Just the quality of the event rehearsal really blew me away,” gushes JackTrip CEO Mike Dickey. “I really wanted to share this with as many people as possible.”

Jack Dickey talks about recording simultaneously and how distance and the quality of the participants’ internet connection play a big role in preventing a lag during a virtual live remote collaboration: “If you have a fiber internet connection, that seems to work the best so far. For example, if you’re within 1000 miles from Los Angeles and you’re on a fiber internet connection, you can generally play really well with other people. We have people from San Diego, Los Angeles, and Seattle that are jamming regularly on the platform. If you don’t have a fiber internet connection, then we found the radius is a bit smaller, anywhere from 500 to 300 miles. But that’s still a lot further than having to be there in person physically with someone else.”

This joint event between JackTrip and EnterTalk (entertalkmedia.com) was more than just a show, it was a sign of possibilities to come. “I love the idea that we can make it accessible for musicians that are rehearsing together, and I think there are a lot of people out there that would love to be able to participate in a session like that.”

“It’s the holy grail of internet jamming, giving you the ability to play, collaborate, write, or just have fun with people—even people you may not know—and do that live; and that is a technology called JackTrip!”—Florentino Buenaventura of EnterTalk & The Changing Stage

The session on July 27th, was broadcast live at 2PM PST on JackTrip Radio, standing as proof positive of endless future opportunities.

A LITTLE ABOUT THE MUSICIANS:

Larry Dunn helped transform Earth Wind & Fire into one of the all-time most successful R&B bands in the world with sales of more than 100 million albums worldwide, 7 GRAMMYs, 13 GRAMMY nominations, 4 American Music Awards, 32 Gold & Platinum/Multi-Platinum Records & Albums, a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as other industry awards. Larry Dunn is Earth Wind & Fire’s original keyboardist/composer/co-producer who co-wrote the only #1 crossover pop hit, “Shining Star.” (larrydunnmusic.com)

A musician’s musician, bassist/composer Bunny Brunel has two Grammy-nominations, one for his 9-year stint in Chick Corea (for Secret Agent) and for his own band CAB (for CAB 2). He is one of the founding fathers of the jazz bass fusion movement, has authored countless instructional books, designed basses for Carvin, Gibson, and ESP Guitars, including his own creation, the (BBEUB) Bunny Brunel Electric Upright Bass. Brunel has performed/toured/recorded with Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams, Wayne Shorter, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Tania Maria, and countless others. And he serves as the Editor at Large of the premier lifestyle magazine for bass players, Virtuoso Bass. (bunnybrunel.com)

Touring in more than 100 countries, Roger Friend is a high level, multi-faceted drummer and percussionist whose performed with Tom Jones, ABBA, Tom Scott, The Rippingtons, Bamboo Forest, BB King, Steve Oliver, Dweezil Zappa and countless others, he has won 2 Grammys and 2 Emmys (rogerfriend.com); and Charles Julian Fearing is a multitalented lead guitarist, vocalist, writer, producer, and arranger who has recorded with Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Herb Alpert, Nancy Wilson, Lionel Richie, Bonnie Rait, The Crusaders, and Celine Dion.

To learn more about the company JackTrip, EnterTalk’s Florentino Buenaventura interviews CEO Mike Dickey on The Changing Stage at https://entertalkmedia.com/the-future-of-musical-collaboration-online-jacktrip-ceo-mike-dikey-and-friends/. (https://jacktrip.radio/)

Press Release by First Take PR

July 19, 2019September 28, 2023

Larry Dunn Celebrates Upcoming Kennedy Center Honor for Earth, Wind & Fire with LDO at the Music Box in San Diego on Sunday, July 21, 2019

Larry Dunn’s Anthology of Earth, Wind & Fire will be performing at the Music Box in San Diego in celebration of Earth, Wind & Fire’s award at the Kennedy Center Honors in December 2019. On-air personality John Phillips (88.3 San Diego) opens, spinning the classics.

On Sunday, July 21, 2019, Larry Dunn’s Anthology of Earth, Wind & Fire will be performing at the Music Box in San Diego. This concert is celebrating the recent news of Earth, Wind & Fire’s forthcoming honor at the Kennedy Center (Kennedy Center Honors) in December 2019.

kennedy-center-announcement-2019-honorees-EWF-Linda-Rondstadt — Kennedy Center Honors 2019: Earth, Wind Fire; Linda Ronstadt

Larry joined Earth, Wind and Fire in 1971 at the age of 18, wrote many of their great songs, including their only Number 1 Pop hit “Shining Star.” In 1975 on May 24th at 21 years old, together Larry Dunn and Maurice White did the powerful arrangement on the Beatles tune “Got to Get You Into My Life” for the film Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band; Earth, Wind & Fire appeared in the movie and performed the song.

Larry was instrumental in creating the title tracks for the albums Spirit, the double album Faces, and many more. Dunn assumed the position of musical director at the age of 21! At the same time, while performing, writing, and touring with the group, Dunn also took time out to begin a long journey, and still to this day is producing and writing for many other great artists such as Ramsey Lewis, Luisa Dunn, Hilliard Wilson, Level 42, Ronnie Laws, Bunny Brunel, Hubert Laws, Kaylene Peoples, DJ Cassidy, Mary J. Blige, Stanley Turrentine, Lenny White, Phillip Guillory, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Diana Reeves, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, and many more.

Yes, Larry Dunn composed those dreamy, complex yet memorable chord progressions, laying the foundation that supported the melodies and deep lyrics. Dunn’s own composition, “Shining Star,” skyrocketed Earth, Wind, & Fire to worldwide fame and was the inspiration for many famous musical artists, including Stevie Wonder.

“Stevie Wonder actually showed up a couple of years ago at one of my concerts, came on stage and after performing at his request “Shining Star” with me. Stevie told the crowd the first time he heard “Shining Star” on the radio, he went to his keyboard and wrote his legendary song ‘I Wish!!!'” – Larry Dunn, Schmooze Jazz Magazine

Full 9 Members of the Original Earth, Wind & Fire

Dunn’s brilliant writing, arranging, and producing set the tone for Earth, Wind & Fire. And now, decades later, the Larry Dunn Orchestra (LDO) puts on the ultimate show with Larry Dunn’s Anthology of Earth, Wind & Fire. Past shows have had guest performances by Brian Culbertson, Stevie Wonder, Paulihno DeCosta, Ray Parker Jr., Ronnie Laws, Wayne Lindsey, and others. “You never know who’s going to show up and sit in on one of our performances.” States Larry. As the composer many of the songs that catapulted the band to super stardom, including “Shining Star,” “Be Ever Wonderful,” “Jupiter,” and others. Each performance, LDO delights its audiences with “Reasons,” “Fantasy,” and “After the Love Is Gone,” his impressive list of accomplishments keeps growing.

So come and celebrate with LDO and Larry Dunn’s Anthology of Earth, Wind & Fire on Sunday, July 21, 2019, at 8:00 PM at the Music Box in San Diego.

“We’re excited because we get to see San Diego. I think the last time Luisa and I were down there was probably 25 years ago, believe it or not. I’m sure a lot has changed, but everybody says that of course it’s still gorgeous and beautiful. And the people are wonderful in that area. So, we’re really looking forward to it.” – Larry Dunn

Where: The Music Box 1337 India Street, San Diego, CA
When: Sunday, July 21, 2019 at 8:00 PM. Doors Open at 7 PM
Tickets: $30 advanced GA SEAT / $35 day of show GA seat / Indigo Grill dinner for 2 + show package $
PARKING: Street parking and paid lot parking available. TABLE RESERVATION / VIP:
facebook.com/MusicBoxSD | MusicBoxSD.com | The Music Box (619) 795-1337. Visit: Musicboxsd.com

Sponsored by Casio | First Take PR for Media Inquiries (contact@firsttakepr.com)

Larry Dunn Orchestra
Keyboards & Musical Director Larry Dunn
Rhythm Section: Romy Geroso (Guitar); Ty Fleming (Drums); Hilliard Wilson (Bass)
Vocals: Luisa Dunn, Procton Bonnell, Howard Johnson, Masta Edwards, and Leslie Smith
Horns: Duane Benjamin (Trombone); Keith McKelley (Sax); Michael Hunter (Trumpet)

Larry Dunn (Original Member of Earth, Wind Fire)

About Larry Dunn:
Dunn helped transform Earth, Wind & Fire into one of the all-time most successful R&B bands in the world with sales of more than 100 million albums worldwide, 7 Grammy Awards, 13 Grammy nominations, 4 American Music Awards, 32 Gold & Platinum/Multi-Platinum Records & Albums. He also has a Star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, and has inductions into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame (2000) & Songwriters Hall of Fame (2010). Larry Dunn recently received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2016), as well as other industry awards. In addition to playing organ, synthesizer, piano, keyboards and clavinet with the group from 1972 until 1983, Larry held the position as the band’s musical director. In this key role, he contributed a great deal to the group’s international success. In addition, Larry rehearsed Earth, Wind & Fire for live stage performances and wrote many of the musical segues and medleys. Larry was a major creative influence in classics as “Shining Star,” “Spirit,” “Be Ever Wonderful,” “Runnin’,” “See The Light,” “Let Me Talk,” “And Love Goes On,” “Jupiter,” as well as other melodies that will live on in the hearts of fans and popular music lovers alike. Visit larrydunnmusic.com. #ldo #larrydunn #kennedycenterhonors2019 #musicboxsd #ewf

October 27, 2018September 28, 2023

Luisa Dunn Awarded Song of the Year at Arts 4 Peace Awards 2018

Luisa Dunn is no stranger to the music industry. As part of the dynamic “Dunn” duo, she has been the supportive, silent partner and co-creator of LDO (Larry Dunn Orchestra), as well as a recipient of many humanitarian awards herself. On October 28th Luisa Dunn will be awarded Song of the Year at the Arts 4 Peace Awards Show held at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills. Larry Dunn, original member of Earth, Wind & Fire, will be presenting the award.

Luisa Dunn is a powerhouse in her own right, aside from singing lead, backgrounds, and songwriting, she is also a great interpreter of music and has done just that with a popular song from Swing Out Sister called “Twilight World.” On N2 the Journey, Luisa is starring in her own beautiful rendition of the beloved tune. It’s hard to remake a song that was done so well the first time around. But she managed to breath a brand new spirit into it. Her smooth vocals lull us into a blissful comfort zone. “Twilight World” lives on track #5 on the N2 the Journey CD, and “5” is the number of Grace.

Whether it be singing backgrounds on Larry Dunn’s Anthology of Earth, Wind & Fire; co-composing and co-performing on the song “Lulu” from Bunny Brunel & Stanley Clarke’s historical CD Bass Ball; or starring on her own forthcoming CD—Luisa has a style that speaks volumes! And we’d like to congratulate Luisa Justiz Dunn on her well deserved honor!

“Swing Out Sister’s music is timeless. It brings light. It allows people to be in a place of hope and love to soothe the soul.” –Luisa Dunn

The Arts 4 Peace Third Annual Awards Show covers all the Arts categories including Fine Arts, Dance, Music, Cinema, Culinary, Martial Arts, and Beauty. The Goal of the Art4Peace organization is to create the first Dream Self-Sustainable five star Shelter for those in need in the world: Men, Women, Children, and Animals alike, through their Wisdom Land mega project.

Read the Arts 4 Peace Awards press release: https://www.prlog.org/12735128-art4peace-awards-organization-starts-the-conversation-to-make-global-positive-change-with-its-mega-project-wisdom-land.html

September 7, 2018September 28, 2023

Larry Dunn to Present Black Hall of Fame Award 2018 to Ronnie Laws

la-black-music-awards-hall-of-fame-inductions-2018

From one Hall of Fame inductee to another, keyboardist/composer Larry Dunn (formerly Earth Wind & Fire), a multi-award-winning artist and Hall of Famer, will be presenting the Hall of Fame Award to famed Sax player Ronnie Laws at the Los Angeles Black Music Awards & Hall of Fame Inductions. What better representative than Dunn . . . for he is a 6-time Grammy-winner and 13 GRAMMY nominations, four American Music Awards, 32 Gold and Platinum/Multi-Platinum records and albums, a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2000) and Songwriters Hall of Fame (2010), and the GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award (2016), as well as other industry awards that Larry shares with the group.

Ronnie Laws has performed and recorded with countless iconic, chart-topping musicians, but may best be known for combining the exploratory heart of Jazz with the broader reaching strains of Soul and Pop music. His first hit, “Always There” (credited as Ronnie Laws and Pressure on the original 45), was one of the most popular, sax-driven, cross-over hits of the 70s Jazz-Funk Fusion era. He ushered in the sensualization of the soprano sax with Quiet Storm gems such as “Grace,” “Karmen,” and “Just Love.” “Pressure Sensitive,” “Fever,” and “Friends and Strangers” (Blue 70’s: Blue Note Got Soul), the title track of his third album, all propelled to gold status.

Los Angeles Black Music Awards & Hall of Fame Inductions will be held Sunday, September 9, 2018, at the Warner Grand Theater in San Pedro, CA, at 5pm. Call the BMA National Office 916-477-0157 for info.

“It is truly an honor for my lifetime friend Larry Dunn to be the presenter of my Hall of Fame Award. My career success could not have existed without his musical genius and contribution to my journey as an artist.” – Ronnie Laws