CAB – Theatre de Marionnettes (2009)

CAB – Theatre de Marionnettes (2009)

Theatre de Marionnettes, released in 2009 on Brunel Music and produced by Bunny Brunel and Tony MacAlpine, represents the final chapter in the CAB discography. The album features a core lineup of Bunny Brunel on bass and keyboards, Tony MacAlpine on guitar and keyboards, Brian Auger on Hammond organ, and Virgil Donati on drums. Together, this configuration marks a notable shift in the group’s sonic identity, blending CAB’s signature fusion precision with a more organ-driven, tonally layered approach.

The album consists of thirteen tracks: “The Prankster,” “Katputli,” “The Sultan of Brunel,” “Purple Mars,” “The Ventriloquist,” “Just Do It,” “Rain,” “The Pub,” “Another Day,” “Jaco Rocco Circus,” “Theatre de Marionnettes,” “High Cloud,” and the bonus track “The Puppeteer.” While the core quartet anchors the project, Theatre de Marionnettes also incorporates select guest contributions that expand its musical palette. Among them are Sandeep Chowta on keyboards (tracks 1 and 3), Chick Corea on electric piano (track 2), Patrice Rushen on piano and clavinet (tracks 10, 11, and 13), and Michel Polnareff on piano (track 6). Additional guitar contributions come from Freddie Fox (tracks 1, 6, and 10) and Bernard Torelli (track 12), while horn arrangements are enhanced by Doug Webb on saxophone and Jeff Elliott on trumpet.

As a whole, the album presents a hybrid of tightly structured fusion and exploratory ensemble textures. The addition of organ and selective guest voices creates a broader tonal spectrum, while the rhythmic foundation leans toward precision and control. Within this framework, certain compositions—particularly “The Prankster,” “The Pub,” and “The Sultan of Brunel”—stand out for their sense of groove and musical release, offering moments where the ensemble leans into feel and interaction. Theatre de Marionnettes ultimately serves as a distinct and character-driven entry in the CAB catalog, reflecting both continuity and evolution within the group’s sound.