Dedication (1992)

Recorded at Capitol Studios in 1992, Dedication stands as Bunny Brunel’s definitive acoustic statement, capturing a master of the electric fretless in a rare, sophisticated straight-ahead jazz setting. Leading an elite quartet featuring guitarist Mike Stern, pianist Billy Childs, and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, Brunel delivers virtuosic upright bass performances on a repertoire of advanced standards and originals, including Wayne Shorter’s “Fall” and “Pinocchio,” Steve Swallow’s “Falling Grace,” and Herbie Hancock’s “Dolphin Dance.” The set is rounded out by Brunel’s own “Song for Bill & Eddie” and “Pebble Beach,” alongside classics like “Stella by Starlight,” “Relaxin’ at Camarillo,” and “Someday My Prince Will Come,” culminating in the special guest appearance of Chick Corea on the closing “Twelve Bars for Liebestraum.” While some digital databases erroneously date this project to 1989 or 1998—likely confusing it with the fusion-heavy Momentum or L.A. Zoo—this Musidisc original (later reissued by EmArcy) is strictly a 1992 acoustic session.

Bunny Brunel is best-known as a virtuosic electric bassist who is featured in high-quality fusion settings. This particular recording is quite a bit different for Brunel is heard exclusively on acoustic bass, performing advanced jazz standards including pieces by Wayne Shorter, Steve Swallow, and Herbie Hancock along with two of the bassist’s originals, ‘Stella by Starlight,’ Charlie Parker‘s ‘Relaxin’ at Camarillo,’ and ‘Someday My Prince Will Come.’ Guitarist Mike Stern has plenty of solos, pianist Billy Childs gets in his spots, and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta is fine in support, but Brunel clearly controls the music. On the concluding ‘Twelve Bars for Liebestraum,’ Chick Corea guests on piano. Overall, this is one of Brunel’s best jazz dates, and a bit of a surprise.” —Scott Yanow, Allmusic.com