Invent Your Future (2015)

Released in 2015, Invent Your Future captures Bunny Brunel at a point of artistic clarity—where decades of innovation in jazz fusion converge into a deeply intentional and forward-looking statement. More than a showcase of virtuosity, the album reflects Brunel’s identity as a composer and musical architect, shaping each piece with precision, balance, and a clear sense of narrative.

At the center of the project is Brunel’s unmistakable voice on bass—fluid, expressive, and grounded in both harmonic sophistication and melodic purpose. Whether anchoring complex rhythmic frameworks or stepping forward with lyrical authority, his playing consistently serves the music, reinforcing the album’s compositional depth rather than overshadowing it.

Invent Your Future brings together a distinguished ensemble of collaborators spanning generations of jazz and fusion. Keyboardists Patrice Rushen and Patrick Moraz contribute rich harmonic textures, while Darynn González adds a contemporary voice that complements the album’s modern sensibility. The rhythmic foundation is equally formidable, featuring a rotating lineup of master drummers including Virgil Donati, Chad Wackerman, Tom Brechtlein, Clayton Cameron, Jimmy Branly, and John Wackerman—each bringing a distinct rhythmic identity to the material.

The album’s sonic palette is further expanded through the inclusion of horns and woodwinds, with Doug Webb and Kaylene Peoples adding dimension, warmth, and lyrical contrast. These elements are woven thoughtfully into the arrangements, enhancing the music’s depth without shifting focus away from Brunel’s compositional voice.

Among its most poignant moments is the composition “Austin,” a tribute to the late pianist Austin Peralta, whose influence and presence resonate beyond the track itself. It stands as a reminder that Invent Your Future is not only a technical and artistic achievement, but also a deeply human one.

The album moves fluidly between fusion, contemporary jazz, and orchestral textures, unified by a sense of purpose and restraint. Rather than relying on density or excess, Brunel allows space, tone, and interaction to shape the music—resulting in a listening experience that is both engaging and enduring.

Invent Your Future is more than a title—it is a philosophy. It reflects an artist who continues to evolve, honoring the traditions that shaped him while actively defining what comes next.