L.A. Zoo Revisited (2004)
Originally released in 1998 on the Tone Center label, L.A. Zoo by Bunny Brunel stands as a high-octane jazz-fusion “super session,” bringing together a powerhouse lineup that includes Mike Stern, Vivian Campbell, and Virgil Donati. The album captures a convergence of elite musicianship, combining the harmonic sophistication of jazz with the intensity and edge of rock.
Defined by precision and interplay, the recording emphasizes tightly structured compositions, rapid-fire exchanges, and a rhythmic foundation that supports both technical complexity and forward momentum. Brunel’s bass work anchors the session throughout, functioning not only as a driving force but as a central melodic voice within the ensemble.
In 2004, the album was revisited and reissued as L.A. Zoo Revisited on Mascot Records, presenting a more definitive version of the project. This edition features substantially reworked material, including newly recorded bass and drum parts by Brunel, along with the addition of the bonus track “Tiger,” further intensifying the album’s sonic impact and clarity.
“Brunel was one of the original bass virtuosi—don’t miss this classic rock fusion super session!”
— Guitar Nine
Within Brunel’s discography, L.A. Zoo remains a standout example of uncompromising fusion—where technical command, collaborative synergy, and raw energy converge into a cohesive and enduring statement.