MOMENTUM (1989)

By the late 1980s, the fusion landscape had shifted toward highly technical, synth-driven textures, and Momentum (1989) finds Bunny Brunel fully engaged with that evolution. Released on America Records, with distribution through NEC Avenue in Japan, the album captures a modern jazz-rock aesthetic defined by precision, speed, and harmonic sophistication, while maintaining a surprising sense of melodic accessibility.

“This rare musician is a melodic writer… even with Brunel’s mind-blowing execution and profound changes—as complex as his music is—you walk away humming his tunes.” — GigRoster Artist Bio

Unlike the acoustic focus of Dedication, Momentum is an unapologetically electric statement. The album features the blistering guitar work of Frank Gambale, the intricate keyboard textures of Kei Akagi, and the precise, heavy-hitting rhythmic foundation of John Wackerman. A notable highlight is the guest synthesizer work of Patrick Moraz—known for his work with Yes and The Moody Blues—on “Again” (and “Listen Now” in some editions), adding an additional layer of harmonic color and sonic depth.

The compositions balance complexity with clarity, built around shifting modal frameworks, tightly arranged ensemble passages, and grooves that remain grounded despite their technical demands. Tracks such as “Momentum,” “Temperamental,” and “L.A. Bebop” reflect Brunel’s ability to integrate virtuosic execution with strong thematic identity, reinforcing his role not only as a bassist, but as a composer with a distinct melodic voice.

The album’s program moves through a carefully structured sequence that includes “Miami” (an instrumental version of “Energie” by Claude Nougaro), “Little Thing,” “Momentum,” “Nicol Too,” “Wacko,” “Vlad,” “Again,” “Temperamental,” “Five,” “L.A. Bebop,” and “Get Well,” forming a cohesive listening experience that emphasizes both technical range and melodic continuity across the record.

Core personnel on the session include Bunny Brunel on electric and fretless bass, keyboards, and production, alongside Frank Gambale on guitar, Kei Akagi on piano and keyboards, and John Wackerman on drums and percussion, with Patrick Moraz contributing guest synthesizer work. The original 1989 release is visually marked by a high-contrast portrait of Brunel, paired with bold, late-’80s typography that reflects the album’s intensity and modern edge, while later reissues, including the 1996 Muffin Records edition, retained this identity and expanded the album’s reach to a broader audience.

Within Brunel’s discography, Momentum stands as a defining electric fusion statement—where technical mastery, compositional control, and melodic sensibility converge at a high level of execution.