2014-2019: Bunny Brunel, the Working Years

Between 2014 to 2019, Bunny Brunel sustained a powerful presence on both local and international stages, refining a musical voice built on precision, control, and deeply rooted collaboration. This period is anchored by the dual CD release Invent Your Future, a project that reflects his continued commitment to composition and ensemble-driven performance, while reinforcing his role as both architect and bandleader. At the same time, Brunel’s global reach remained firmly intact, highlighted by headlining appearances at the Madajazzcar Jazz Festival, where his music engaged audiences beyond the traditional fusion circuit. These performances underscore a defining aspect of his career: the ability to communicate across cultures while maintaining a clear and consistent artistic identity. Equally significant is the beginning of a documentary chronicling his life and work, directed by Stanley Clarke. This project signals a broader recognition of Brunel’s legacy within the evolution of electric jazz, capturing not only his technical innovations, but his role in shaping the genre’s modern vocabulary.  Another notable release that made history was Bass Ball with Bunny Brunel and co-produced by Stanley Clarke, both advocates for bass players. The project featured Victor Wooten, Billy Sheehan, Adrian Feraud, Armand Sabal-Lecco and more!

Yet, for all its international scope, this era remains firmly grounded in the working musician’s circuit. Brunel maintained an extensive performance schedule throughout Los Angeles and Orange County, appearing regularly in venues where proximity, spontaneity, and musical exchange define the experience. These stages—intimate, demanding, and immediate—serve as the proving ground for a career built on consistency rather than spectacle. It is also during this time that Kaylene Peoples enters Brunel’s performance world, bringing a distinct artistic presence that expands the tonal and expressive range of the ensemble. Her contributions introduce a new layer of musical dialogue, marking the beginning of a creative partnership that extends beyond the bandstand. The images that follow capture this period in motion—on stage, in rehearsal, and across a network of performances that span continents while remaining rooted in craft. Together, they document a chapter defined not by transition, but by momentum: a sustained commitment to excellence, collaboration, and the enduring language of live performance.