2020’s: Live Performance, BASS BALL 2, and a Career Still in Motion

From 2017 to the present, Bunny Brunel has entered a period defined by legacy-building, creative expansion, and sustained performance at the highest level. While continuing his presence on international stages, this era reflects a broader shift—one that extends beyond performance into publishing, mentorship, and long-term cultural impact.

A defining milestone of this period is his role in the launch and development of Virtuoso Bass, where he serves as Editor at Large. The publication stands as a platform dedicated to documenting and elevating the art of the bass, drawing directly from Brunel’s decades of experience. It reflects his commitment not only to performance, but to shaping the narrative of the instrument for future generations.

Brunel has remained consistently active as a performer, maintaining a demanding schedule across Los Angeles, national venues, and international festivals. His live work continues to anchor his identity—rooted in precision, interaction, and a musical language that resists compromise.

This era is also marked by the release of Bass Ball 2 (2024), a major collaborative project bringing together an international roster of elite bassists, including Stanley Clarke, Armand Sabal-Lecco, and Kyle Eastwood. The album reinforces Brunel’s role as both innovator and connector within the global bass community, extending a concept that celebrates the instrument as both voice and foundation.

Recognition during this period includes receiving the Olympia Arts Award for Excellence in Bass and Jazz Fusion, an honor that underscores his enduring influence within the genre. Rather than marking a culmination, the award affirms a career that continues to evolve—grounded in discipline, innovation, and a lifelong commitment to the instrument.

Taken together, the years from 2017 to the present reflect a period of consolidation and expansion. Brunel is not only performing—he is documenting, curating, mentoring, and shaping the evolving language of the bass. It is the work of an artist fully aware of his legacy, yet still actively engaged in defining its future.