HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - Marylandian -- Bunny Brunel & Friends presented an extraordinary night of music January 19, 2024, at the Catalina Jazz Club on Sunset Blvd., as the iconic bassists Bunny Brunel, Stanley Clarke, Armand Sabal-Lecco, and Kyle Eastwood graced the same stage for a unique, once-in-a-lifetime performance. This historic collaboration thrilled the audience, showcasing their distinctive styles and techniques in a night filled with great musical collaborations.

Known for their significant contributions to Chick Corea's music, Bunny Brunel and Stanley Clarke played a pivotal role in bringing the bass to the forefront. As pioneers of the jazz-fusion bass movement, their influence paved the way for future bass players to carve their niche in the industry. The audience was captivated by the epic performances, and several attendees remarked on the distinctiveness of each bass player's sound, noting that they could identify each player with their eyes closed.

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Adding to the musical feast, Larry Dunn, the original keyboardist for Earth, Wind & Fire, brought his nostalgic sound to the stage, delivering a brilliant performance. Vocalist and flutist Kaylene Peoples charmed the audience, humorously referring to herself as the "treble" amidst all the bass. The engaged audience was mesmerized by each performer, and the unexpected lineup, featuring Mahesh Balasooriya on keys, Monette Marino on percussion, and DeCarlos "Hulk" Davis on drums, showcased a fusion of extraordinary talent.

TV Writer/Comedian Kevin Foster and radio host Pat Prescott set the tone for the night, expressing the importance of jazz and supporting live music. The bassists opened the show with infectious grooves, and the spotlight remained firmly on the bass instrument throughout the night, providing an innovative palette for musical expression.

The climax of the evening was the "Bass Jam," where the four legendary bass players displayed their technical prowess, melodic sensibility, and dynamic camaraderie on the electric bass. Honoring the iconic Chick Corea, Kaylene Peoples returned to sing and perform flute on Corea's "Spain." The grand finale featured Larry Dunn rejoining Stanley Clarke, Bunny Brunel, Kyle Eastwood, and Kaylene Peoples for a jazzy rendition of "That's the Way of the World."

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Attendees praised "Bass Ball 2" and its legendary cast, with remarks like "the most beautiful jazz concert I have ever attended" and "an unforgettable evening of heartfelt joy, camaraderie, and low-end love." Notables like fashion designer Kevan Hall, actress Chrystee Pharris, and bass player Talmadge Hawkins were in attendance, making it a diverse and celebrated event on January 19th.

The concert was proudly supported by the promotional teams at First Take PR, Concerts.cafe, and Music Magique Promotions, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Wounded Warriors Project. For more information about "Bass Ball 2" and the complete lineup, visit bunnybrunel.com/music."

"Bass Ball 2," the brainchild of Bunny Brunel, follows the groundbreaking release of "Bass Ball" in 2017, the first-ever CD exclusively showcasing bass players. Co-produced by Stanley Clarke, the collaboration marked a historic moment for bass enthusiasts, thrusting the instrument into the forefront of musical expression. "Bass Ball 2," released in 2023, features a stellar lineup, including Kyle Eastwood, Federico Malaman, Stanley Clarke, Armand Sabal-Lecco, Sekou Bunch, Josquin des Pres, Dominique di Piazza, and special guests Patrice Rushen, Larry Dunn, Kaylene Peoples, and others. For more information about "Bass Ball 2" and the complete lineup, visit bunnybrunel.com/music.