Bunny Brunel CAB performed four shows at the Baked Potato on June 1st-2nd, 2021. Jazz-fusion fans were in attendance, following strict protocol – A negative test or vaccinated. Covid restrictions hadn’t been lifted yet, and people were happy to get out again to socialize and social distance.  This was evidenced by the limited seating inside the club and out back inside the Baked Potato’s new addition, a covered patio fully equipped with TV screens and speakers. The club is known for its lineup of top musicians that range from jazz to blues.

CAB is a Grammy-nominated fusion band filled with groove-heavy songs, featuring the virtuosity of internationally famous bassist Bunny Brunel, and other iconic musicians that have included co-founders Tony MacAlpine and Dennis Chambers; as well as other incarnations of the band with Brian Auger, Patrice Rushen, and Virgil Donati. Fusion notables such as keyboardists Mitch Forman (Mahavishnu Orchestra), Dennis Hamm; guitarists Alex Machacek, Julian Coryell; and drummer Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa) have graced CAB stages.

Virgil Donati Talks about CAB.

I was working with Tony MacAlpine who put me in touch with Bunny.  We did a live recording CAB Live on Sunset and the studio album Theatre of Marionettes. – Virgil Donati

This Baked Potato concert was a send off for iconic drummer Virgil Donati (Planet X), who will be living in Italy. The four shows featured Bunny Brunel (bass/leader), Donati (drums), Mitch Forman (keys), Toshi Yanagi (guitar), and Kaylene Peoples (flute/Vocals). This ensemble shined from the very first tune and ended with a crescendo on the fourth and final show, leaving guests and fusion fans wanting more.

Playing this show was a lot of fun and quite a milestone since it’s the first time in any of our lives where we’ve stayed so long without actually doing a gig. That was my first gig after a year and a half of being on lockdown! – Virgil Donati

CAB opened with “The Prankster,” a tune on CAB’s 2009 release Theatre of Marionettes and continued with their theme song “CAB” from the debut CD from 2000. Other tunes (performed at the four shows) from that release include “Song for My Friend” off of CAB Live on Sunset CD (2010), “One from Stern” from the Grammy-nominated CAB 2; and honoring Chick Corea to whom Bunny Brunel attributes his career, “Nights Streets” – a Latin favorite (Brunel’s version off of Invent Your future (2015); and “The Slide,” a tune Bunny recorded on Tap Step (1980) with Corea. “Spain” was also on the set list, this is a song where Brunel toured with Chick and Al Jarreau. The show closed with the popular Billy Cobham tune, “Stratus” from Bunny’s LA ZOO Revisited (2004).

As with any Bunny Brunel CAB concert, heavy grooves are imperative as this bass player/bandleader would insist. Known for his fretless bass-soloing chops and steady pulse as he locks with the drum, the audience was entranced by the sheer virtuosity as Bunny Brunel always makes it look easy. His mind-blowing riffs at incredible speed are accompanied by melodic and memorable melodies, making him a rare treat for music fans. Always gracious, the two-time Grammy-nominated French-born American Bassist always gives credit where credit is due. “As was suggested by Chick Corea, I always take a melodic approach in my bass lines and solos,” recounts Brunel.

Frequently on the cover of drum magazines, Virgil Donati held the boat with his undeniably recognizable style. Not only is his playing music to our ears, his intricate yet carefully placed fills and nuanced stylings make for a satisfying evening. After “Spain,” Donati spoiled the crowd with some high end drumming. He also gave a final salute during “Stratus,” ending the set.

Pianist Mitch Forman is a true entertainer with an infectious personality on stage. He played the house Rhodes in addition to his own keyboards. As animated as one can get, with incredible style, his inventive solos really got the crowd going! A big highlight was the exchange he and Toshi Yanagi did (an answer-call) on “Stratus.”

Toshi Yanagi is an amazing guitar player. We just did a little rehearsal. That was the first time we played live together. He did a great job. – Bunny Brunel

Guitarist Toshi Yanagi fit right in with his rich, edgy guitar tone, while shredding over jazz changes. A regular at the the Baked Potato, this was Yanagi’s first time playing with CAB, garnering much applause after each one of his impressive solos.

Bunny Brunel:

We had a great flute and vocal with Kaylene Peoples; that gave me the opportunity to thank Chick Corea and play some of his tunes. Chick saw me play in London then asked me to join the band in America. That was a great thing, and in August 1978, I moved to Los Angeles . . . and I’m still here!

Flutist Kaylene Peoples has been playing with Bunny Brunel CAB since 2016, initially playing flute for the Chick Corea tunes. Now a CAB regular, Peoples shines on “Night Streets” then takes it to another level as she performs “Spain,” where she awes with her pocketed, syncopated vocals then solos on flute while holding her own as she brings a fresh new flavor to this power fusion band.

“All four concerts were sold out and it was so nice to see the people that came out to support us.  We had a good time playing!” – Bunny Brunel