Kurt Brunus Project
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States | Established. Jan 01, 1997 | INDIE
Music
Press
Kurt Brunus
Horny & Saxy
(Swamp Island Records)
Despite the sexual innuendos implied by the CD's title, there is a more subtle significance to it. In addition to the piano, Brunus plays the trumpet (horn) and Larry "Skip" Thompson plays the sax (get it?) on this record. Between the two of them-with a little technological assistance from MP3 (or whatever else it is that provides the drum, bass, percussion and occasional string accompaniment)-they have created a fine body of work here. All 11 original tracks-plus variations on two of them-are all in the smooth jazz vein and they're very listenable. Playing piano on all of the cuts, Brunus steps up with the horn on half of the songs, most of which are duets with Thompson. The two of them harmonize beautifully, sharing center stage equally with neither one trying to outshine the other. And when they solo their virtuosity comes to the surface. Most of the cuts are slow, mellow numbers, consistent with the mood the musicians are attempting to set. With short, crisp notes on many of the cuts, interwoven with intricate, extended rhythms, Brunus & Co. have created a pleasant sound.
-Dean M. Shapiro
- Off beat Magazine
Kurt Brunus
Horny & Saxy
(Swamp Island Records)
Despite the sexual innuendos implied by the CD's title, there is a more subtle significance to it. In addition to the piano, Brunus plays the trumpet (horn) and Larry "Skip" Thompson plays the sax (get it?) on this record. Between the two of them-with a little technological assistance from MP3 (or whatever else it is that provides the drum, bass, percussion and occasional string accompaniment)-they have created a fine body of work here. All 11 original tracks-plus variations on two of them-are all in the smooth jazz vein and they're very listenable. Playing piano on all of the cuts, Brunus steps up with the horn on half of the songs, most of which are duets with Thompson. The two of them harmonize beautifully, sharing center stage equally with neither one trying to outshine the other. And when they solo their virtuosity comes to the surface. Most of the cuts are slow, mellow numbers, consistent with the mood the musicians are attempting to set. With short, crisp notes on many of the cuts, interwoven with intricate, extended rhythms, Brunus & Co. have created a pleasant sound.
-Dean M. Shapiro
- Off beat Magazine
Discography
"Horny & Saxy", "In My Mind", "I Wonder", "DEEP South"
Photos
Bio
Kurt Brunus was born into a musical family in Los Angeles, California. Still quite young, his family moved to New Orleans where he was exposed to many different and varied types of music. His father and mother were very active in the music world, leading a gospel group of their own during the 1950's. Kurt's mother realized his talents in music and started to cultivate them at an early age. He began piano lessons at the age of four. Having an interest in musical instruments of all kinds, Kurt later studied the violin. As his musical talents excelled, he taught himself to play the guitar, trumpet, ensembles horn, clarinet, saxophone, coronet, and bass. Kurt also displayed his musical genius on the keyboard/synthesizer/piano, as well as proving himself to be an outstanding vocalist and percussionist.
Kurt is a graduate of St. Augustine High School (on full scholarship), where he held the position of trumpet section leader for two years. He also won the title of "Top Trumpeter" at LMEA, a city wide jazz competition for high school students. Kurt studied music extensively at the University of New Orleans and Southern University of New Orleans. While attending these universities, Kurt played the trumpet / piano with the jazz ensembles and stage band , trumpet and percussion with the orchestra and the wind ensembles and marching band. During this time, Kurt realized his place was in the music world.
Kurt has toured internationally, visiting such places as Italy, The Bahamas, Martinique (Caribbean Islands), France, Canada, Brazil, Germany, and major cities all over the U.S. (Las Vegas, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and D.C.) and the list goes on. Kurt's unique style and professionalism as an entertainer over the past ten years has made him a special addition to any group of which he is a part.
The Temptations, Aaron Neville, Kermit Ruffins, Kapori Woods, Charmaine Neville, Wynton Marsalis, Alexander O'Neal, Roy Ayers, Tom Brown, Bobby Womack, West "Wormbody" Anderson, Tony Hall, Vas-ti Jackson, Mahogany Blue, Front Page, Ali Woodson, Denis Edwards, Wanda Rouzan, Walter Payton & The Snap Bean Band, Sharon Martin, Kyle Turner, Shao'n, Timothea, Mark Bergerone, Big Al, BRW, George Benson, Walter "Wolfman" Johnson, Sheron (Mia Blue), G.C. Cameron & The Spinners, Re-Creation, Juanita Brooks, Michael Ward, Cool Bone, Lillian Boute', Tara Darnell, Donald Harrison, Nicholas Payton, and Regina Carter. He has opened for Gladys Knight, The O'Jays, Bobby Brown, Kenny G, Freddie Jackson, Chuck Mangione, Maze, Michael Henderson, and Patti LaBelle to name a few.
Kurt was musical director for King Creoles Orchestra. He was also the Musical Director and Composer for the stage play "Mama I'm Sorry". In addition to his extensive list of accomplishments, Kurt Brunus has recorded with many artists (local, national, and international) He also produces for many national and international talents, and does original compositions and arrangements. Kurt has appeared in a number of television shows, as well as having performed for local and national news several times. Kurt has been featured in newspaper and magazine articles, including a full page layout and interview in Brazil for "Keyboard Magazine". Kurt Brunus is the president of "KS Productions" and "Swamp Island Records".
Kurt has the innate ability to captivate his audience and never let go. He exudes musical brilliance whenever he appears on stage.
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