GARY BRUNTON

Born in Burnley in the North West of England in 1968, his dad John Brunton, a blues and jazz fanatic, and self taught musician, plays clarinet and saxophone semi professionally. His brother John Jr. (today a professional musician in Munich) plays guitar. After initial tuition on clarinet and piano, Gary discovered the electric bass at 15, inspired by the sound of Jean Jacques Burnel of the Stranglers. At 16 he started playing double bass and gigging in pubs and clubs locally, playing traditional jazz with his dad’s friends. He became acquainted with more modern jazz at a workshop with guitarist Gary Boyle and bassist Jeff Clyne. In 1986 at the age of 18 he moved to Wales to study modern languages at Swansea University. Local musicians such as saxophonist Jonathan Lewis and pianist Russ Jones introduce him to other styles of jazz. He discovers the universe of Bill Evans, read more...