William Brunard

Double bass player William Brunard was born in 1990 in St Ouen. William was born into a family of musicians, but first inspired to take up jazz manouche after hearing Tchavolo Schmitt live and later, recordings of Django Reinhardt After classical studies of piano and cello,  he turned to the guitar accompanying artists like Tchavolo Schmitt. In 2009 he started to play the double bass which will become his favorite instrument, opening doors to the biggest venues alongside musicians such as Patrick Saussois, Angelo Debarre, Christian Escoudé, Stochelo Rosenberg, Didier Lockwood, Noah Reihnardt and today Biréli Lagrène.

As a teenager William was schooled on guitar by Ninine Garcia, of the La Chope Des Puces and by Frangy Delporte.  It was Frangy who suggested William try double bass, a suggestion seconded by the late Patrick Saussois. It was an excellent idea, from which William has made a career of playing with the very best in the Gypsy jazz business. Here he is with Bireli Lagrene—who gives him the nod to take a solo at around the 4 minute mark.

William has spent years supporting other artists, primarily as a bassist, which is a great way to earn their respect and appreciation. No small surprise, then, that when he decided to record his first CD as a group leader just about a year ago, he was able to call on the best in the business. The resulting recording, Django Stories, brings together an incredible roster of artists. On this cut alone you have Bireli Lagrene, Mathias Levy, Nous’che Rosenberg, Hono Winterstein.

For years William  hosted a jam session every Sunday at l’Atelier Charonne in Paris (now closed) at which those same great players often sat in as invited guests.