Pianist, Singer, Songwriter
Born in January 1982 in Agen, France, Julien Brunetaud began playing piano when he was 12 and put together his own band at a very early age. Self-taught, he met the bluesman Nico Wayne Toussaint who hired him for a recording session and European tour. He crossed paths with many renowned musicians and performed around the world with greats like BB KING, CHUCK BERRY, BIG JOE TURNER, Dana GILLESPIE, Keith B. BROWN, MoJo BUFORD, Joe Louis Walker, John PRIMER and Louisiana RED...
Also a singer, Brunetaud created the group JBBoogie which won Best First Recording in 2002. In 2005, Brunetaud earned the France Blues Award for Best European Pianist and traveled extensively in the U.S.. he opened for Pinetop PERKINS, for BB KING at the Ebony Club. In PARIS, he performed with Chuck Berry at the Elysée Montmartre in 2005. In 2006, he placed second in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis and played in a tribute to ROOSEVELT SYKES at the CHICAGO Blues Fest. Brunetaud earned the HOT CLUB of FRANCE Musician of the Year Award for his second album, « Orleans Street Boogie » and released a third album, « Driftin' Blues » both produced by Southland Records. He has participated in the Mustique Blues Festival in the Caribbean for ten years, which benefits local children via the Basil Charles Educational Foundation.
In 2010 his album « Look Like twins » shows his love for afro american repertoire in an intimist climat. In 2014 he produced the first Nikki and Jules album, selftitled, a collaboration with the American singer Nicolle Rochelle, mixing soulful jazz and blues standards with original compositions. His fourth album « Playground » proposes an original take on Contemporary piano blues. he confirms his commitment as an eclectic and passionated music producer . In 2017 Julien Brunetaud formes a trio band with Greg Zlap and Ian Siegal and tours also with the band SPSA with whom he records a Freddie King tribute album. At the same time, he plays with the English singer Hugh Coltman, and releases Nikki and Jules second album, “Baby Blues”.
Julien Brunetaud develops his playing following the chronology of jazz. Inspired by the pianists Jay Mc Shann, Red Garland, Kenny Barron, he does not forget his first influences such as Otis Spann, who leaves an indelible mark on his playing. Settled in Marseille since 2018, Julien Brunetaud is surrounded by Sam Favreau on double bass and Cedrick Bec on drums to create his new trio "JB3". Together they record his 5th album "Feels Like Home" on Fresh Sound Records.
Julien Brunetaud is back with his sixth album Bluesiana which draws inspiration from his different trips in Louisiana and Mississippi. Blues, Boogie Woogie and Stride piano alternate among six original and six revisited standards. With his swinging piano skills and warm vocals Julien lead us masterfully into the blues piano world.
