Biography
photo: Ted Carasco |
What do Neil Peart, Steve Smith, Dave Weckl, and Bruce Becker have
in common.....? All of these drummers have sought the unique
insights and perspective on balance and motion from drum "guru"
Freddie Gruber.
Gruber's reputation rests upon an approach that stresses a more
efficient use of the drummer's anatomy. Gruber has often
been referred to as the "zen" master of teaching. This rare
insight into this approach was spurred on by Freddie's close
40 year friendship with Buddy Rich. It can clearly be seen
in Buddy's playing.
Bruce started his studies with Freddie back in 1977. It
was at this time when Freddie's activity was at its height.
Bruce not only studied for 8 years, but watched Freddie teach.
Over the years Bruce was present for hundreds of students and
became increasingly aware of the value of Freddie's approach.
He was also able to watch the evolution and changes Freddie made
in response to musical styles and drum innovations of the time.
"I was there at a unique time during the late 70's and mid 80's.
The pace at which I saw Mr. Gruber evolve was mind boggling.
I would literally spend hours and hang......and this went on for
years", Bruce recounts in a June '93 interview in Belgo Beat (Belgian
Drum Magazine).
Upon relocating to Europe in 1992, Bruce spent quite a bit of
time traveling with Gruber. Together they did a series of
Clinic and Masterclasses in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
While Gruber would pontificate, Bruce would demonstrate on the
drums. At this time Bruce also became the Head of the Drum
Dept. at A.I.M. (American Institute of Music) in Vienna, Austria.
There he spent time actively putting his thoughts and concepts
together based on all that Gruber had shared with him.
Bruce's conceptual approach and unique ability yields great results.
His equation is Balance + Motion = Emotion. He offers
the most comprehensive insight into the teachings of Mr.
Gruber, and has been teaching since '82. Since returning
to Los Angeles, Bruce teaches privately and has a steady stream
of working drummers.
Bruce has worked with diverse artists such as Suzanne Somers,
Beach Boy Family and Friends, Andy Sheppard, Deborah Henson-Conant,
David Becker, Joe DiOrio, Herb Ellis, Barbara Dennerlein, Suns
of the Dead, and Frank Gambale. |
