
"He [Bruns] is a world traveler who has sought after authentic musical experiences straight from the source, Cuba’s forbidden heartland, Brazil’s slum- and crime-ravaged favelas, Trinidad and Tobago's humble but rich culture."
Examiner.com Q & A
Bruns finds rhythmic inspiration from around the globe, discovering pure and potent forms of ancient folkloric drumming traditions in their original cultural context. During his musical excursions, Bruns studies with local masters and participates in indigenous rhythmic ceremonies, reverently documenting his musical findings. Such scholarship influences Bruns’ signature: performance,
production, arranging, and composition. For example, in his arrangement of Dear Prudence, Bruns utilizes the Afoxé rhythm, and his version of Coltrane’s Impressions includes the Maracatu rhythm. He discovered both rhythms during his 2007 trip to Pernambuco in Northeast Brazil. Bruns heads to Zimbabwe next to study the Mbira instrument and Shona sacred music.
Studied Samba-Batucada with top members of Mangueiro Escola de Samba.
Studied steel pan with leaders of the Phase II steel band in Port of Spain, Trinidad.