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.
Samba Batucada rhythms with Mangeira Escola de Samba
Forro, Maracatu, and Afoxé rhythms with various
Soca and Calypso rhythms with Phase II Steel Band
Rumba and Conga de Comparsa rhythms at Conjunto Folklorico de Cuba
Djembe and Dun Dun rhythms with Ban Dandjou
Samba-Reggae and Samba Duro rhythms with Olodum
Cumbia rhythms with various
Mbira instrument with the Shona people