Bruce Burger
Bruce started out a recording artist and producer (under his stage name, RebbeSoul). His music is world fusion stemming from the Jewish Diaspora, a mix of ancient and modern, a blend of East and West, featuring Russian balalaika, Greek bouzouki, electric and acoustic guitars, hip-hop rhythms, Middle Eastern percussion, flamenco cajónes, and soulful vocals. Bruce has been on the cover of Billboard magazine and featured on CNN International, National Public Radio (NPR), interviewed on the CBC of Canada and VTV’s Gabareau Live, named to the Starstreams Top 20, and written up in of hundreds of publications to date. Several record companies including Island and Rhino Records have licensed his tracks for use in compilations as have film and TV studios, including the film When Do We Eat and the American Film Institute in their Tribute To Barbra Streisand.
Bruce has played with many groups all around the world, and produced many works over the years that have been featured all over radio, film and television. Bruce began his teaching career over 20 years ago and works at several Bay Area music schools. Bruce’s focus is on creating a solid foundation for students upon which they can build and feel empowered to create beautiful music. He loves teaching everything from blues to rock to world music. Bruce is excited to get you started on your musical journey!
1.Alive or dead: What musician would you do anything to see perform/meet?
Oh, there are quite a few. Let me narrow it down a bit. There’s Duane Allman, John Coltrane but if there were one, I’d say Jimi Hendrix because he turned the guitar world on it’s ear and inspired changes and progress that still exist today.
2. Greatest musical influence?
Again, there are quite a few. I started off with classic rock and in discovering where that came from, found myself in the blues. From going to many jam sessions and playing gigs, I realized that most of the best players were into jazz, so I dug into that and it increased my level of sophistication. With that, I was able to start playing on recording sessions and after awhile, especially in Hollywood and LA, I wanted to explore things outside pop music which I was dealing with all the time. That led me to world music which I not only found fascinating but it gave me a extra edge over everyone else because it exposed me to many other styles and genres that other musicians here did not know about. It was like taking an extended journey all around the globe and that remains an interest and influence that I have to this very day.
3. Any hidden talents besides music?
Soccer and I also love bicycling.
4. What did you want to be while you were growing up?
Once I discovered guitar, that was what I wanted to do with my life.
5. If you could have any ‘Super Power’, which one would it be?
I have them all already. I just can’t tell anyone.
6. If you could master any other instrument which would it be?
Drums! I love a good groove.
7. Have you had what people would consider your “15 Minutes of Fame”, and if so when/what was that?
When I first came out with my RebbeSoul project, I put together a cool band and played all over the US, and then all over Europe, the UK, and other places. CNN International came by my house with their film crew and did a special on me and I was written up in Billboard magazine a few times. It was also pretty cool hearing myself on the radio.
8. It’s your last meal: What would it be?
Something good on the grill, followed by chocolate. Lots of chocolate.
9. You’re sent to a deserted island, and you only have one album to listen to: Which is it?
John Coltran’s “A Love Supreme.” Either that or the song, “Magic Carpet Ride” because that would get me back home!
10. If you could leave one lesson with your students what would it be?
Your most valuable instrument is your pair of ears so… listen! Listen on your own, listen with friends, listen to the other players as you play with them so you can contribute the best you can. Listen!
