Ron Bruner
GROUPS PERFORMED WITH:
Ron's Experience Working at "The Park":
What I Have Learned Working With Ron:
Ron and I became full time musicians at Disneyland right about the same time in the mid 1990’s, both of us playing in “opposing” New Orleans Second Line jazz bands - him in the “Gloryland Brass Band”, and me in the “New Orleans St Band”. From the very first time I heard him play, Ron started teaching me (unofficially) how to put more groove and feel into my own drumming. Whether Ron is playing snare drum or bass drum (or even a Kadiddlehopper!), you can be sure it will have a pocket! While Ron doesn’t go around name dropping or bragging about his musical credits/accomplishments (read more below in “Beyond the Park”), he has been a constant reminder to me that it is a good practice to ask drummers that you admire about their experience and musical influences. About 10 years ago I asked Ron one day what is favorite funk/rock grooves were that informed his pocket, and I am to this day still trying to make my way through all of his favorite music suggestions - which will never happen because like all great drummers, Ron is constantly growing by checking out (and recommending to me) new artists. Be sure to check out some of the music from Ron’s band “Strange Jazz Universe” because his theme park drumming is only a smattering of Ron’s many constantly evolving musical accomplishments.
Beyond "The Park":
Ron has performed, toured, and or recorded with The Temptations, The Supremes, Gary Bartz, Chameleon (Elektra Asylum), Johnny Gill, Howard Hewett, Rockie Robbins, Randy Crawford, Chapter 8, Wayne Vaughn, Jody Watley, Helen Baylor, Gladys Knight, Diana Ross, The Mighty Clouds Of Joy and others.