The Great Ronald Bruner Jr. is coming to Oklahoma metros for two unforgettable nights this December.
Grammy-winning drummer Ronald Bruner Jr. is known for his 2017 debut album, Triumph, and his contribution to Kendrick Lamar’s tight-pocketed To Pimp a Butterfly and Kamasi Washington’s bombastic jazz narrative The Epic.
Bruner’s style is best to experience with your ears but to describe it is something words cannot do justice. Just imagine the most precise, heavy-hitting jazz kit up against the best talent in the game right now. Listen to Kendrick Lamar’s “The Blacker The Berry,” and you’ll get a taste of what this man is capable of doing.
Ronald Bruner Jr. is the older brother of funk bassist Thundercat (of Brainfeeder), who just passed through Oklahoma City’s Tower Theater back in June of this year. His father, Ronald Bruner Sr. performed with classic gems such as Diana Ross and The Temptations.
Bruner began his musical career around the age of 15, learning the drums alongside his talented siblings Jameel and Stephen Bruner. Eventually, his efforts lead him to perform with greats like the American saxophonist Wayne Shorter and double bassist Ron Carter. His genre range has even diversified over the years, with his contribution to the thrash metal band Suicidal Tendencies. He has also worked as a sideman for other Brainfeeder label acts such as Flying Lotus.
Last year, Bruner performed a set at Saints Pub along with Oklahoma City local Jeremy Thomas.
Known for the Jeremy Thomas Quartet, Thomas is good friends with Ronald Jr. and met him ten years ago when Bruner toured with The Stanley Clark Band.
“We ran into Ronald after the show, and he said, ‘hey, you guys look like musicians, let’s hang out!’ Then he put on a fresh shirt, and we were instantly friends.
At last year’s show, Bruner promised he would be back for another concert. Now, he is returning for three nights to give Oklahoma a trio of grande performances.
The dates for the Ronald Bruner Jr. show will be December 12th and 13th. Get tickets here!
The concert on the 13th will be at Duet Jazz Club in Tulsa, OK.