• (2) 80 min. audio cds with demonstration tracks and play-along loops. Styles include: Rock/Metal, Pop-Rock and Hip-Hop • An included download code that allows you to get more free loops at donnygruendler.com • Donny’s Fundamental thoughts for playing alongside programmed material • How to determine a loop or track’s feel and beat placement (ahead, middle or behind the beat) • Tips to sustain your groove (and momentum) while playing with loops • Choosing the proper tones and tunings for each loop • An appendix that discusses the art of programming, sampling and various setup configurations for live performance and studio use.
Did you wonder what Al Green would sound like with techno beats and loops along with fuzzed-out guitars to back him up? Me neither. But now we have an answer anyway. With the recent release of Escape from Dee-troyt, Los Angeles outfit Rhett Frazier Inc. displays a rare mix of classic soul and funk alongside modern synths and the occasional loud guitar. Frazier’s main co-conspirator is drummer/producer is Inc g– aka: Donny Gruendler. Like Frazier, he’s a multi-tasker, with the liner notes crediting him with drums, synths, production and mangled beats. The juxtaposition of Frazier’s retro voice and Gruendler’s futuristic production give the music its teeth.
Music Minus One: DrumsWorld-class clinician and educator Donny Gruendler (PIT/Musicians Institute faculty) walks you through the entire process of track programming, equipment wiring and performance to prepare you for any commercial gig. Through clear, step-by-step explanations (including performance lessons, demo software and companion session files), Donny presents the viewer with 4 songs each of which features a different programming method, equipment setup, and performance strategy. Therefore, creating (and performing to) drum loops, click tracks, predetermined backing tracks, multi-channel backing tracks, manually triggering loops and acoustic drum triggering is discussed presented in great detail. Gruendler also demonstrates how to put your skills to work during exciting live performance footage, featuring songs from Rhett Fraizer Inc.
Donny Gruendler has performed, programmed, toured and recorded behind such diverse artists as Kenny Burrell, John Medeski, D.J. Logic, Rick Holmstrom, Rebecca St. James, iTunes first unsigned artist Jody Whitesides, Julia Fly, Denny Freeman and numerous other independent Los Angeles based artists. Consequently, he has become and expert at performing with backing tracks, manually triggering samples, and playing with loops (both live and in the studio). Additionally, he has programmed (and played on) numerous jingles (Remax On the Blvd Radio/TV Campaigns, KFC, and NPR), created content for sample and loop libraries (East West, Eclectic Ensembles) and even writes Music for TV and film.
