(May 27, 1927 – October 11, 2011)
An obituary for Freddie Gruber, written by Neil Peart
Born in the Bronx over 84 years ago, Freddie Gruber grew up in the gritty exuberance of New York City in the 1930s and ’40s. As a young man, he was inspired by the creative ferment of that era’s jazz music, and by the late ’40s he was emerging as an exciting and important new drummer. A story about him in Downbeat magazine in 1947 bore the headline, “The Shape of Drums to Come,” and the writer praised Freddie’s innovative polyrhythmic approach to jazz drumming. One notable highlight of those years was being the drummer in the only big band that would ever feature the revolutionary alto sax virtuoso, Charlie Parker.
In those vibrant times in New York City, the postwar boom in both commerce and artistic exploration, from abstract expressionism to be-bop, Freddie’s life intersected with many important characters in music and other artistic fields, like Miles Davis, Allen Ginsberg, Larry Rivers, and Marlon Brando. He became a close friend to the drum legend Buddy Rich, and their relationship continued right up to Buddy’s passing in 1987. In the course of Freddie’s long and eventful life, he seemed to cross paths with “everyone who was anyone” — not only in the world of drumming and jazz music, but in the entire bohemian culture of the late twentieth century.
However, like Charlie Parker and other mid-century jazz musicians, Freddie fell into destructive habits. Later, he would be able to tell about scoring heroin on a Harlem rooftop from a dealer called “Detroit Red” — better known to history as Malcolm X.
Narrowly avoiding the tragic fate of other victims of that addiction, in the late ’50s Freddie cleaned himself up and got out of town — heading west, in the classic American tradition. (Freddie only briefly encountered Jack Kerouac, but would surely have understood both his madness and his methods.)
Into the early ’60s he worked and played his way through Chicago and Las Vegas, and eventually arrived in Los Angeles. Soon he was organizing and playing in what would later become known as “after-hours joints,” and Freddie was a key player in that era’s lively jazz scene in Los Angeles.
It was then and there that, almost by accident, Freddie Gruber discovered his true calling — teaching others how to play the drums. In time, he also manifested a gift for guiding those whose playing was already accomplished, leading them into higher elevations of understanding and mastery of an ever-evolving instrument in modern music.
Over the next forty years, Freddie’s students included a remarkable cross-section of drummers whose playing would be heard worldwide, and who profoundly influenced the music of the times, even if their names were not widely known — among them John Guerin, Ian Wallace, Steve Smith, Dave Weckl, Mike Baird, Johnny “Vatos” Hernandez, David Bronson, Peter Erskine, Burleigh Drummond, and Neil Peart.
One early student, Don Lombardi, went on to found the Drum Workshop company, which offered percussion products of such innovation and quality that they almost single-handedly recaptured the drum-making industry from Asia back to America.
Each of those drummers, as well as many less-prominent students for whom music and drumming were equally important in their lives, came from different backgrounds and had varying musical ambitions. Many ended up playing widely diverse styles of music, yet each of them would attest that Freddie was the right teacher for them. It was in Freddie’s nature to understand intuitively the qualities of each player’s gift, and he could hear what each of them could be. Thus he was able to nurture the musical potential that existed in many different drummers.
As an educator, Freddie’s unique gift combined that individual insight with something even greater — he had an unparalleled understanding of the physical “dance” involved in playing the instrument, the ergonomic relationship of the drummer to the drums. That relation was as essential for masters as it was for beginners, and without ever trying to disrupt a particular drummer’s “character,” he helped each student to discover, express, and refine his own individual voice. His guidance always aimed at a graceful and natural approach to the instrument that was truly musical.
During that same time, in half a century of living in Los Angeles, Freddie was immersed in the city’s artistic and social life, high and low. Once again, his meandering path intersected with notable characters and celebrities, and his inexhaustible (yet verifiably true) stories ranged far and wide. All of his students would testify that a drum lesson with Freddie would always be illustrated by colorful anecdotes from his entertaining memories — from the magical time of the late ’40s in New York City, or that equally fascinating period in Los Angeles. By then he could include cameo appearances by characters ranging from musicians as various as Terry Gibbs, Johnny Mandel, Mitch Mitchell, and Jim Keltner, to cultural icons like Jack Nicholson, Larry Gelbart, and Stanley Kubrick.
Through all of those amazing times, places, and characters, Freddie Gruber’s life was fully lived, his idiosyncratic ways following his own unique and inimitable path. The meaning of “authentic” is “self-authored,” and throughout Freddie’s eventful 84 years, he was nothing if not both of those. That kind of rebellious integrity is the mark of many an admirable individual — also reflected in another dear friend of Freddie’s in his later years, the great drummer Joey Heredia. Joey also lives a fiercely independent and self-authored life and career, of which Freddie thoroughly approved.
Later in life, though, Freddie would have cause to echo the famous epitaph of ragtime pianist Eubie Blake (who lived to 96), “If I’d known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.”
Freddie was something of a miracle of nature in that regard, too — not only surviving the ravages of a period of heroin use, but reaching his ninth decade as an unrepentant cigarette smoker. Through every day and night (especially nights), Freddie Gruber sustained a completely idiosyncratic narrative arc, answering to no one but himself — yet along the way he earned love and respect from those who knew him best. He was smart, hip, warm, and funny, and although he kept himself insulated from the intrusions of what he called “straight life” — the “real world” — he was wise in its ways, always well informed, incisive, reflective, and caustic. Those qualities made a nicely faceted set of lenses through which to view humanity, and those lenses often sparkled with wry humor and deceptively profound wisdom: “Get out of your own way,” “What’s the difference if you don’t know the difference?” and one oft-maligned expression, “It is what it is.”
Freddie never wielded that scalpeled phrase with cynicism, but as a simple acceptance of reality — like Wittgenstein, “The world is all that is the case.” It is what it is.
At the end, during his mercifully brief decline, he was looked after by longtime friends David Bronson, Neal Sausen, Pam Gore, Cindy Kucik, and Edy Bronston. Many friends and former students visited to pay their respects — reflecting what Buddy Rich once said about a party he hosted for Gene Krupa, when that other all-time drumming legend was succumbing to leukemia.
Typically, when Buddy was asked about it, he masked his generosity, compassion, and love for the man by growling, “Yeah, well — it seems to me you should give flowers to the living.”
As a man, Freddie Gruber was loved and appreciated during his lifetime, and as a teacher, he was respected and revered — not least because he had guided so many of his students into finding their own voices on the drums.
All of those musicians will continue to pass along that fundamental and immortal language of human life, to listeners and to younger drummers, and thus Freddie’s place in that divine continuum will continue to resonate forever.
He will be missed, but he is not gone.
Donations in Fred’s memory may be made to the California Jazz Foundation at www.Californiajazzfoundation.org.
Some of us Rush fan’s will remember Freddie as the guy who taught the worlds best drummer a thing or two. While Mr. Peart would admonish such hyperbole it is , none-the-less a poignant statement for us mere mortals.
Freddie, you will be missed!
Sxo
Stephen McDonald
Whitby On
Canada
Sindor@rogers.com
Freddie Gruber and Buddy Rich were my very first role models as drummers and musicians. Later would come Neil Peart and Steve Smith, but Freddie and Buddy were my “Dynamic Duo” of drumming. I remember in high school watching films of Freddie play in a style all his own. Sometimes we would gather around the turntable in our bandroom and just take in such music that filled our minds and hearts with joy. Freddie will live on in the music and the lessons that are forever etched in the styles of those who have reaped the rewards of such a master. Thank you Freddie for sharing your talents with us all!
Well said to Neil. My father had a saying, when you have a full funeral, and friends gathered to celebrate your time here, what more can be said than, “You did good.” RIP.
An eloquent and loving tribute – well deserved….
Freddie educated and touched, so many in his life, and in turn, those folks went on to touch others, perhaps in ways Freddie would have never imagined. He lead a long and colorful life indeed, and for that, a celebration of his gifts (music of course,as well as his gift for helping folks “get out of their own way”)is a wonderful way to have him live on.
For all those who were fortunate enough to learn from Freddie, become a part of his journey, my condolences for your loss, he made quite the impression on all those he met.
“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.” Eskimo Proverb.
RIP Freddie Gruber, you will never be forgotten for you live on in all those you touched.
Well played, Mr. Gruber. The beat goes on…
A wonderful tribute. I can say that Freddie’s teaching has elevated Neil’s playing style so much more, just when you thought that was not possible..
A very well written tribute to a legendary drummer/teacher who influenced many… RIP Freddie!
As s Rush fan of 30 years Neal Peart is one of my heroes,and argueably the greatest drummer in the world,so Mr Gruber was indeed a master to teach Neal a new direction in drumming and uplift his spirit to get him playing again,A true musical great will be sadly missed R.I.P
I am very sad to hear of Freddy’s passing. The world has lost a remarkable personality.
It seems that God reaches down and touches certain people.Michael Jordan,Wayne Gretzky,Tiger Woods,Neil Peart,Hussein Bolt…… Individuals that are just a bit better at their chosen pursuit than,well,everybody else.Mr Gruber was one the early recipients of that honor.There is no greater act than that of a teacher.It means you have the virtue of sharing in your heart.Well done,and well spoken,Mr. Peart.The world has lost one of it’s Masters.Now God does’nt have to reach too far to touch Freddie again. Rest Easy Sir .
Very nice. Thank you Neil Peart.
A fitting tribute for a real musicians musician.
Somewhere there is a hell of a jam session going on with yet another great sitting in.
Thanks for keeping the beat Freddie.
I met Freddie some 15 years ago and had the pleasure of hanging with him several times here in Toronto and in LA. I’ll never forget the night we poured ourselves home at 3am to his house in Hollywood and though we were both quite drunk, he decided it was a perfect time for a drum lesson! Yikes! I wasn’t a student of Freddie’s, just a drummer friend but that was Freddie…always ready to share his love of drumming…even in the middle of the night!
A great drummer and teacher, Freddie will be missed. Thank you, Neil for a lovely tribute.
What a wonderful tribute. Freddie, you wielded drumsticks like a painter with a brush. You showed so many people the art form of drumming and your legacy will surely live on. Neil, thank you for introducing a generation to Freddie. Rest in Peace Freddie…
You will be missed!! But you will live on in my heart mind and soul.R.I.P
Unfortunately, I did not know Freddie personally. I only knew him vicariously through all of those that did have the wonderful fortune of knowing him and passing along his poignant intellect and intuitively natural insight to life. I could only imagine how much he will be missed by so many that were close, when I miss him, only through remote association. Thank you Freddie for giving so much to so many. And thank you Neil Peart for stating so clearly, what an absolute legend this man was that walked among us for over 84 years. You will be missed Freddie.
I will never forget the lesson you taught me, and I will forever share it on and on.
“Students don’t come for whats here”,(Making guesture to his hands)
“They come for whats in here.” (He points to his head)
RIP Freddie Gruber
Very nice tribute Neil.
Thanks Neil,wonderful words for a wonderful & inspiring drummer. Freddie’s words of wisdom have been a god send when looking for answers & inspiration in my playing, I wrote down just the other day ”the drum head is a dance floor” which I heard on an interview of his. I lost my drum teacher,best friend & mentor of 35 years in June this year, it seems some great drumming souls are leaving the party down here for that big one out there…..I saw some great footage of freddie & your self while trying to find a website or email address for freddie last sunday, I just needed to thank him! but I’m sure he knows, strange how you can feel for a person like Freddie without ever meeting….. Thanks again Neil & RIP Freddie….
Until I had read this very informative and moving tribute by Neil earlier this evening, I had known very little about Freddie Gruber. This is indeed both an education with regards to Freddie’s contributions to the world of drumming (particularly with regards to those students who would carry on some of the finer traditions of jazz stylings into their own individual playing), as well as a glimpse inside the soul of the man himself.
Thanks, Freddie…
For your vast insight and generosity throughout your career in the drumming world. There will never be another like you, and the world owes you a debt of gratitude!!
RIP, my drumming confidant. We shall continue your legacy, sir.
Christopher Michael
The professor of the Professor…..someone who need to be honored in every moment, someone who will be missed in every beat he left to us.
Freddie is now on the team Up in the Drummers Paradise.
RIP.
Neil , you are now my Freddie Grubber. I am 46 years old playing since I was 5 years. Of course this is the best memeorial Obituary any of us will ever read. My father passed away Sept 18th 2011 and my bass player of 20 years committed suicide on Sept 29th 2011. So I understand your loss. I know Freddie is up there with Buddy Rich and the heavens hear drums.May you rest in peace and my god hold you in his arms
Terrance M Witte
Aurora,IL
Thank your for sharing that wonderful story, Neil. Freddie had an interesting life! I’ve also met several smokers that were healthy into their 80s. I always made a point of asking about their diets. The link seemed to be that they avoided dairy products. Pick Cheese or Chesterfields, but not both. I am sorry for your loss and very glad that you had a chance to absorb some of Freddie’s spirit while he was here. Peace and Petunias, Val
We all have our Freddie Gruber stories but ‘ll save those and simply say that after playing the drums for 15 years, and studying with some of the greats, I ran into Freddie in the late 70’s in L.A. – He became more than a great mentor, he became a great friend. I quickly realized that Freddie’s sense of fluidity, particularly with respect to time applied to his personal life as well, so I always took his last teaching slot at around 9:00 or 10:00 pm. Usually we hung out for several hours, sometimes he was stoned sometimes not, but somewhere areound midnight or 1:00 am, we would find our way to the drum set. I have to say, I learned just as much hanging out with him as I did at the drum kit, which was considerable. I wasn’t one of his heavy weight students, just some guy making a living playing club dates and tours, but for him it was all about, music, fluidity, and “fixing you” as he would say. Freddie was the best: Kind,crazy, generous, ifninitely interesting and an absolute zen master of drumming. There will never be another like him. He changed my life just as I’m sure he did for all others who were priviledged to study with him and call him a friend.
When I first saw Freddie giving Neil lessons,I wondered how he would sound afterwards. As always,I was impressed, but Freddie seemed to touch Neil BEYOND the kit. Neil seemed to become even wiser as a person having known Freddie in a way that I,too,can appreciate,getting to “hang” with older musicians who happen to be teachers. The world needs more Freddie-like people. People who march to their own beat (pun intended) and who stress being an individual rather than just another cookie-cutter player.
He has passed the torch and we will make it burn brighter! Thank-you,Freddie!
Condolences to you regarding your friend.
RIP Freddie
A man who touched the world has left us, but that with which he touched us remains forever. Thanks, Freddie.
Neil….Very weel written, you are growing as a writer, and we Rush fans and simple humans thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with us. As you know your “Best” writings are of what you know, or what is close to you, it was obvious from reading this that Freddie had a profound effect on you not only professionally (as we have heard), but personaly as well. I am happy for you; and us that you met Mr. Gruber, and Thank you Freddie for sharing your talent with the world…When it’s time..will you take over teaching others where he left off Neil? Many of us including my 6 year old budding drummer grandson can only hope & dream…
Warm Regards,
Jim Byrne
Sacramento, CA.
Sad to hear of the passing of Freddie Gruber. I got to know him through the writings of Neil Peart and growing up as an early drummer with the knowledge of him. I had the pleasure of speaking with him through an associate and looked forward to it each time. He has always had a special place in my life’s thinking. You will be greatly missed. Thanks for sharing this tribute to the legend. Rest in peace Freddie!
Neil’s words are almost as eloquent as Freddies ol’ soft shoe was elegant. He will live on through those he inspired for generations to come.
“Without ever trying to disrupt a particular drummer’s ‘character’, he helped each student discover, express and refine his own individual voice.” Those words perfectly describe what an art/music/drum teacher is all about. Freddie must have been a blessing in so many students’ lives. Wish I could have met him. All the best to his family and friends.
I was not a friend or a student. I was neither acquaintance nor relation. I knew of the man through the writing and stories of others. His existence enamored and enhanced the lives of many. For that the world has been changed and his life will be celebrated.
Thanks so much Neil for the eloquent words for Freddie. I know may Rush fans became instant Gruber
fans after your touching interview in Beyond the Lighted Stage! I lost my 87 year old mom five days after Freddie passed so will always remember both as the Octobers of the future come and go.
May there be new rhythms for you in the next level, Freddy. You will be missed more than you could ever imagine.
One could draw a parallel between Freddy’s teaching philosophy and our very life. A drum stick stroke has a beginning, followed by a short tenure which precedes an abrupt ending; the resultant percussive strike. A person’s life begins with birth, followed by a tenure which precedes inevitable death. This tenure is often depicted on a headstone or marker following a person’s passing as a dash between two dates. Regardless of the length of time between birth and death, it’s that dash that represents the actual life itself. Death will always be the end result, but it is up to the living individual to make that “dash” count for something, to fulfill its own meaning. Freddy applied this to drumming. He focused on the “non-note” portion, since this consumes the majority of a drummer’s time. The inevitable percussive strike can only be enhanced by a definitive, meaningful preceding stroke; that “dance”, as Freddy referred to it. Thank you, Freddy, for a profound lesson that applies to us all, drummers, and non-drummers. God Speed!
A class act all the way. RIP Freddie
Lets all stop and think of the ones that have touched us in many ways. My heart is with all how stop to read and share, but especially Neil for giving this Memoriam. I can only imagine how difficult this time is for you. Thanks for the words and Please…Keep the sticks move’n. You are our, our kids, Freddy and Buddy.
All of us remember our first inspiration to pick up a pair of drum sticks. As we grew in our playing, that first inspiration evolved into ever higher aspirations. Just as Neil Peart has served as an inspiration to all of us, Freddie Grubber embodied the passion and sheer enjoyment of just playing. Many of us were introduced to Freddie through Neil, whether through Neil’s writing or video’s. We all take solace in knowing Freddie lived life on his own terms. Right or wrong, it was what it was. His life was a lesson to us all, drummer or not, he left his impression on everyone he met. What a fine tribute to a man that clearly inspired those that inspire others. Thank you Neil. Freddie, you will be dearly missed.
It is sad to know,just as someone was introducing you to a person,through their writing,that the person you were getting to know,and yearning to know more of,was,sadly, leaving our world.My condolences go out to his friends,family and those of us who can only know him through his works and stories.The world is certainly poorer without this unusually special man.Godspeed ,Freddy. May your legacy live on through all whom you touched,taught and shared your wit and wisdom!
A wonderfully gifted human who shared his gift with many.
Well put Neil. The Jazz legends that leave us, leave us with a wealth of knowledge, the paraddidles, rudiments, triplets and that amazing orbital motion.
Freddies up there with Buddy working on new stuff,,,,,can’t wait to hear it!
Neil, Thank you for sharing your heart and mind with us all. I believe 100% that you are a inspiration in so many peoples heart as was Freddy to yours. I never had the opprotunity to meet him on this earth. I’m sure i will meet him on the other side. We drummers like to hang togther.As for passing on the torch I beleive its your turn! IT IS WHAT IT IS !!!! Thanks Neil for all you do.. Rest in Peace Freddy..
The unparalleled musician and drummer accomplishments by Mr.Freddy Gruber certainly have transcended a tremendous legacy through a litany of other great musicians that truly become “Professors on the drum kit”. None other than Mr. Neil Peart “who got out of his own way” because of Mr. Gruber’s tutelage. Mr. Peart improved exponentially and so did many other great drummer maestros who had the privilege of honing their talents because of Freddy Gruber. Music is better place because of him. His influence and invention caused the once mediocre “beat keeper” hidden behind the band to evolve into a symphonic force that audibly moved to the forefront of the melodies that we hear today. “The beat” he created is now a necessary part in the harmonic sounds familiar to any who listens to music. He was a great pioneer who discovered that simple sounds of wooden sticks thumping on drum heads and brass plates can become complex innuendos of musical vitality that enlighten the heart and soul of an audience. His music will live on in all those who remember him and anyone who creates musical beats on account of his discoveries. “Life is what it is”, but without Freddy drumming and music “would have been what it was”. Freddy you will be missed, but not forgotten. Thank you for all that you did for music and you along with all the other great musician and composers long since past have made our world a little better place.
I’m sorry to say that I only “knew” Freddie through his association with Neil but I could certainly see and hear and appreciate the effects of that. The world is certainly poorer for the loss of someone who can make those kind of contributions. RIP, Freddie
Very touching. Thanks, Neil, for such a deeply thought out piece on the life and times of Freddie Gruber. He will be missed. Rest in piece, Freddie. You’ve earned it.
I had the pleasure of knowing Freddie for the last 20 yrs as his water delivery man. Over the last 10 years we became friendly. He would call me and I would deliver to him in the afternoon,(which was morning for him!)He would make coffee, have a cigarette and we would talk for quite a while until I had to get back to work. He was warm, funny and most importantly, genuine. He loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest. I will always cherish our conversations, it is easy to see why he had so many friends and fans. Also I have to mention Cindy, who touched me greatly with her love and devotion to Freddie. We all miss you Freddie!
Thank You Neil for sharing thoughts of your friend Freddy. What a special person he is. My drumming changed drastically for the better after I started thinking of it as “a dance”. He always had a way of explaining what was going on in a drummers mind when the drummer couldn’t explain it himself. He was light years ahead of his time. “There are no straight lines in nature” is my favorite quote of his.
A great piece by a great drummer about a great teacher. For another great story about Freddie Gruber by one of his special students go to: http://www.clazzicaldrums.com and read “Remembering Freddie Gruber” by Peter Lambert Smith
and the dance continues…..Dance on Freddy,Dance on.
I am not a drummer, but a fan of such. I am also a fan of teachers and educators alike and I believe that the most difficult person to educate is one who already deems oneself as educated. Barriers must be hurdled, egos torn down, and habits broken.
RIP, Mr. Gruber and take comfort in knowing that the best gift one can give to humanity is educating others…
Such a great tribute from a drumming master about a drumming legend…Freddie will be missed.
Yeah Fred RIP.
I will never forget driving down to the house on Etiwanda St from Santa Barbara every week for a lesson at 1 pm and getting home at 1 am. Hanging out in your living room with some of greats at that time. John Hernandez, Joey Herrick,Jim Varley, Don Ellis,etc. Yeah, what a lesson plan you had. What a system! Some good times when you came up to Santa Barbara. It was a who’s who’s in the drumming world (1974-1977. I will always remember your famous quote when we nailed a technique “hello.”
Well said, Mr. Peart. I didn’t know much about Freddie Gruber until Neil began talking about him a couple of decades ago. Thank you for bringing such an interesting and talented person into my conscious, as I may never have known him at all. R.I.P Freddie.
Such beautiful words from a master wordsmith! Freddie Gruber touched a multitude of lives. He enhanced the art of drumming, and the heart of the drummer. Though his drums are now silent, and the dance has ended, his teachings will live on through the beat of the drum, and the beat of the drummers heart. It is what it is.
As the wise master said, “It all takes place in the air, between the beats. If it ain’t breathing, it’s not living.” Descanse en paz, Maestro Freddy!
Indeed, the professor of the professor. Perhaps Neil will follow in Freddie’s footsteps and show some of todays drummers how to dance as well. Not with cigarette in hand, but with a glass of The Macallan nearby…
R I P Mr. Gruber. Your teachings have been recognized as required learning from amateur to professional. The lessons you have taught will carry on. Godspeed
REMEBERING FREDDIE GRUBER
By Peter Lambert Smith
I can’t stand the emptiness that I feel in my soul ever since I learned that Freddie Gruber passed away on October 11th. You don’t know how much someone is a part of you until they’re gone. Freddie was not only my drum teacher but he was like a father, a brother and a friend to me. At the impressionable age of 23 when I first met Freddie, he became a major influence on my personality, religious concepts, value system, outlook on life and my musical approach.
I found out about Freddie from Bob Yeager of the Pro Drum Shop back in 1978. I really wanted to play like Buddy Rich and everybody agreed that Freddie was the only teacher with any real insight into how Buddy played.
When I first met Freddie, he had this whole star vibe about him like Frank Sinatra. Hip, Cool and Lean with every hair in place. I had never met anyone like him and I found him intimidating and fascinating. Eventually, he had me sit down and play a little and he said something like “You need work but you can play.”
Luckily, I happened to live only a few blocks from Freddie’s house on Etiwanda Street. So, after I had been his student for a while, I started to go over to his house just to hang out . Freddie loved to share his thoughts and he would teach me about life, religion, politics and women while he did his chores around the house. He taught me a lot about being a bachelor like taking the clothes out of the dryer just before they were completely dry and then neatly folding them and letting them air dry to avoid having to iron them.
I drove him to the NAMM show to see Don Lombardi do his first Drum Workshop exhibit in a 10X10 booth. I went with Freddie to see Dave Weckl’s first seminar in LA at the Musicians Union and sat beside him at The Baked Potato while we checked out this new drummer named Vinnie.
He would let me sit in his living room and listen to records of Stravinsky, Philly Joe and Roy Haynes while he made insightful comments about the music. We would hop in his old Firebird and drive out to Malibu and lay out on the beach for an hour and discuss how the movement of the waves could be applied to drum technique.
But I would be lying if I didn’t admit that dealing with Freddie was like taking a bitter pill. He was from the school of hard knocks and he didn’t pull any punches. But, he always told it like it was and if you could learn to swallow your pride you always benefited from his criticism.
It took me a long time to understand that, the reason Freddie would make his students wait so long for their lessons was because he believed that nothing should take priority over playing the drums.
That meant girl friends, family influences, social pressures and ego. He taught me the difference between “Strong & Wrong and “Light and Right” and every time I left Freddie’s, there was always something he had said that I would need to analyze and figure out.
I feel fortunate that the three years that I studied with Freddie was during a very stable time in his life. Lessons were only $25.00 an hour and except for a month here or there, I would see him almost every week. He really built my technique from the ground up and by the end of my three years we were working out of 10 different drum books. We had gone through the Buddy Rich and Roy Burns books both traditional and matched grip and the Colin Bailey book about six different ways.
In fact, we became so detailed in every aspect of my technique that I became overly self analytical and eventually just had to get away from drumming to sort things out. Year by year, I would take the things Freddie taught me and work on them and apply them to all aspects of my life. Every time a light bulb would turn on I would think of Freddie. Eventually, all the concepts and techniques became a part of who I am and my hands stopped holding the sticks and they became married to the sticks.
If I were to explain Freddie’s concept for holding the stick I would say that the stick is the spirit and the hand is the body. The hand must house the energy of the stick without inhibiting it’s freedom to move and respond.
In essence, drumming is the expression of movement. We hear the beats but we feel the movement between the beats.
Musical technique isn’t something that can be explained or taught. It has to be experienced in order to be understood. Freddie would work with his students until they finally hit the drum in the correct way and then he would say, “Hello! Did you feel that?” His teaching was all about the feeling of playing the drums. Then letting those feelings guide your creativity.
From the early 1990’s till 2010, I saw very little of Freddie. After Buddy died, he didn’t teach as much and he did a whole dance with established successful drummers as more of a drum coach and as a result he gained a lot of well deserved recognition.
But, in January of 2011, I felt a strong need to reconnect with Freddie. I had really gotten back into drumming and I wanted to share what I was experiencing with him. So, I called him, wondering if he still had the same phone number that he had when I use to house sit for him back in 1989.
“Hello?” he answered. “Freddie, this is a someone you haven’t spoken to for a while.” I said. “Well, for me, a while goes back about 60 years.” “It’s Peter Smith, remember me?” “Your right, that does go back a while.
Come on over!”
That evening, I was sitting in the kitchen of Freddie’s house which had not changed in 20 years. Instantly, he began probing me and started his whole, “So, what’s it all about?” routine discussing the meaning life and concepts about the universe and God. This was Freddie’s way of pulling you out of the madness of the Real world and into his creative Spatial world. (He loved Einstein.) It was that night that I learned that Freddie was dealing with serious health problems and he urged me to start visiting with him as often as possible.
Over the past 10 months, I saw Freddie about 6 times and went to his 84th Birthday Party. At each visit, I would see him loosing more weight as his condition got worse and worse. He was angry, and really struggling to accept his fate. After the lifestyle that Freddie had, he wasn’t about to live out his life as some feeble old man and during one of my last visits, he admitted that he had pretty much decided to just let his life go.
It was during that visit that I got my last lesson from Freddie. I was playing for him on the drum pad and he said, “Your sound good, Peter . I built you some pretty good hands.” Then he picked up a pair of sticks and had me go through release and stroke movements with him. We talked about Buddy and his tricky way of playing and I finally asked him, “Freddie, what was Buddy’s secret? What was the trick?” Freddie looked at me and said “Dancing.”
The last time I was with Freddie was about 3 weeks before he passed away and Cindy led me to his room. He was so thin that you could feel his bones when you touched him. About all he could do was lay in bed and sleep so, I sat down next to him and affectionately rubbed his arm. After a while I stopped and he said, “Don’t stop, it feels good.”
I regret not going with my impulse to see Freddie one more time before he passed but, perhaps it was for the best. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to reconnect with Freddie to rekindle our relationship and to get some real closure with my drumming.
My story is just one of thousands of people who had the fortune to know Freddie Gruber. Now that he is gone, I feel a need to keep his wisdom and enthusiasm for the drumming arts alive. All his students have a little piece of Freddie in them and we owe it to Freddie to pass the knowledge he gave us on to a new generation of drummers who will never know the experience of sitting next to Freddie at a drum set and hearing him say ,”Hello! Did you feel that?”
I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your close friend and teacher. His memory, lessons and influence will live through your delivery forever and reflections of his soul will continue to fill our ears. RIP Freddy Gruber.
Gerald
Rest in peace teacher’s teacher 🙁