Biography
Bruce Burger established the one-man act Rebbe Soul from his longstanding passion for Hebrew music, serving as its founder, producer, vocalist, and guitarist. Though exposed to Hebrew music during childhood, he shifted focus in the early 1990s toward rock & roll, which he considered a stronger outlet for guitar work. After spending several years on the Los Angeles rock club circuit, Burger revisited familiar Hebrew melodies simply for enjoyment. His own strong emotional reaction, together with enthusiastic encouragement from fellow musicians and colleagues, led him to produce and issue the debut Rebbe Soul album Rebbe in 1995. That release consisted chiefly of original English-language material, yet the Hebrew tracks attracted the widest listener and industry notice. Airplay of the song "Avinu" on San Francisco jazz station KKSF generated an especially powerful response. Robust sales and backing from Jewish and non-Jewish listeners alike prompted Burger to create the follow-up album Fringe of Blue. Reviewers at Playboy Magazine and New York Jewish Week singled out the electric rendition of "Avinu" for high praise. Building on this momentum, fellow Jewish artist Richard Krevolin composed the one-man theater piece Rebbe Soul-O for Burger. Both the stage production and its companion album connect with audiences through their conversational tone, memorable and appealing melodies, and direct narrative of a present-day youth embracing faith as he locates his musical identity. Further releases followed with A One Man Musical Journey in 1998 and Change the World With a Sound in 2002. Rebbe Soul’s catalog, whether presented solo or backed by a six-piece band, has earned recognition throughout the Jewish community, with regular tours at major venues and festivals from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles to Boston. Burger also founded and serves as lead guitarist for the world music ensemble Common Tongue.
Albums
