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Post by Admin on Jul 19, 2013 10:02:36 GMT -5
Has anyone documented the early African polyrhythms and use of syncopated rhythms as they have influenced the development of the various genre' of American Music? Here's a fair essay: Roots and Wires - PolyrhythmsNot being a drummer, I can't ascertain if these rhythmic percussions were forerunners to our blues, jazz, et al.
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Post by Admin on Jul 19, 2013 10:03:59 GMT -5
This has a distinctive Jazz beat.
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Post by muddylives on Jul 19, 2013 10:52:32 GMT -5
One side point here: I have been living in West Africa (Nigeria) during the past 2.5 years, listening to a lot of music, and playing some with local musicians. Certainly, rhythm is King here. But one fact suprised me a bit. Nigerians and West Africans rarely listen to or play Swing rhythms. That is a primary reason why smooth jazz is much more popular here than real jazz. I play sometimes with a group of musicians that includes a fantastic drummer and bass player. I play blues and R&B rather than jazz, but have given up trying to do T-Bone Walker or other Amercian music that requires a Swing feel. They can get into any other groove that I give them with no delay, but not Swing.
So I get the feeling that Swing is maybe the most distinctively American, or more precisely, African Amercian rhythm.
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Post by Admin on Jul 19, 2013 13:36:00 GMT -5
But one fact suprised me a bit. Nigerians and West Africans rarely listen to or play Swing rhythms. That is a primary reason why smooth jazz is much more popular here than real jazz. So I get the feeling that Swing is maybe the most distinctively American, or more precisely, African Amercian rhythm. Interesting observation Muddy. What about the king of swing - Benny Goodman? Sing, Sing, Sing written by Louis Prima features a great polyrhythm drum solo. Krupa was reported to be jamming one day to this beat when Benny picked up the clarinet and joined in... Am I missing something here?
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Post by Admin on Sept 11, 2013 10:39:45 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Sept 19, 2013 15:05:27 GMT -5
Great example of polyrhythms of the drums of Africa (Ivory Coast).
Djembe
and this could very well be the roots of our blues and jazz...from Ivory Coast - Chants, drums and vocals.
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