CDT216
About Drumming
LostTapes; Art; Shamanism; Attention
(1) CDs: 7.95
Bob Bachtold of the Jeff Spencer Trio with E.J. Gold, Robbert Trice, and Claude Needham. Bob demonstrates and explains the different types of accents and rhythms of the percussionist. Subjects covered are hand movement variations; playing with different "feels"; timing and duration; patterns, flams and pulses; pitch, timbre and volume; accenting hand strokes; single and double stroke combinations; time signatures; counterpoint and polyrhythms; and half-time triplets.
Synopsis
This talk explores the principles and techniques of drumming, focusing on rhythm perception, hand patterns, accents, and coordination. The discussion emphasizes how drummers can manipulate sticking techniques, dynamic control, and movement to enhance their playing. It highlights the relationship between fundamental rhythmic structures and advanced polyrhythms, as well as the importance of listening and adapting within a musical context.
Summary
The conversation revolves around drumming technique, rhythmic control, and the body's involvement in creating music. It starts with exercises to loosen up and improve coordination, emphasizing fluid movement rather than rigid mechanics. The discussion covers how different sticking patterns and accents shape rhythmic perception and phrasing.
A significant portion is devoted to how the human ear perceives rhythm, with individuals splitting auditory elements into multiple patterns, even when hearing single rhythmic sequences. The talk explains the importance of mastering both even strokes and deliberate accenting to create complex rhythmic textures.
The speakers explore how rhythm is structured in sets, dividing beats into wholes, halves, quarters, triplets, and more intricate subdivisions. Concepts like flams, polyrhythms, and the implied presence of rhythmic structures in ensemble settings are also introduced, particularly in relation to African and Latin drumming traditions.
The discussion emphasizes the importance of movement and body mechanics in drumming, suggesting that loosening up and internalizing rhythm through physical engagement improve technical ability. The talk concludes with an emphasis on listening, interaction, and movement as core elements in proficient drumming.
Keywords and Key Phrases
- Forebrain transfer
- Sticking patterns
- Hand independence
- Accented beats
- Rhythmic complexity
- Polyrhythmic structures
- Triplet divisions
- Flam strokes
- Implicit rhythm
- Body mechanics in drumming
- Cross-hand techniques
- Groove manipulation
- Clave rhythms
- Downbeat vs. backbeat
- Pulse variation
- Subdivided timing
- Ghost notes
- Rest as movement
- Rhythmic elasticity
- Drumming flexibility
Graphic Prompt
A dynamic, artistic interpretation of a drummer in motion, surrounded by swirling waves of rhythm and sound. The drummer’s arms are blurred to suggest movement, and geometric lines echo different percussion patterns. The background features abstract representations of polyrhythmic structures, with stylized pulses and accents forming a flowing visual rhythm. The environment feels both technical and organic, incorporating a mix of African and Latin percussive motifs in an immersive composition.