A modern interpretation of West African Polyrhythms dating back over 1,000 years. Arranged by Don Swanson and featuring Nigerian master drummer Baba Ayo Adeyemi.
This is fantastic! I love when modern drums are combined with older ones, especially when you have two masters at the helm. Wonderful build and climax; I haven't seen great cymbal release like that in a while. This is what drumming is all about!
It always amazes me how underrated some of the truly best videos on youtube are, in terms of what they show about our shared humanity and the complexity of music possible.
Shouldn't be a surprise, good things aren't palatable to a wide audience. Average IQ is 100, takes some brain power plus perspective to appreciate ancient african poly rhythms
I'd say ppl don't look closely. everyone gets off on the "in the air tonight" break but no one will get this vdo. sorta like you probably don't get off on the exciting intricacies of complex numbers but appreciate the cellphone technology that relies on that math. appreciation at depth requires thinking or at least being emotionally involved. that's a burden for most ppl
@@TommyTheCat799"good things aren't palatable to a wide audience" I don't think that's quite accurate everyone who isn't lactose intolerant likes ice cream. not everyone likes cigarettes. maybe its more accurate to say that not everyone is into appreciating complexity, nuance, or at a deep level.
Really happening! ...and because our jazz and rhythmic culture is based on these West African "polymeters" I also hear (down the middle) a straight "jazz ride" feel or a "funky" laid back, "back beat" feel with a heavy emphasis on two and four (no problem). Because, when your playing in polyrhythm, and understanding how polymeters work, all is possible. "Polyrhythms The Musicians Guide" (a book) is not necessarily an African Rhythms book nor an East Indian polyrhythms book but it is heavily influenced by both and it will get you there using our own system of notation. ( yep you need to know how to read basic rhythms but that's the only requirement ) Anyway this TH-cam clip is done very well and these two musicians are excellent - as you can tell.
@Technews Checked out Frankie Beverly Live at Hammersmith ( I know you have because I just picked up on it from your playlist - bad ass laid back grove ).
I actually see this as very distant to jazz, let alone funk. I see backbeat drumming as degeneracy from this more free, more organic approach without strict framework of accented 2 and 4 - less symmetrical and more fluent type of feel. So i can't relate to your comparison as I don't see that much similarity in there.
Reading and writing rhythms is a terrible and most boring conceptual way to try to teach rhythm, moving and speaking is by very far the best way to teach it and absorb it, the indian teaching system is flawless in that regard, takite takadimi tadinginatom. They had to invent the best method to teach. In Africa they also have this general approach. The word triplet or the writing of it has Zero meaning on its own its a terrible system, now Ta ki te IS that and this Ta ki Te is what you need, direct experience, Not concepts.
@@MrFree-vj8qj The word"triplet" and the word "sixteenth" note do the exact same thing; they define a set of rhythmic notes in western notation. It just so happens that "trip o let" also mimics the rhythm of a triplet but the counting of triplets is not the word"triplet" it is: 1 & ah 2 & ah etc and sixteenth notes are 1 e and ah 2 e and ah /etc. granted the Indian systems and others are terrific for that music and their instruments ...as is our notation system is for ours. I know you think you're on to something but this ( if you actually followed the clip) is how this whole system of poly-meters & polyrhythms using Western notation system came about.
A highlight of my life was playing the iconic cowbell rhythm with Mustapha Tetty Addy and his “brothers” when they visited my parents, recently returned from Ghana, back in the early 70s. My parents had brought back a set of drums later donated to Northern Illinois University.
This is amazing! I’ve loved polyrhythms since my early teens, far longer than I’ve known what they’re called or been able to perform ot describe them. And I’m no purist. Rather, I’m entranced by ancient tradition reimagined with modern instruments, outside of any original cultural context - and this is right up my alley. Subscribed.
Don, Great groove that builds to an ecstatic level through this seamless blend of sound and imagery. Together you are playing like one guy with a ten hands. You continue to amaze with your range of musicianship, songwriting and performing talents. More
I think it wouldn't be a cause for murder as long as one does not credit djent for being the inspiration to this music :) It's probably the other way around, and djent musicians gratefully utilize it by taking this sorcery to another level. I like Meshuggah very much, just like this African style percussion
@@kingdavidike-elechi9707 Please read again, carefully. As I said: "It's probably the other way around". Have a good night, greetings from Limburg, Netherlands
@@kingdavidike-elechi9707 I know, I know... I said "probably" because you and the rest of mankind probably weren't there when the band Meshuggah's creative process invoked the use of these kinds of rhythms. Influences and their legitimacy will always be disputable because an invention on one side of the world can be done on the other side of the world at the same time, or in another time, without them both knowing of each other's existence. You can hear about it, read about it, maybe feel it but never knów about it because we were not there ourselves, and mankind will always be subjected to coincidence. Which is also why the dumb religious fanatics keep fighting each other instead of fighting the big multinational corporations that are the largest threat to all life on earth, for everyone, but that's another topic. Just be grateful that there are some people (like me, if you're able to read past my agnostic theory) that are willing to credit the reason for your pride!
while other cultures definitely also used them, the drum is probably west africa's greatest gift to the world. its crazy how most of america's drumming traditions can be traced back to the atlantic slave trade and these beautiful west african drums. amazing video!
Love these grooves! I have a question- I’m curious to know how you are able to date certain rhythms back 1000 years. I’d love to learn about your research, thanks!
Really great piece Don! You guys were clearly "in the zone"! Aside from really cool rhythms, performance and composition, the video was very well edited and presented! Kudos!
Drummer Simon Phillips has an excellent video on how and why he started ambidextrous playing, or open-handed. I wish he would have demonstrated polyrhythms which I think he's probably more than capable of playing. I love this performance!
Yeah, from what I remember reading the drummer actually learned a lot from Indian rhythmic structures. I'd say Meshuggah were more inspired by african rhythms.
It's funny to think my ancestors used to jam out to this
.... still do
@@weezypeezy4366 in heaven?
These aren’t even my ancestors, and I’m jamming out to it
So did mine in a different place
Tbh this slaps harder than most current music.
This is it! West African polyrhythms - kinda of where all our drumming comes from - unfortunately the polyrhythmic part is still a mystery to many.
OMG that drummer is seriously insane in with the groove, playing different rythems per arm/feet like that.
I fuckin see yo tupid ahh in these comments again imma start takin action.
Dude. Tears.
Of course this would be the first type of music in humanity.
This is fantastic! I love when modern drums are combined with older ones, especially when you have two masters at the helm. Wonderful build and climax; I haven't seen great cymbal release like that in a while. This is what drumming is all about!
Nice pfp
This reminds me of something Danny would play on his pads and acoustic drums simultaneously during a solo
Aidan Duffey Danny who? Brown?
Dannyong666 nvm drummer for tool?
Jmpsthrufyre what
It always amazes me how underrated some of the truly best videos on youtube are, in terms of what they show about our shared humanity and the complexity of music possible.
Well said!
Shouldn't be a surprise, good things aren't palatable to a wide audience. Average IQ is 100, takes some brain power plus perspective to appreciate ancient african poly rhythms
I'd say ppl don't look closely.
everyone gets off on the "in the air tonight" break but no one will get this vdo.
sorta like you probably don't get off on the exciting intricacies of complex numbers but appreciate the cellphone technology that relies on that math.
appreciation at depth requires thinking or at least being emotionally involved. that's a burden for most ppl
@@TommyTheCat799"good things aren't palatable to a wide audience"
I don't think that's quite accurate
everyone who isn't lactose intolerant likes ice cream. not everyone likes cigarettes.
maybe its more accurate to say that not everyone is into appreciating complexity, nuance, or at a deep level.
Really happening! ...and because our jazz and rhythmic culture is based on these West African "polymeters" I also hear (down the middle) a straight "jazz ride" feel or a "funky" laid back, "back beat" feel with a heavy emphasis on two and four (no problem). Because, when your playing in polyrhythm, and understanding how polymeters work, all is possible. "Polyrhythms The Musicians Guide" (a book) is not necessarily an African Rhythms book nor an East Indian polyrhythms book but it is heavily influenced by both and it will get you there using our own system of notation. ( yep you need to know how to read basic rhythms but that's the only requirement ) Anyway this TH-cam clip is done very well and these two musicians are excellent - as you can tell.
@Technews Checked out Frankie Beverly Live at Hammersmith ( I know you have because I just picked up on it from your playlist - bad ass laid back grove ).
I actually see this as very distant to jazz, let alone funk. I see backbeat drumming as degeneracy from this more free, more organic approach without strict framework of accented 2 and 4 - less symmetrical and more fluent type of feel. So i can't relate to your comparison as I don't see that much similarity in there.
@@BeatScheme thank you for all your work, maestro
Reading and writing rhythms is a terrible and most boring conceptual way to try to teach rhythm, moving and speaking is by very far the best way to teach it and absorb it, the indian teaching system is flawless in that regard, takite takadimi tadinginatom. They had to invent the best method to teach. In Africa they also have this general approach. The word triplet or the writing of it has Zero meaning on its own its a terrible system, now Ta ki te IS that and this Ta ki Te is what you need, direct experience, Not concepts.
@@MrFree-vj8qj The word"triplet" and the word "sixteenth" note do the exact same thing; they define a set of rhythmic notes in western notation. It just so happens that "trip o let" also mimics the rhythm of a triplet but the counting of triplets is not the word"triplet" it is: 1 & ah 2 & ah etc and sixteenth notes are 1 e and ah 2 e and ah /etc. granted the Indian systems and others are terrific for that music and their instruments ...as is our notation system is for ours. I know you think you're on
to something but this ( if you actually followed the clip) is how this whole system of poly-meters & polyrhythms using Western notation system came about.
Are these African polyrhythms? I love African polyrhythms!
Holy fuck this is so unreal how does he make me feel HALF TIME in this amazing feel
A highlight of my life was playing the iconic cowbell rhythm with Mustapha Tetty Addy and his “brothers” when they visited my parents, recently returned from Ghana, back in the early 70s. My parents had brought back a set of drums later donated to Northern Illinois University.
One of the main reasons I love music, is that it can connect people who share nothing in common, those polyrhythms blow my mind
That was great, both of them. So refreshing to hear drumming this way. Need much more.
This fundamentally changed my perception of reality
This is amazing! I’ve loved polyrhythms since my early teens, far longer than I’ve known what they’re called or been able to perform ot describe them. And I’m no purist. Rather, I’m entranced by ancient tradition reimagined with modern instruments, outside of any original cultural context - and this is right up my alley. Subscribed.
It just doesn't get any more beautiful than that.
It's cathartic to look back so far in time. Great interpretation.
Nice, I like the Ewe introduction. Ayo, Congrats, first time seeing a Naija drummer playing djembe so well.
Don,
Great groove that builds to an ecstatic level through this seamless blend of sound and imagery. Together you are playing like one guy with a ten hands. You continue to amaze with your range of musicianship, songwriting and performing talents. More
I'll probably be murdered in the chats for this but, It sounds really djenty, Like I've heard rhythms like this there
I think it wouldn't be a cause for murder as long as one does not credit djent for being the inspiration to this music :) It's probably the other way around, and djent musicians gratefully utilize it by taking this sorcery to another level. I like Meshuggah very much, just like this African style percussion
@@hwt-ka-pth djent being the inspiration to this? You understand that these rhythms were around long before djent was ever a thing
@@kingdavidike-elechi9707 Please read again, carefully. As I said: "It's probably the other way around".
Have a good night, greetings from Limburg, Netherlands
@@hwt-ka-pth Yeah but it's not "probably" IT IS the other way round. These rhythms were made before rock was even a thing for djent to come out of it
@@kingdavidike-elechi9707 I know, I know... I said "probably" because you and the rest of mankind probably weren't there when the band Meshuggah's creative process invoked the use of these kinds of rhythms. Influences and their legitimacy will always be disputable because an invention on one side of the world can be done on the other side of the world at the same time, or in another time, without them both knowing of each other's existence. You can hear about it, read about it, maybe feel it but never knów about it because we were not there ourselves, and mankind will always be subjected to coincidence. Which is also why the dumb religious fanatics keep fighting each other instead of fighting the big multinational corporations that are the largest threat to all life on earth, for everyone, but that's another topic. Just be grateful that there are some people (like me, if you're able to read past my agnostic theory) that are willing to credit the reason for your pride!
while other cultures definitely also used them, the drum is probably west africa's greatest gift to the world. its crazy how most of america's drumming traditions can be traced back to the atlantic slave trade and these beautiful west african drums. amazing video!
bro......wtf? how ? how is it so heavenly? my GOSH!!!
Amazing performance.
1:28 is my favorite part.
Love these grooves! I have a question- I’m curious to know how you are able to date certain rhythms back 1000 years. I’d love to learn about your research, thanks!
Such a beautiful video, thank you!
40 years of playing and I know sweet fuck all hahaha
Now I know why I like Aphex Twin so much
Don you are a MASTER! what independence!!!!! surreal!
Danny carry is the goat💯🗣️👑⭐️❤️
Holy shit that is awesome. I would love to learn this.
This has now become one of my favorite videos on TH-cam. Thank you Don and Ayo.
ayo!
wish there was more of you on the tube.
always great to see/hear you.
This is a wonderful demo, but the drone in the background is very distracting.
Love that ending freeze frame!
Man, the cats are on it... :-))
still love this music!!
Best polyrhythm I've ever heard, amazing.🙌
Amazing video Donnie! The rhythm is great and the cinematography is spot on! Sooo good!
Outstanding so musical and masterful playing
Really great piece Don! You guys were clearly "in the zone"! Aside from really cool rhythms, performance and composition, the video was very well edited and presented! Kudos!
Djembes every home should have one & the world would be a better place . They are genius acoustics, design 800 yrs old unchanged
Some complex stuff being played in here
Incredible!
There is something to be said about keeping ancient things within itself
Drummer Simon Phillips has an excellent video on how and why he started ambidextrous playing, or open-handed. I wish he would have demonstrated polyrhythms which I think he's probably more than capable of playing. I love this performance!
This is dope! I'd love to collaborate with you guys!
This was incredible. Someone show this to Danny Carey lol
Wow. Just, wow
Incredible playing from both of these gents.
I need more of this.
That was really cool. I wish you had just mentioned what was going on. No need to really explain it, just a mention would have been great though.
top!
love that name. Ayo.
Ahh yes!! I'm getting inspired:)
It’s like these people are talking through their own rhythms
sounds like when ive been playing civ3 for too long
This was good but I wish I could hear what BabaAyoo is singing.
Wow this actually sounds cool. Did not imagine the two drumming styles could fit together this well
Massive Respect.
Hell yeah! That was amazing. Thank you for sharing :)
omg I will never be able playin this....
Wow how great was that ;)
I would love to learn the process of how they interpreted these rhythms, what kind of musical notation the West Africans who wrote them down used!
Outstanding
Can someone give us a play by play breakdown of polyrhythms used?
This is entrancing af haha
Amazing. Got the smile at first note :)
WoW!
Great stuff Don.
yessssss❤❤❤rythm of our Ancestors. Viva Africa
Wow ❤
I just came 😂
I just need a leaf dressed dancer on this one..😎🔥
The Maldivian musical tradition of “bodu beru” is heavily influenced by West African rhythms, so this was a nice callback for me
Sounds sooo good!
Wow this is great! Thanks for putting the music together for TH-cam.
Who could stand still to this without nodding and twitching? ☺☺☺
I wonder if Don Swanson is related to Ron Swanson. Duke Silver making an appearance with those polyrhythmic beats might be pretty cool. Haha
Wow! Very exciting. It’s amazing when drums move your emotions and not just your since of rhythm.
Reminded me of Phil Collins and Chester Thompson playing off each other live
Real Good!!!
Ayo looks so happy😂
holy shiiiiit so cool!!!!
Reminded me of Tool.
I was thinking the same
Surely the combination of polyrythyms and altrrnative percussions
Yeah, from what I remember reading the drummer actually learned a lot from Indian rhythmic structures. I'd say Meshuggah were more inspired by african rhythms.
Danny stated that african polyrhythms were big influence on him
@@xlu125 Noob here, who's Danny?
@@sepulcher8263 Danny Carey, the drummer of Tool
Now that was badass
I need to make a metal song with this 😃
This is METAL!!!
thank you so much
I love it
Holy shit! Nice one guys!
Finally the David Duke and Louis Farrakhan collab we sorely need.
Loved It Guys !!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was wondering where Meshuggah got their ideas from :D
Very captivating I love it.
How was this recorded?? No mics in sight but it sounds so clean.
Need a transcription! Awesome!!!
sounds gooooooood !
Wanson jams it lyk Steve gadd
This is fantastic 👍👍👍👍👍
The skin on that djembe was the last American drummer who tried this.
I prefer the openness of the first half compared to the busyness of the second.
Amazing wow ! Good work !
wow love it!!