Polyrhythms

Hello Folks,

I am a student of the subject of musical time, who is presently studying Polyrhythms. I would like to put together a collection of polyrhythmic songs, in order to study how the artist utilizes the concept. I was wondering if anyone could recommend any songs that incorporate polyrhythms. Especially, if the arrangement incorporates bass lines in one time, and drum lines in another. Thankyou for your time, attention, and efforts toward this request.

Glen This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Some of the best possible study would be King Crimson, especially from the album 'Discipline' to the present day. It could be argued oftentimes that every member of the band is in a different time-signature and that the drummer could be in two or three himself (or themselves with the double-trio).

I double this about KC.

One of their latest albums: The Construcktion of Light would be a nice subject.

Look at Steve Reich also, he has recorded an album called 'Drumming' if I remember and another one called 'Six marimbas...' or something where he plays a lot with interweaving rythmic patterns.

Good luck in your study

Well, considering I learned rock drumming in the 80's, it's probably no surprise that I learned to play a lot of Rush songs! Here are several examples from Rush songs that have the types of polyrythyms you are asking for:

* Jacob's Ladder (from Permanent Waves)

This song starts out with the drummer playing a military-like cadence on the snare drum. The time signature alternates between 5/4 and 6/4. The guitar is playing in syncopation to that drum rhythm. When the vocals and synth kick in, they are in 4/4. So, you have vocals and synth in 4/4 while the drummer and guitarist are alternating between 5/4 and 6/4.

* Limelight (from Moving Pictures)

The guitar solo is in 6/8 with everybody else in the band also playing in 6/8. After the solo, the guitar continues an arpeggio in 6/8 while the drummer is playing in 4/4. Eventually, everything syncs up to 4/4.

* Superconductor (from Presto)

Though I don't think much of this song, there is an interesting polyrhythm halfway through the song. This song has a lot of 7/4 in it. In the beginning, it is a very obvious 7/4 part with all of the members playing in 7. Halfway through the song, that 7/4 part is reprised. Only this time, the drummer is playing 4/4. It's actually a subtle little piece of work. If you focus on the drummer, it's very clearly in 4. If you focus on the guitar, it's very clearly in 7.

Definitely go with the newest Terry Bozzio video. You can get it at Guitar Center, or any other big music store chain. That video blows all the others out of the water. It's amazing how many things this guy can do at one time! Polyrhythms galore!

Jason 'Orrery' - Drummer

You might also want to check out some works by Frank Zappa who made extensive use of polyrhythms, Bill Bruford (King Crimson and UK) Mahavishnu Orchestra, Billy Cobham, Dennis Chambers, Mike Keneally and Beer for Dolphins, Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews) and of course the great Buddy Rich.to name only a few...

On Sat, 23 Feb 2002 01:59:19 GMT, 'Drum Guy' < This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it >

There's a cut on a Tito Puente CD from the 50's that was reissued on CD in 1992 called 'Top Percussion'. It's mostly Folkloric, traditional Cuban rhythms. I can't remember the name of the cut but it's about the 5th one on the CD. It starts with an out-of-tempo timbali solo (4 timbalis, BTW. very hot.). Then he starts a rhythmic pattern and the other drummers come in and it's like the roof comes of the place. There are so many rhythms happening at once, but it's all together. The momentum is very exciting. If you get a chance, check it out.

Check out Virgil Donati, I've seen him live playing with Vai, just amazing. Here's his website. http://www.virgildonati.com/

For that matter check out some of Steve Vai's stuff as well. If you don't mind genre there's a lot of heavier stuff. There's a crazy metal band from Sweden, their name is Meshuggah, www.meshuggah.net . Some crazy stuff.

Erik