James Brown changed the face of music by turning his band into one giant drum. His concept was like the ancient African drum circle brought into the modern day, with everybody in the band locked into their own perpetual patterns. Each piece was stripped down to its rhythmic elements, then thrown back into the music with flair. He used repetition to evoke the manic trance that only he could. Playing these grooves is a deceptive challenge. The beats look easy on paper but executing then with consistent energy and sustaining that energy with a light touch takes Jedi type concentration. These grooves demand nothing but unwavering kick, snare, and hi-hat for what feels like an eternity. Many drummers can play the notes, but few catch the discipline and the focus. This is ‘relaxed intensity’ in motion, giving it your all while at the same time, surrendering to the flow. “Music […]

September 2025 Issue