Great Drum Breaks of the ’60s and Early ’70s Much has been written about Clyde Stubblefield’s legendary drum break on James Brown’s 1969 song “Funky Drummer.” Those few bars laid the groundwork for dozens of hip-hop tracks, and Stubblefield’s playing is still being analyzed, sampled, copied, and mulled over by drummers everywhere. During the era when “Funky Drummer” was recorded, it was common practice to include a drum break within a song, especially in soul, R&B, and funk. These were not necessarily solos but rather short fragments of grooves that allowed the drummer to stretch out a little bit and add color to what was being played earlier in the track. Presented here are five of these incredibly funky breaks. Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, “Express Yourself,” from Express Yourself (1970) Drummer: James Gadson The great James Gadson lays down a relentless syncopated groove during this […]