All about Rhythm and Feel

"...Feel is ALL about rhythm... Yet how rare it is for people to teach the theory behind different feels and grooves. Ironic, because its the most important thing !"

Basic Concepts...

• There are two elements to any "groove", "pocket" or "rhythm":

1. The pulse
2. How it is interpreted.

Also keep in mind:

The "interpratation" of a pulse is called the "sensibility" of the tune. Another word for sensibility is "feel", "style" even "rhythm" - - Always remember this ! ! !

• All forms of music have a basic sensibility... this is to say a concept of how the beat is approached.
• Aesthetic Sensibilities are often derived from cultural traditions and perspectives...What makes American music so great is the unique sensibility to be found in its afro-American roots... Regardless of your race, creed or style, if you are playing any type of music, it is very important to understand and appreciate its cultural roots... This is not for "history's" sake, but to be able to put yourself in the "mindset of the feel." Related to the above point keep in mind that Charlie Parker didn't grow up listening to bebop nor John Coltrane to modern Jazz, yet their ideas had to come from somewhere - - most musicians of that era definitely had "church" and "the blues" in them, just as most of todays gospel players came up listening to a lot of Jazz !
• The authenticity of a player is based upon his or her ability to enter into the aforementioned "mindset of the feel". If he can create the feel naturally and understand it, then the music will feel authentic. If he (or she) is merely imitating it without understanding, it will lack authenticity.
• Music, in Afro/Afro American and many world cultures serves a purpose that is not common in classical European music. This is worship through dance and body movement. All musical rhythms are closely tied in to how people move their body, from waltzes, modern Jazz drummers studying Afro and Latin Rhythms to "holy ghost" walks in Church.
• It is essential when studying any form of music to have a sense of how it makes you move your body... This does not mean that to be a musician you have to be dance or even study dance, but it is important to to have a basic sense of body movement... in Jazz and gospel the tapping of the feet and appreciation of the upbeat (via clapping, snapping, subtle body movements) is very useful if not almost essential.

Very few teachers of non-rhythmic instruments focus strongly on feel and groove, but really alongside harmony and melody, it is part of the golden triad of music... and the good news is, I've found that combined with adequate motivation and listening, it is very much teachable and I work hard on it with my students!