What is rhythm?
What is rhythm?
Rhythm is the beat of the music, but it's also the attitude. It's the perpetually bounding forward feeling of bebop, and the elegant bounce of swing. It's the comfortably displaced crackle of funk, and the heels digging into the ground even as rock and roll slams ahead. The simultaneous revving and breaking of Afrocuban hand drums, and the fire-on-water effect of salsa.
Rhythm is the heart, but it's also the blood. It's the motion of the drumstick between one and two, and the way the dancer shifts their weight between footfalls.
It's about the difference between what makes you want to dance, and what makes you fall back in your seat.
Rhythm is a way of expressing your personality.
Some people bring the rapid fire beat that makes them the life of the party, while others present a gently rounded waltz making sure everyone feels soothed and cared for.
They say some people don't have rhythm. It's not true. Everyone's got rhythm... Some people's rhythm just isn't very enjoyable to be around.
You can put numbers on rhythm, but it's best not too. The character of the groove is as much about what does or doesn't happen between the beats as it is about hitting the count itself. Even for singers, horn players and pianists, rhythm is key. Most instruments play the same notes, but each player spaces them out differently.
Groove happens when people get together. The push and pull of individuals' rhythms creates something unique to each time and space. Human connection gives us greater rhythm.