EARLY DRUMMING AND DRUM SET IN THE U.S.

Another huge influence on the formation of drumming in the U.S. were the traditions that came from slaves, such as the work song, that used a system of call and response.  The forerunners of jazz drums in this country were things the slaves used, such as washtubs, and simply drumming on their bodies, using a rhythm called "pattin' juba." The only place slaves were allowed to play this kind of music, outside of residences, was a place in New Orleans called Congo Square.

Congo Sqare is considered the birthplace of jazz.  One reason for this was the mixing of the African-style drumming/music with many other cultural styles, such as Haitian, European, Cuban and American, along with other lesser known cultures.  How interesting is that!  The coming together of so many styles and tastes was so unique, and lead to America's very own art form: jazz.

The shuffle groove, which came out of early blues, is basically the same rhythm as the pattin' juba. Listen to the shuffle rhythm here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Shuffle_pattern.ogg
You can hear this shuffle groove in so many blues recordings, both old and new.  The blues was the foundation for jazz, and you will still here the shuffle rhythm used today in blues and jazz.  Here is a more modern example of this shuffle pattern: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:DetroitBlues.ogg

I'll explore more of the early history of drumming in the next blog.  Until then, play some music!  And don't forget to visit Earthtone School of Music's website to learn more, and sign up for lessons: earthtonemusic.org

Tim Kurteff-Schatz