The Great James Brown Rhythm Section

The History

"Get your white robes and prepare to baptized in holy water."(Dr. Licks pg 16). "I Don't Mind" one of the most renounced songs from James Brown in the album "Live At The Apollo" with Les Bui on guitar, Hubert Perry on bass, Clayton Fillyau on drums, and Avlin Gonder's on piano. It took almost over a year of persuasion from James to get his record label, Kings Record to publish his song due to a long history of shaky situations but a great comeback James came with,"... Live At Apollo quickly became the second best-selling album in the country."(Dr Licks pg 16). Through many comebacks in music regaining respect James still had a dirty relationship with music members,"They hung around long enough to record Live At The Apollo, but shortly thereafter fell victims to the Band's never-ending lineup changes."(Dr. Licks pg 16).

The Song

In the master score of I Don't Mind you're able to see that the time signature of this song is 12:8 time making there be 6 beats in each measure. They're soulful and full of life when played right but fall easily out of line,"12/8 ballads are musical quagmires. They can be spellbinding and uplifting when performed in the right way. In less than skilled hands, they can die a thousand deaths and make you wish you were an accountant instead of a musician."(Dr. licks pg 18). While this song is in triplet form it adds new texture while making a articulate piece to play,"When you're listening to James Brown mesmerize an audience into a trance-like state under the roof of soul music's most sanctified venue, spiritually is a forgone conclusion."(Dr. Licks pg 18). James Brown, a legend, in learning more of him do you feel he has the divine right to always replace his band members?

Dr. Licks. The Great James Brown Rhythm Section. Manhattan Music.

The Funk Masters - In Drumming

The Evolution Of Funk

James, James Brown, one of the most iconic influencers of Hip Hop, R and B, and Funk. Though he's one of the most memorable singers around, even himself had to start some where. Fortunately I have been able to purchase a book on him and his burnout of a Rhythm Section, breaking down his history and style music. One of the first Bands James joined was the Gospel Star lighters ,"The first noteworthy band that James Brown was a part of was the Gospel Starlighters (AKA the Avons), a seven-piece rhythm and blues group led by his lifelong friend and musical partner, Bobby Byrd." (Dr. Licks 9). One of the first songs presented in this book is "Think". I will be playing the drum part Nat Kendrick created with somewhat of a swing yet straight feel."Eighth notes are usually either swung or they're played straight. In this song, Nat placed his eighth-note feel in that nether world where it's somewhere in between."(Dr. Lick 13).

With James Brown being on of the greats with his rhythm section I want to leave you with a question In Mind: Where have you have heard many of his famous drum licks and drum feels in Music today?

Dr. Licks. The Great James Brown Rhythm Section. Manhattan Music.