do the math and groove

[phoenstorm]

Hi, I thought we could use a discussion about more involved time-signatures and the general ins-and-outs of controlling rhythm and groove. I wan't quite sure whether to post this in the ambient theories & method section, so maybe start here in the general music chat. Also, maybe we can collect tracks with "unorthodox" time signatures here, for reference, or as a quiz...
Personally, I take a long time identifying some of the more elaborate constructs, so I thought, practice makes perfect...here is something beautiful from ambientsketchbook:

http://soundcloud.com/ambientsketchbook/timing-is-everything

[ambientsketchbook]

Thanks for using this track as an example! :D Working with different timings is something I definitely want to explore more in my future work. 'Timing Is Everything' starts on a 4-bar cycle of 7/8, 6/8, 7/8, 5/8 then switches fully to 5/8 for the mid-section before reverting back to the original cycle to close. It was a lot of fun to play! :nerd:

[phoenstorm]

so...I got it partially right ;-)...4-bar cycle...I see :biggrin: The great thing is, how all this supports the music - where it could easily also step in the way and make things to sterile

[ambientsketchbook]

Here's another wee number that plays about with timing and rhythm a bit.
http://soundcloud.com/ambientsketchbook/the-moment-before-impact

:rockon:

[phoenstorm]

aha...will have to give this another listen!

here's another nice example...count away ;)

[seismic1]

That is a marvellous piece of songwriting and arranging :thumbsup:

[phoenstorm]

@Seismic, I agree! Also, Colaiuta is one of my favorite drummers
OK, anyone caring to find out what's going on here? - I'd be genuinely interested:

[seismic1]

I never saw Vinnie with Sting, but I saw him play with FZ in '79.

[phoenstorm]

never got round to seeing FZ play. I am s l i g h t l y jealous.

oh...and have fun counting...even though the title may give things away

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvBQw00w3IM

[ambientsketchbook]

:hmmm: Here's a couple of recent tracks on which I take the rhythmic road less travelled...
http://soundcloud.com/ambientsketchbook/a-brief-history-of-time

http://soundcloud.com/ambientsketchbook/evolution-part-i

[Guest]

[Zach Zinn]

[RikkiSho]

Like Timing Is Everything. The constant changes there are awesome. That is what keeps the brain stimulated, guessing and interested.

6/8 is one I am fond of. Gives everything a lovely, flowing swing to it.

[seismic1]

How about one from the masters themselves. The timing on here is nothing short of mesmerising.

[Thought Experiment]

Oh yeah

What's even more amazing is that these polyrhythms are played as an ensemble. I've read stories about Frank Zappa getting Patrick O'Hearn to improvise a bass solo over an 11/16 (something odd, anyway) drum pattern, then switching the drum pattern to 7/4 to 'create' a polyrhythmic piece after the fact. But the Crimsos (as they like to be called...not) are taking virtuoso musicianship to another level