cross-rhythms
Overlapping rhythmic patterns
Cross-rhythms are patterns where two or more conflicting rhythms play simultaneously, creating tension through their clash.
A pianist might play three notes in the right hand against two in the left.
The effect is central to West African drumming, jazz, and polyrhythmic music generally: The drummer layered cross-rhythms over the bass line.
Also called polyrhythm.
Percussive rhythm-making
- claveLatin music's rhythmic spine
- djembeHand-struck goblet drum
- congasTall Afro-Cuban drums
- bongosJoined pair of drums
clapping · handclaps · bells · sticks · timbales · cajon · cowbell · woodblock
Latin music's rhythmic spine
Stressed unexpected beats
- counterpointSimultaneous independent melodies
- interlockingEngaging by overlap
- phasingImplementing by stages
- displacementRemoval from usual location
layering · superimposition · polymeter · grouping · subdivision · interweave · staggering · offsetting
Narrow cut or routine
- pocketFabric compartment in clothing
- feelPerceive by touch
- tensionStretched or strained state
- pullForce toward oneself
push · swing · lilt · interplay · friction · propulsion · lift · bounce
Suspended recreational seat
Luxurious wealthy existence
- afrobeatNigerian funk-jazz fusion genre
- palm-wineFermented tree sap
- traditionalFollowing long-held customs
- griotAfrican oral tradition keeper
Yoruba · Ghanaian · Senegalese · call-and-response · ancestral
drumming
Percussive rhythm-making
bongos · clapping · handclaps · bells · sticks · timbales · cajon · cowbell · woodblock
clave
Latin music's rhythmic spine
syncopation
Stressed unexpected beats
- counterpointSimultaneous independent melodies
- interlockingEngaging by overlap
- phasingImplementing by stages
displacement · layering · superimposition · polymeter · grouping · subdivision · interweave · staggering · offsetting · juxtaposition
groove
Narrow cut or routine
pull · push · swing · lilt · interplay · friction · propulsion · lift · bounce · drive
swing
Suspended recreational seat
- bebopFast, complex jazz style
- EllingtonJazz composer and bandleader
- MonkShalhoub's anxious investigator role
Coltrane · Miles · comping · improvisation
highlife
Luxurious wealthy existence
- afrobeatNigerian funk-jazz fusion genre
- palm-wineFermented tree sap
- traditionalFollowing long-held customs
griot · Yoruba · Ghanaian · Senegalese · call-and-response · ancestral