The evolution of the trap drum set | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The drumset evolved from the field rum during the Revolutionary War and incorporated African rhythmic concepts, becoming a significant part of American culture.

Key Insights

• 🌎 The drumset's evolution from the field rum showcased the consolidation of states in America.
• 🌎 Slaves in America used alternative percussive methods, like patent Juba or hamboning, to communicate their African heritage.
• 🛢️ The incorporation of African rhythmic concepts into the drumset created a unique American drum style.
• 🤬 The addition of symbols and special effects expanded the drumset's versatility.
• 🏈 The drumset became the rhythmic center of passion in American music.
• 🏈 African identity was woven into the fabric of American culture through the evolution of the drumset.

Transcript

writer Stanley crouches observed that e pluribus unum the model for the seal of the United States could also refer to the drumset out of many one the consolidation of the drums is a perfect metaphor for the consolidation of our states ironically with the exception of Congo Square in Louisiana it was illegal for slaves to play drums in this country ... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the significance of the drumset in the development of American culture?

The drumset played a crucial role in the consolidation of states and was a practical and ingenious assembly, allowing the drummer to fulfill multiple roles, which would have otherwise required several people or instruments.

Q: How did slaves in America communicate through percussion despite the ban on playing drums?

Slaves used various objects like bones, sticks, and their bodies to create percussive sounds, employing a communication method called patent Juba or hamboning, as music and dance were essential to their communication beyond spoken words.

Q: How did the drumset incorporate African rhythmic concepts?

The drumset evolved from the field rum during the Revolutionary War and merged African rhythmic concepts with the marching band concept to create an American drum style, incorporating sections like cymbals, tom-toms, and bass drums.

Q: How did the drumset evolve further in American music?

As dance halls and ballroom gigs emerged, drummers added symbols and wood blocks for special effects, and lowboy symbols attached to a foot stand were introduced. The sock symbol was later raised to elbow height by Joe Jones, giving drummers more control and versatility.

Summary

In this video, writer Stanley Crouches discusses the significance of the drumset in American culture. Crouches explains that the drumset, like the concept of "e pluribus unum" in the United States, represents the consolidation of diverse elements into a unified whole. He also highlights how slaves in America used percussive sounds to communicate and maintain their sense of personhood, despite it being illegal for them to play drums. Crouches traces the evolution of the drumset from the field drum of the Revolutionary War to the modern-day instrument, showcasing how African rhythmic concepts merged with marching band styles to create a distinct American drumming style.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the significance of the drumset for slaves in America?

For slaves, music and dance were vital methods of communication and self-expression. Since it was illegal for them to play drums, they used anything that could produce percussive sounds, such as bones, quills, sticks, and even their bodies. This practice, known as patent Juba or hamboning, allowed them to maintain their sense of personhood and connection to their African roots.

Q: How did the drumset evolve over time in America?

Initially, the field drum served as the primary percussion instrument during the Revolutionary War. It later evolved into the snare drum, which was used in traditional marching bands. With the merging of African rhythmic concepts and marching band styles, the American drum style began to take shape. In New Orleans, drummers started attaching a cymbal to the bass drum to accompany the snare, leading to the loss of job opportunities for some drummers. As ballroom gigs gained popularity and dancers desired more percussion, drummers started incorporating bass drums, cymbals, woodblocks, and other special effects into their setups, resulting in further changes to the drumming landscape.

Q: How did the introduction of the sock cymbal revolutionize drumming?

Joe Jones of The Count Basie organization raised the lowboy cymbals to elbow height, giving birth to the sock cymbal. This innovation allowed drummers to utilize all four limbs while playing, opening up new possibilities for rhythmic complexity and creativity. The inclusion of the sock cymbal sparked excitement among drummers worldwide, creating a newfound appreciation for the drumset as a versatile and expressive musical instrument.

Q: Why is the drumset considered an American musical instrument?

The drumset is regarded as the first bona fide American musical instrument due to its practical and ingenious assembly. In African music, the role fulfilled by a drummer would typically require three or four people. Similarly, in a marching band, an entire section would handle the tasks now performed by a single drummer on a drumset. As the drumset became the rhythmic centerpiece in various genres of American music, it became deeply intertwined with the identity of African-Americans and their rich cultural heritage.

Q: How would you describe the fusion of African and American elements in the drumset?

The fusion of African and American elements within the drumset can be seen as a metaphor for the broader cultural dynamics in America. The drumset represents the consolidation of diverse rhythms and influences into a unified whole, just as the concept of "e pluribus unum" ("out of many, one") does for the United States. Through the drumset, African rhythmic concepts found expression within the context of American music, contributing to the fabric of American culture.

Takeaways

The drumset holds immense significance in American culture, representing the fusion of African and American musical traditions. Despite the hardships faced by slaves, their resilience and creativity allowed them to use any means possible to communicate through percussive sounds. The evolution of the drumset from the field drum to the modern-day instrument showcases the continuous innovation and integration of different musical ideas. The inclusion of the sock cymbal revolutionized drumming by enabling drummers to fully utilize all four limbs and explore new rhythmic possibilities. Ultimately, the drumset became a symbol of the consolidation of diverse rhythms and cultures, cementing its status as the first authentic American musical instrument.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The United States' seal, e pluribus unum, is a metaphor for the consolidation of the drumset, symbolizing the consolidation of the states.

• Slaves in America used percussive sounds, such as bones and sticks, to communicate since playing drums was illegal. This communication method was called patent Juba or hamboning.

• The drumset evolved from the field rum, incorporating African rhythmic concepts and becoming the rhythmic center of passion in American music.