Who Is Playing Behind The Beat?

[mrjim123]

This song intrigues me because of its behind the beat feel. So, your opinions, please - who is playing behind the beat?

I definitely hear the bass player playing behind the beat, in some passages more than others (e.g., sometimes in the measure before going from the I to IV or IV to V chord). Maybe the drummer is behind the beat, as well.

Do you think all tracks were synchronized to a common click track and then some delayed X milliseconds in the final recording to create the loping, loose feel of the songs, or was this all done by feel?

Have at it!

 

[bass12]

The drummer is sometimes behind the beat. Same with the bass player. I don't think always being behind the beat sounds good in most circumstances - it's a matter of playing certain notes behind the beat to create tension.

I'd be surprised if it wasn't played like this live in the studio, but when it comes to studio recordings you can never be sure what is going on behind the scenes.

 

[mrjim123]

The drummer is sometimes behind the beat. Same with the bass player. I don't think always being behind the beat sounds good in most circumstances - it's a matter of playing certain notes behind the beat to create tension.

I'd be surprised if it wasn't played like this live in the studio, but when it comes to studio recordings you can never be sure what is going on behind the scenes.

Playing behind the beat CAN convey such feeling and attitude. I've been playing for decades, and only very recently have I come to realize this.

 

[bass12]

Playing behind the beat CAN convey such feeling and attitude. I've been playing for decades, and only very recently have I come to realize this.

A bassist who has a habit of playing (and singing) behind the beat is Meshell Ndegeocello. Worth checking out if you’re not already familiar with her (her earlier, funkier albums are especially worth a listen).

 

[bobyoung53]

This song intrigues me because of its behind the beat feel. So, your opinions, please - who is playing behind the beat?

I definitely hear the bass player playing behind the beat, in some passages more than others (e.g., sometimes in the measure before going from the I to IV or IV to V chord). Maybe the drummer is behind the beat, as well.

Do you think all tracks were synchronized to a common click track and then some delayed X milliseconds in the final recording to create the loping, loose feel of the songs, or was this all done by feel?

Have at it!

For me it sounds a little too behind the beat, almost like it's contrived, so maybe there is some funny business going on in the studio. I think the main thing that is way behind (sometimes,) is the kick.
I opened for him about 20 years ago, he's come a long way, he was good back then but he's great now.

 

[Lo-E]

It sounds to me like the drummer is driving that entirely and the bassist is reacting and locking with it. It’s being used as a device to build tension in this case but it can be used lots of ways. Charlie Watts’ snare was behind the beat for 60 years (the rest of his kit often wasn’t). Many walking upright bass lines in the bebop era were played ahead of the beat.

I think it’s a good idea to get comfortable with playing around the beat and adjusting the feel to fit certain songs or styles. It has an enormous impact on a tune that is felt more than it’s heard and when a drummer and bassist are both good at it and work together well it’s a very powerful tool.

 

[jerry]

The rhythm section on that album is Chris Layton who knows a little about blues feel and longtime journeyman bassist Kevin McCormick, I'd be surprised if they had to manufacture a groove with that feel on the grid, those guys are badasses.

 

[DrThumpenstein]

The rhythm section on that album is Chris Layton who knows a little about blues feel and longtime journeyman bassist Kevin McCormick, I'd be surprised if they had to manufacture a groove with that feel on the grid, those guys are badasses.

Zombie Alert!!

Yeah, I'm with ya! They were definitely going for that feel. Nailed it, too!

I just saw them last night 21 June 23 at The Factory in Chesterfield, MO. Their pocket varies according to what they're doing, and they are masterful!