A Note on the Amen and Apache Drum Breaks

I was inspired on the weekend, reading Will Hermes' piece in the New York Times about a recent re-issue of material by The Incredible Bongo Band. The Bongo Band's song "Bongo Rock" produced the drum break most widely known as "the Apache break", which, depending on exactly how Ol your Ol Skool knowledge is, could be considered the most widely sampled drum break in hip hop history.

Those who know hip hop really know hip hop, and I am not going to argue about the specifics of hip hop history--particularly when reprisals can be so dangerous.

However, when you begin to include trip hop, cinematic hip hop, electronic music and other hip hop offshoots, it would seem the most widely sampled break is either the Amen, or Funky Drummer.

All of this is noteworthy to me for a simple reason: sample culture is awesome. While I maintain that the chasm between the merely mediocre and truly brilliant producer is significant, there is something culturally cool about referencing the same source material and taking it in new directions. Not unlike jazz solos that riff and reference other jazz pieces, sample-based music may be linked by a common passion for what each DJ or producer carries in their crate, but it is also linked by a few artists and motifs that act as pillars for the overall aesthetic.

Some further reading on the Amen break.

Ed Bradley's Music Writing

Ed Bradley (1941 - 2006) is being euologized in the press right now. All the tributes are glowing and I have not disagreed with a single one.

He worked in mainstream media and that carried a certain puffiness with it, but his ability to work inside the medium was skilled and subtle. He could get the tough questions asked without hardening his affable, cool demeanor. He unlocked doors, he offered some light.

The footage of his career, especially early reportage out of Vietnam, is impressive. His interviews with 60 Minutes were well regarded (18 Emmies) and well known. But less recognized is Bradley's musical knowledge.

His interview with Bob Dylan in December of 2004 offered insights much richer than Dylan's autobiography at times. His love for and knowledge of jazz was well known, hosting the Jazz from Lincoln Center performance series and generally supporting the music.

But I prefer his piece on U2, which just goes to show that if you want to hear Bono say something pretentious, just ask him a question. Or, possibly, stand near him for awhile.

Robert Allen - 1946 - 2006

Many Montreal writers have been reflecting on the recent passing of Rob Allen. I just wanted to take brief moment to recognize this loss, and give some space to the tributes that are being written for him.

Rob was the Publisher of Matrix Magazine, and will be fondly remembered by the many people who he touched, toasted and taught. My own experience with Rob was limited -- a few conversations at Matrix meetings or book launches -- but it seems that everyone I know has a story about Rob. I think, in the end, that's the most fitting tribute there is.