Give the Drummer Some

This is the legendary drummer Clyde Stubblefield (even his name sounds like a drum pattern) trying to explain whatever the magic he does on those iconic James Brown records. Stubblefield is the architect of the most famous and oversampled 20 seconds of skin flapping ever: Funky Drummer. Stubblefield breaks it down but like any true illusionist, he reveals none of the magic. That sorcery will remain as ineffable and uncanny as ever – improvised off rhythms, syncopations, and ghost notes are the words he gives it. Electricity, devilry, and sleight of hands and feet is what it is.

Humbly, he says "it's just a simple beat" but there's a lot of shit going on there.

Hear for yourself: