[Dixielandjazz] Backbeat vs. Downbeat

[David Richoux]

>
This was just posted on a banjo list I am on, I thought it might also  
be of interest to DJML.

Dave RIchoux

> I was reminded recently of something Bob Brozman has said many times
> about backbeat, so I looked it up on his website, I found this under
> "Deep Rhythm" and I thought it might be of interest:
>
> CULTURAL CONTEXT OF DOWNBEAT AND BACKBEAT
> I've observed a fundamental difference between colonizing and
> colonized cultures in the way the downbeat/backbeat relationship is
> perceived, and in the priority given to the backbeat in this
> relationship. Put simply, marching (colonizing) cultures see the
> downbeat as something to follow, and the "marched-upon" (colonized)
> cultures see the downbeat as something to react to, using the
> backbeat. This is not at all a racial issue of black and white, as
> Japan and its colony Okinawa also bear out this theory. It is simply
> that the function of the downbeat in marching and organizing troops is
> critical. In "backbeat" cultures, dancing is usually far more
> important than marching, and most observers will find that dancing to
> the backbeat is far more sensual than marching along to the downbeat.
>
> You can find the rest of the article at:
> http://www.bobbrozman.com/tip_rhythm.html
>
> Howard