I think that this thread, in the scheme of internet based and disseminated
information/discussion, can be a small but not insignificant contribution to the education of listeners new to jazz. The OP should be commended for starting it. Thank you, O-10. However, to continue to promulgate an idea that is not only seriously mistaken and that goes against not only the opinion of every authority on the subject, but the practitioners of the art form itself does a major disservice. This mistaken idea goes to very core of what is probably the most fundamental and important aspect of this music: its rhythms and where those rhythms came from.
First, the fact that any one listener cannot “hear” African rhythms as the listener knows and understands them in jazz does not mean that those rhythms are
not there; or, at least, serve as the foundation for those jazz rhythms as they are understood. It is like insisting that European based chord progressions and harmony do not exist in the music because the listener cannot hear them as such.
**** The folks that are beating on drums these days in third world countries, are doing so in response to Hollywood, not the other way around.****
We know about the distortions of so much by Hollywood: but, sorry Rok, and with respect, that is one of the most ridiculous comments I have read in this forum; second only to a recent comment about the irrelevance of Sonny Rollins.
There is so much written on the subject that it almost seems silly to post links to very interesting and educational information and commentary easily available. I encourage all to do a little reading on the subject.
