Africa and Disruptive Innovation
THE DRUM SET
A hugely important occurrence to me as a drummer, was the invention of the modern drum set. This happened in Louisiana (New Orleans) in the mid 1800's and became an important part of new improvised music styles (Jazz) in the early 1900's.
The drum set was created by African slaves fusing the percussion instruments from a Western military band and orchestra. The snare drum, the bass drum, the suspended cymbal and the hand held cymbals.
They did this as a survival tool. Playing traditional tribal music was forbidden, especially the drum which was perceived to be the great unifying instrument. Intrinsically they knew that music was critical to their survival, but extrinsically there was the threat of severe punishment. Intrinsic motivation was stronger!
Using brilliant disruptive innovation thinking they invented a rudimentary pedal system to beat the bass drum with the right foot (the bass drum pedal) while clashing the set of cymbals on a stand with the left foot. (the hi hat stand). One player could then play all of these instruments simultaneously. And very importantly, tribal rhythms played on Western instruments slipped under the radar!
This creativity birthed the modern day drum set and changed the course of music history.
African creativity at its finest.
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8 年Very nice. Thanks for sharing
Lawyer, writer, consultant, and public speaker dedicated to health equity. Experienced in-house counsel.
8 年Early 1900s is significantly post-slavery. I feel like you missed a step. Fascinating stuff for me, having grown up with a white Jewish jazz drummer parent in the 1970's. I'd love a source for this history.
Partnership Facilitator, Mentor, Researcher. Founder of Frontline Research
8 年Excellent insight. Thanks!