1 – Introduction

Let’s check out the King Kong rhythm. This is a RH pattern that was popularized in the US by drummer Pete DePoe on a song called “The Prehistoric Rhythm of the King Kong Beat” by the group Redbone. The pattern exists in many cultures and countries: from Africa to South America (Brazil), to Cuba (Guaguanco), to Puerto Rico (Bomba/Plena), to New Orleans (Second Line), New York/Havana (Timba). Thanks to Skip Hadden for the in-depth research in his PathWays presentation.

The so-called King Kong broken rhythm works very well with the linear style. No need to play constant 8ths or 16ths on the HH and you can fill in the spaces with ghost notes and accents to create the hand pattern for some very funky rhythms.

We’ll layer some BD patterns under the King Kong. You’ll get a chance to add some of your own BD patterns as well.

We’ll also work on another classic Tower Of Power tune, “Can’t You See (You’re Doing Me Wrong).”

2 – The King Kong rhythm

A. Video 1

B. Transcription 1

C. Video 2

D. Transcription 2

1. Play 8 bars of the filled-in King Kong rhythm with each BD pattern in Transcription 1. Stop on the downbeat of the 9th bar. 80 bpm.

2. Play 8 bars of the hand pattern, using two of your own BD patterns. Stop on the downbeat of the 9th bar. 80 bpm.

3. Play 8 bars of the layered version of the King Kong rhythm with each BD pattern in Transcription 2. Stop on the downbeat of the 9th bar. 80 bpm

4. Play 8 bars of the hand pattern, using two of your own BD patterns. Stop on the downbeat of the 9th bar. 80 bpm.

5. Play on top of “I Shot The Sheriff” by Eric Clapton. Jamie Oldaker is on drums. From the “461 Ocean Boulevard” album.