Most funky field trips make a stop at this landmark beat.

Clyde started a new type of groove by playing quarter-notes on the hi-hat.

This innovation wasn’t a highly conscious decision; Clyde just went in the studio and started up a groove. James Brown starts singing on it, puts a label on it, and it’s a hit:

Because of the quarters on the hat, the kick and snare part sound totally fresh, even though it is similar to some past Stubblefield grooves.

It’s fun to ballpark the dates of funk tracks based on hi-hat parts. Invite over some friends, order some pizza and try it sometime.

Nov. 2, 2011

Clyde Stubblefield