I was in a rock/funk/soul band that covered this many years ago. I always loved that one part. You know which part I mean.
Is this not the most soulful thing in history?
The basic idea is simple. The “I Know” figure is three sixteenth notes long. “I” is one sixteenth note, and “know” is two sixteenth notes. That odd-length figure goes in and out of sync with the sixteenth-step pattern underlying the rest of the groove. It’s a simple polymeter, but the execution is hair-raising. I made a seamless three minute loop of it if you want to hear it. RIP Bill Withers.
Love it Ethan – I was in a Country Band that covered it too – we did a call and repeat with the singer – she sang 4 and the band “yelled” back 4 – it worked surprisingly well – but then – it’s always easy to build on something with great roots!
I just now saw the news – having missed the RIP at the end of the post – off to go and listen to Lean on Me