Music Lesson: Relegation Rhythm by Bugsy Malone

Let's take a look at Relegation Rhythm by Bugsy Malone. This hip-hop track is quite intricate, especially with its tricky introduction. Here's what you need to focus on:

Coordination and Sticking Patterns

• Hands and Sticking:

  • I recommend alternating between single sticking and right-to-left sticking.
  • In the introduction, the structure features an offbeat eighth note followed by two sixteenth notes, repeating this pattern.

• Suggested Playing:

  • Play the offbeat eighth with your right hand.
  • Use right-left for the sixteenth notes.

"Technically, you could play the offbeat eighth with one hand, but using two feels comfortable and sounds good."

Feel free to experiment with different variations, as there are no strict rules in this approach.

Practicing the Introduction

• Slowing Down:
  • Start by slowing it down to feel the rhythm:
    • Count: 1, 2, 3, 4.
  • Gradually bring it up to tempo:
    • Count: 1, 2, 3, 4.

"I like that chunky sound on the hi-hat when playing those sixteenth notes, right, left, right, left."

Dynamics in Section B

• Playing with Feel:
  • Focus on a definite eighth note groove with the crash cymbal.
  • Use a big backbeat with a rim shot and slight dynamics on the hi-hat.

"If the tempo is too slow and you accent too heavily, it affects the feel negatively."

• Dynamics Exercise:
  1. Play without dynamics.
  2. Add a slight dynamic.
  3. Play with over-accentuation to notice the difference.

"Too much of a dynamic can make it sound less good."

Finish Section B with a Big Flam:

• Be cautious not to play it as a unison.
• This power flam will be a recurring element, creating a consistent and even sound.

Transition to Section C

• Ride Cymbal Play:

  • Transition to the ride cymbal while maintaining single-handed play on the sixteenths.
  • It feels easier than playing two-handed on the ride.

• Wrapping Up Section C:

  • Watch the downbeat snare hits.
  • Prepare for a tom fill before returning to the hi-hat section.

Final Segment and Techniques

• Ending Movement:
  • Aim for a definite backbeat on the last quarter note of the last two bars in Section C.

"Lots of conviction and energy is key here."

• Hi-hat and Unison Figure:
  • End with open hi-hat, focusing on a very definite unison figure.
  • Avoid flamming; keep it tight.

"Check out Phil Collins in 'In the Air Tonight' for a similar unison sound."

Conclusion

There's a lot happening in Relegation Rhythm, coordination between the hi-hat and ride cymbal, as well as prominent tom fills. Take your time to listen to the track and refer to the examination package for additional observations on dynamics and sound balance.

Have fun with Relegation Rhythm! See you soon!