I once had the chance to catch a remarkable performance in Providence, Rhode Island, where a solo percussionist played an entire outdoor gig for a jazz trio using nothing but a triangle. This experience shifted my perspective on percussion in ways I hadn’t anticipated. It served as a powerful reminder that it’s not the quantity of instruments that matters, but the creativity and musicality you can convey with a single tool.

This realization has significantly shaped my musical journey, reinforcing the idea that depth, groove, musicality, and innovation often carry more weight than volume, speed, showmanship, or intricate techniques. It’s a lesson that stretches across various art forms—sometimes, simplicity speaks louder than complexity.

When I think about rhythm structures, whether in complex polyrhythms or a simple solo, I realize that they can often be broken down and analyzed. This concept resonates strongly with West African drumming styles, where intricate music is often built upon simple forms. These rhythms evolve smoothly, transitioning from one phrase to another in a kind of “natural progression” that I truly admire.

Take the dunun, for example. Do we really need five of them? I believe that playing just one dunun with a bell can evoke just as much—and sometimes more—feeling than a performer showcasing multiple drums in a showy display. From what I’ve witnessed, a skilled dunun player focused on one drum and a bell can create a groove that is just as captivating, if not more so, than someone using three drums in a technical ballet.

I’ve seen it firsthand. A talented friend and teacher once lost the audience by straying too far into complex rhythms without providing a groove for them to latch on to. He ventured into a realm only a few advanced players could appreciate. In stark contrast, I’ve also watched less technically adept musicians hold an audience spellbound simply by embodying charm and engagement.

A prime example of this is my first teacher, George. He doesn’t have a vast repertoire of rhythms at his disposal, yet when he plays with a band, he connects with the audience.

He smiles, maintains eye contact, and genuinely enjoys himself. The single beat he plays is so refined, spacious, and strong that it becomes infectious. His deep groove captures the essence of simplicity, hitting the pocket in a way that resonates deeply.

Ultimately, to me, it all comes down to simplicity in music. It’s amazing how effectively a single, well-played beat can engage and unite an audience.