circumjacence

The Amen Break and the Golden Ratio

Appearing in thousands of recordings, there is undoubtedly something magical about the Amen break (originally recorded by The Winstons). On his Web site, Michael S. Schneider argues that the reason for the infectious beauty of the Amen is because its timing follows the Golden Ratio.

While I’m a little dubious of the claim itself (I’d like to see other breaks with a similar funk feel / swing scrutinized in a similar manner - I suspect they would look the same), it is a wonderful read, and an interesting lens through which we can view the endlessly fascinating musical phenomenon that is The Amen.

If you are unfamiliar with The Amen, check out Nate Harrison’s fantastic 2004 documentary “Can I Get an Amen?” (either on his Website above, or at Google / Youtube).

Finally, a hat tip to neatorama.com where I originally saw this story.

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