The "Amen Break"

I remember not knowing how to react when I first heard "Jungle / Drum 'n' Bass" (depending on who you ask) back in '96. It was introduced to me by my Japanese friend when I was studying in San Francisco. It definitely wasn't dislike or hate. It was intriguing. Being new to music (real music) I didn't jump headlong into it. I took the longer route, starting from Trip Hop, Hip Hop before going even further back to Soul, Funk, Reggae and the occasional affair with Ragga Jungle, my favourite form of Jungle. Oh yes, can't forget Smith & Mighty and the mighty More Rockers!

Fast forward to 2002, finally Jungle and Drum 'n' Bass hit me and I finally understood! But I was too late! Drum 'n' Bass has moved into a direction which I didn't like (maybe it will take me another 10 years to figure that out - hah!). I started digging in the back catalogues for Oldskool Jungle. I remembered another name from my friend – Rebel MC aka Conquering Lion of Judah and his label Congo Natty, but that is another story.

While researching on Jungle and Drum 'n' Bass, I came across the "Amen Break". I was surprised to learn how a single breakbeat created a whole new genre of music. Well, there were others too - "Think", "The Funky President", "Apache", to name a few. You can read about it in Wikipedia's Amen Break article when you click on the link above.

Also while researching I came across this video which I thought was very interesting and introduces the history of the break nicely and questions of sampling and ownership. It was done by Nate Harrison.



And... the copyright owner and one of The Winstons members Richard L. Spencer speaks. Read the readers' comments too.

Another interesting article for fun. Michael S. Schneider wrote an article where he noticed the major peaks of the Amen Break seem to form a rhythm approximating the famous Golden Ratio. Read "Amen Break and the Golden Ratio" article.