Layers Behind The Curtain with Geneva Harrison (Nu Deco Ensemble, Y La Bamba, Rachel Goodrich)
Love Music More · hosted by Luke F. Walton (Scoobert Doobert)
Guest: Geneva Harrison
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Host note
In this episode of Love Music More, we welcome Geneva Harrison, a renowned percussionist and producer known for her work with bands like Y La Bamba and Nu Deco Ensemble. Geneva's insights into the intricate connection between music and culture are not only thought-provoking but also deeply resonate with anyone intrigued by the art of sound. We explore the unique elasticity of rhythm, a concept that delights both musicians and listeners alike, allowing us to appreciate the human heartbeat found in every beat.
Tune in as Geneva shares her experiences rooted in Brazilian music, the role of rhythm in connecting with audiences, and the magic that emerges when music is both liberating and grounded in tradition. This episode invites listeners to think critically about how we move and feel together through the power of music.
Selected moments
- Geneva on Brazilian music 2:11 Geneva details her early exposure to Brazilian rhythms and their cultural significance.
- Emotional connection to rhythms 4:49 She speaks on the dreamlike quality of Brazilian music that connects deeply with emotions.
- Samba's origins 6:07 Geneva explains samba as a music born from resistance and joy.
- Rhythm's elasticity 9:14 They discuss how traditional rhythms can be both rigid and flexible.
- Live performance instincts 16:05 Geneva reflects on the communication between drummers and vocalists in creating dynamic performances.
- Transcribing vocal rhythms 22:44 She highlights the challenge and artistry of translating vocal melodies into percussion.
- Music's role in movement 35:18 Geneva emphasizes the importance of rhythm in facilitating physical expression through dance.
Selected excerpts
I really love that not just as someone who is a practitioner of music, but the core of it was from listening to music. I love that music puts me in a place where I can dream.
Samba is kind of at the root of so much Brazilian music... it is a kind of music that came out of resistance to union powers. Essentially, it was born out of slaves escaping their plantations and finding a home where they could... express themselves musically.
I think that's such a beautiful interesting thing of like you get to have kind of a conversation with ancestors with your history with your place.
I think the mix really can change every... whether a song is good or not in some ways.
Music is such a great channel for all of that... I think it can really help you.
I think there’s so much room for what that means that doesn't need to be bound so tightly to like perfect... it really depends on what the music is right?
I think that groove complexity even for the so-called simple rhythms is just underappreciated maybe in the popular sense.
FAQ
What are Geneva Harrison's influences in music?
Geneva credits her exposure to jazz, Latin, and Brazilian music from a young age, deeply influencing her rhythmic style and creativity.
How does Geneva Harrison define the elasticity of rhythm?
Geneva explains that elasticity in rhythm allows for a more organic and expressive performance, as opposed to strict adherence to a metronome.
What role does percussion play in live performances according to Geneva?
She believes percussion can significantly elevate the energy in live performances, creating a deeper connection with the audience.
Curated notes only — no public transcript. Listen on the links above.