Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose. Image via www.fridayinathens.com.
I wish I knew who played drums on this irresistible track.
"It's Too Late to Turn Back Now" by Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose is a perfect example of how one little touch on the drums can spark an arrangement. Here I’m thinking of the hi-hat barks that appear in the pre-chorus sections. (The first instance occurs at 0:34.) Note the unexpected placement of this bark, which anticipates the vocal line. Note also the extent of the sonic contrast of the open and closed hi-hat.
Peeeeeeshup!
It leaps out of the track, much like infatuation has leapt up and stung the singer.
Note also the importance of how this move is missing from the verse sections that precede it. This clearing out of the drum arrangement allows the verse to take on a more reflective mood before the pre-chorus sections perk up, leading to the blossoming of the chorus.
None of it would mean anything were it not for the utterly infectious nature of the simple groove.
I looked without success for the identity of this drummer. (If anyone has info, please email me.) Whoever you are, most awesome drummer, a world of listeners thanks you for delivering this song so beautifully.
Thank you for reading.