What do The Prodigy, Linkin Park, and Big L all have in common? They are just a few of the countless artists who have all sampled the same beat from a 1973 rhythm and blues track by a funk group called Skull Snaps.
As Adam Page explains during his new Fringe show Big Beats, this drum loop is one of his favourites to experiment with, and it is one of many famous beats that he makes his own throughout the evening.
“Not many people know Skull Snaps, but this beat has appeared on literally hundreds of hip-hop and rap recordings,” says the renowned Adelaide muso, who is surrounded on stage by a drum pad, keyboard, synth, an arsenal of percussion tools, effects pedals and, of course, his saxophone.
Page explains the story behind each of his chosen beats, which he then transforms and layers with synth bass lines, jazzy flute riffs, percussion loops and more. Tapping his pedal-operated loop station, his feet are just as busy as his hands, which are busily picking up and putting down instruments, drum sticks and saxophone.
Each track is catchy, clever and creative. His ability to intricately layer multiple melodies, jumping from one instrument to the next, shows incredible preparation and memory. Furthermore, much of the show is improvised and a display of Page’s top jazz pedigree.
Just when it sounds like he has a full 10-piece band behind him, the musician taps his foot to quieten the song and works into a soulful sax line. He then drops the beat back in at the right moment to crescendo with a soaring saxophone solo, welcomed by the applause of the crowd.
Page flexes his musical muscle by reconstructing a famous beat in a quirky 15/8 time signature, layered with a Stranger Things-inspired synth line. The sources of other drum beats, creatively reimagined, include John Bonham (from Led Zeppelin) and Clyde Stubblefield (who played with James Brown).
The crowd’s attention falters a little at times when the bearded muso is focused on layering parts of his show, but that is part of the experience. His fun, amiable personality shows through between tracks as he brings the audience along on his musical journey.
The recipe for each track is somewhat similar, starting with the beat and adding bass, synths and percussion, but the soaring sax lines are the highlight.
Get InReview in your inbox – free each Saturday. Local arts and culture – covered.
Thanks for signing up to the InReview newsletter.
Totally original, entertaining and appealing to all ages, Big Beats will please fans and musicians of many genres, and anyone who can appreciate the work of one of Adelaide’s finest and creative musical minds in action.
Adam Page is performing Big Beats at The Pyramid @ Fool’s Paradise (Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga) each night until Sunday, March 5.
Read more 2023 Adelaide Fringe stories and reviews on InReview here.
Support local arts journalism
Your support will help us continue the important work of InReview in publishing free professional journalism that celebrates, interrogates and amplifies arts and culture in South Australia.
Donate Here
