The rhythm genius of James Brown

Here's a terrifiic Los Angeles Review of Books podcast in which host Oliver Wang interviews R.J. Smith, author of "The One: The Life and Music of James Brown."

Smith shares great insight into Brown's colorful personality and long, varied career.

But Wang and Smith also spend a lot of time diving into the nitty-gritty of Brown's musical philosophy. Of particular note to me is a fascinating segment beginning at about 17:00 that breaks down the drum track on "I've Got Money" and debates Brown's impact on shifting rhythm patterns in popular music, the difficulty of playing a true shuffle and the contrasts and commonalities of Brown's two main drummers.