A Plea for Improvisation | Jojo Mayer | TEDxZurich

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  • Опубліковано 22 бер 2020
  • Jojo Mayer examines improvisation beyond common notions about artistic performance, but as a curious and hopeful response to a fast approaching future. Jojo Mayer began playing drums as an autodidact, and had his first public performance at age 2 with his father’s band. In the late 90’s he started to explore the area between human performance and robotization in music. He pioneered the reverse engineering of programmed drumbeats on acoustic drums in realtime. The work with his band NERVE further translated the mostly premeditated syntax of electronic music into an impro format and influenced a whole generation of bands and musicians. Besides performing and producing, Jojo is also a speaker and educator. His tutorials on drumming and product design for musical instruments are award winning international bestsellers. Modern drummer Magazine lists him among the “50 greatest drummers of all time”. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

КОМЕНТАРІ • 188

  • @GeorgVoros
    @GeorgVoros 7 місяців тому +12

    I'm lucky. I've met Jojo. We played at the same drum event, we ate dinner and talked and talked. He graciously modified my Moeller technique. He spoke about life, drums, his band and it was wonderful. Jojo is not only a masterful drummer, but also a masterful human being. And a highly talented magician... but that's another story. This TED talk is mind blowingly authentic and the most enthralling one I've watched. Wonderful stuff Jojo. Thank you.

    • @louiesimon5292
      @louiesimon5292 3 місяці тому

      Great to hear. Is he rocking his forearm to drive the 16ths? I have his instructional videos and have been practicing them for years, but this is next-level stuff. I'm amazed.

  • @vergedrums
    @vergedrums 4 роки тому +190

    This video is not about drumming. It's about life. Possibly the most important TED talk I've ever seen. Wonderful.

    • @krioni86sa
      @krioni86sa 3 роки тому +2

      It's about flowers and chess.

  • @mattamponah2597
    @mattamponah2597 4 роки тому +186

    He plays 16th notes on the hi hat effortlessly. That’s Some of the best technique in the world.

    • @blackwizards1692
      @blackwizards1692 4 роки тому +3

      Facts, he makes it looks effortless

    • @danielclee1
      @danielclee1 3 роки тому +1

      I was wondering if they were 16th triplets? Are they actually 16ths straight? That's hard.

    • @jasperjenkins7729
      @jasperjenkins7729 3 роки тому +16

      "Best Technique in the World" ??
      YES, JOJO would qualify.
      Top 3 Drummer of ALL time if I can spit my 2 cents.

    • @thomaskleinhans2384
      @thomaskleinhans2384 3 роки тому

      with one hand!

    • @adams7786
      @adams7786 3 роки тому +3

      @@danielclee1 I'm commenting before I finish the video but they are straight 16ths. 1 e + a 2 e + a....etc

  • @haydenbarnes5110
    @haydenbarnes5110 3 роки тому +60

    This guy is a really good speaker. Like, really good. Speaking in a second language, whilst preoccupied with improvising around the drums. Speaking clearly with a good message and lots to take away. I'm absolutely floored

    • @nicorellius
      @nicorellius 2 роки тому

      I can hardly do that in my primary language!

  •  4 роки тому +148

    Simply - WOW! This is a jaw-dropping artistic performance on a master level.
    I don't think many people actually understood what he pulled off in front of their eyes. And I mean not just instrumentally, but also philosophically. Not to mention the public speaking features of his performance.
    A) It is very hard to make your voice a part of your drum performance, even when "only" speaking. And the tempo he's playing the 16 notes with one hand in the beginning would wear down an average drummer's hand quickly. Overall technique of his performance is a result of decades of training.
    B) If you were ever interested in public speaking and attended Toastmasters or something similar, you know that it takes a huge balls to present your message in this way. And notice he haven't made a single mistake (e.g. he didn't drop his drumsticks or lost a track with his speech).
    C) He delivered a great quality philosophical statement through its simultaneous live creation. He was one with his message on the stage. An exceptional art.
    This was hands down one of the most powerful TED talks I've ever seen.

    • @karllsauter
      @karllsauter 2 роки тому +4

      What's more is English is his second language. Unbelievable!!

    • @umdiscodevinil
      @umdiscodevinil Рік тому

      Such a legend.

  • @jakubwieczorek01
    @jakubwieczorek01 4 роки тому +82

    I'm glad i was able to hear the noises he makes during his solos. That's how drumming really works

    • @boarhead5573
      @boarhead5573 4 роки тому +4

      Just found myself humming in similar ways when improvising^^

    • @foxxwoodmusicstudio4949
      @foxxwoodmusicstudio4949 4 роки тому +9

      I was stoked to hear that too. cuz i do it all the time and have often wondered if i should try and stop it. lol

  • @blackwizards1692
    @blackwizards1692 4 роки тому +79

    Bernard Purdie vibes!

    • @paulbentley2709
      @paulbentley2709 4 роки тому +5

      Bernard would approve.

    • @TheMonk711
      @TheMonk711 4 роки тому +2

      I was just thinking, who does this remind me of???? You hit the nail on the head. Legend!

    • @orti1283
      @orti1283 3 роки тому

      I was thinking the same!

    • @shanjeevreddy5845
      @shanjeevreddy5845 3 роки тому +3

      Complete with the occasional audible grunts too! :D

    • @BitterDawn
      @BitterDawn 3 роки тому +1

      Ironically I listened to the Purdie shuffle right before I found this.

  • @cliffsmith1305
    @cliffsmith1305 3 роки тому +11

    This is, without exaggeration, one of the very best ted "talks" I have ever seen! Talk about the ability to connect mind, body, and spirit... This man has it!

  • @grandtheftaudio3
    @grandtheftaudio3 2 роки тому +6

    This is an unbelievable masterclass of five way independence. Anyone that doesnt play drums and (some that do) have no idea how impossible this is. He is better that you think he is. One of the best.

  • @brandonwalker9245
    @brandonwalker9245 3 роки тому +35

    Not only is he a talented musician, he is a philosopher

  • @_beatslayer_
    @_beatslayer_ 3 роки тому +14

    His ability to communicate with words is rising to the level of his drumming! Awesome.

  • @werakaczorowska9400
    @werakaczorowska9400 2 роки тому +2

    The best TED talk I have ever watched, seriously

  • @JLozdrummin
    @JLozdrummin 3 роки тому +7

    This man is playing intricate rhythm and speaking intricate words. This man is simply brilliant.

  • @ericwilhelm2941
    @ericwilhelm2941 Рік тому +2

    Jojo is SO in tune with Humankind . he knows something is coming at us. and the most important part for all of us is IMPROVISATION
    he is also correct about the School System that does not encourage to be playful and stay playful , Minimizes Imagination. I am talking your average Public School System. thank you Jojo for this very deep Presentation and beautiful Performance.

  • @vienna0810
    @vienna0810 3 роки тому +14

    What's amazing to me (aside from the legendary drumming) is the fact he can also speak so clearly without any stutters, filler words etc. Awesome!!

  • @johnnhello4913
    @johnnhello4913 4 роки тому +23

    I watch JoJo Mayer videos every day and I want to thank you (JoJo) for going back to do another Tedx and doing this.

  • @bobsmith513
    @bobsmith513 3 роки тому +10

    That was deep. I have a whole new respect for this guy. There are a million talented drummers out there with loads of technique and talent. He just took it to another level with this video.

  • @fabianschreck4393
    @fabianschreck4393 3 роки тому +4

    It‘s so sweet how he hums and does other noices while soloing to orchestrate.

  • @billsmith1957
    @billsmith1957 Рік тому +2

    In all the reading and learning I've done about Jojo (which is not near enough as of yet), there is one word that many often use with describing him as a musician and a human being: Astonishing

  • @nicorellius
    @nicorellius 2 роки тому +1

    JoJo often talks about music and drumming in the context of life. His perspective is one of the most enlightened I've ever witnessed.

  • @LixinQin
    @LixinQin 4 роки тому +26

    beautiful, reminds me of Bernard Purdie and the birdman movie

    • @hmclake1
      @hmclake1 3 роки тому +3

      Birdman movie drummer is Antonio Sanchez...

  • @aidencoxmusicguy5097
    @aidencoxmusicguy5097 3 роки тому +13

    His talking is almost like in time with his drumming which is awesome

    • @davidgomersall7185
      @davidgomersall7185 3 роки тому +3

      Have a search for Bernard Purdie doing a lesson on the Purdie Shuffle on Drumeo. Not as philosophical but good for the soul in a different way.

    • @albo3music
      @albo3music 25 днів тому

      Thats entirely on purpose! Talking and playing is much, MUCH easier if you talk along with the rhythm

  • @tommyaldridge9933
    @tommyaldridge9933 5 місяців тому +1

    His drumming brilliance is only a tip of the proverbial iceberg. Bless you Jojo…

  • @drummerjen
    @drummerjen 4 роки тому +12

    Wow many will not understand his video. I think I found music and my purpose again. And now of to making music and not just hitting things

  • @MrGiorgioud
    @MrGiorgioud 3 роки тому +3

    My favourite drummer of modern times. In the 1990s I was, with my then-band, experimenting a fusion between dissonant Rock a’ la Pixies or Sonic Youth and the exciting Jungle rhythms with Reggae basslines which were coming from inner city London. We knew the scene very well, as we always ended up in Brixton or Kings Cross or the darkest recesses of Soho afterhours in ceaseless search of nefarious chemical pastimes. With such a drummer we could have dispensed with the loops that sometimes we were forced to use in order to replicate the ultra-fast Jungle beats. A giant of a musician, no doubt.....I don’t wanna even go into the didactic aspect of this awesome performance....I’d praise the man from here to eternity...

  • @gilbertosilva2935
    @gilbertosilva2935 3 роки тому +5

    This video is too good. Drumming while having a speach, like him, Jojo.. it's not a joke.

  • @kristinkoenig7080
    @kristinkoenig7080 3 роки тому +3

    Ich durfte sie, Herr Mayer, gestern in Dresden während des Drum and Bass Festival bewundern. Ich habe noch nie solch einen großartigen Ausnahmekünstler erlebt. Ich war so geflasht und sprachlos. Vielen, vielen Dank!

  • @ScienceAppliedForGood
    @ScienceAppliedForGood 4 роки тому +20

    Such an incredible way to convey information! Mind boggling.

  • @tinobaricic
    @tinobaricic 4 роки тому +19

    Improvisation is fluidity in creativity, as Jojo clearly demonstrated! Getting and looking better and better as he gets (b)older! Thank you.

  • @lootlord
    @lootlord 4 роки тому +12

    Found this man through spotify and it led em to here. Dope.

  • @DougieL
    @DougieL 5 днів тому

    As somebody who improvises at every given chance, I had to click out in just over 2 mins because I got bored... Jojo is a complete legend. Bye.

  • @Joesfosterdogs
    @Joesfosterdogs 4 роки тому +17

    this is the PERFECT snare tone for me...i mean perfection!!! if i could get this tone consistently i would be done searching for Ms Right! whatever combo of events made for this, it is complete...the construction of this hall, the snare heads, snare drum, how he hits...game over! i rarely feel this way about a drum sound...

    • @jasperjenkins7729
      @jasperjenkins7729 3 роки тому

      Buy a thousand dollar Sonor snare!! Problem Solved 🎯

    • @Joesfosterdogs
      @Joesfosterdogs 3 роки тому +2

      @@jasperjenkins7729 --much more complicated than that...

    • @jasperjenkins7729
      @jasperjenkins7729 3 роки тому

      @@Joesfosterdogs its JOJO so I understand its MUCH more complicated than that.
      But I looked up THAT snare.
      27 plys of Beech wood!!!
      Made by Sonor.
      THAT is a serious snare.
      And UNDER 1k !!!!
      That's Great for a Sonor.🤣🤘😯

  • @hameshrai6710
    @hameshrai6710 3 роки тому +6

    Philosophy on art after arduous years of hard work and experiences for that perfection. You speak through the core aspects of wisdom of an art, which also relates to way of life. Perfect 👌

  • @slvshy666
    @slvshy666 2 роки тому +1

    Incredible how intelligent this guy is. Absolutely a talent with a beautiful and very thoughtful provoking message that should be listened to and appreciated.

  • @tomk7131
    @tomk7131 4 роки тому +8

    The way he was speaking was kind of rhythmic and melodic. I wouldn't be surprised if he remembered his speech by making it into a melody that he could play drums to. I bet he transcribed the whole thing. This wasn't just him talking freely over a drum beat. I dont think

  • @jeffawake4669
    @jeffawake4669 2 роки тому +1

    That 16th shuffle is amazing! He just glides through like it's so easy. Kinda reminds me of a reggae 16th note shuffle a little.

  • @KONAMAN100
    @KONAMAN100 3 роки тому +2

    What a masterclass, astonishing playing. Seriously he is one of the best in the top echelon of elite drummers.

  • @hanbo123
    @hanbo123 7 місяців тому

    I want all the non-drummers out there to appreciate how insanely hard it is to play those 16th notes with one hand, at that speed. It's amazing.

  • @calinpetrescu
    @calinpetrescu 4 роки тому +4

    Thank you so much for this lesson, mister Mayer!

  •  4 роки тому +3

    always deeply inspiring to listen to Jojo !

  • @johnnhello4913
    @johnnhello4913 4 роки тому +12

    It's great that you're using the ol earth snare again

    • @Joesfosterdogs
      @Joesfosterdogs 4 роки тому +1

      what is this snare? it is perfection!!!

    • @johnnhello4913
      @johnnhello4913 4 роки тому

      @@Joesfosterdogs I mentioned it in my comment

    • @Joesfosterdogs
      @Joesfosterdogs 4 роки тому

      @@johnnhello4913 kinda...is it Sonor? Size? Easily one of the best tones I ever heard

    • @johnnhello4913
      @johnnhello4913 4 роки тому

      @@Joesfosterdogs kinda what? You might get some results if you type in the name of snare I mentioned in Google

  • @brianmcguire5175
    @brianmcguire5175 11 місяців тому

    Some linguists had theorised that humans innately improvise language production when uttering responses based on unexpected external stimuli. And so the explanation Mayer offers here is further supported by sciences outside of his expertise of music. He is very much alligned with many of his biology or linguistic field counterparts with his own discoveries he reveals here. One linguist famously argued that any utterance from any human being in correspondence to any external stimuli or prompt is a pure example of improvisation or individual invention. The arguement he gave was that it was the response that person gave in accordance to that situation and as informed by that person's understanding bof the external factor and then how that person felt they could best respond or correspond to it. I'm other words, the theory is that even of one were to take inspiration from another source and then repeat a verbatim response from that source to a certain present scenario they were facing at that time, their response (even if word scripted by another influence outside of themself)would be a real and live improvised situationally appropriate response from the present party as far as anyone else was concerned. Improvisation isn't inventing the invented. Improvisation is the response to immediate circumstance without prior planning. If after the fact one could deconstruct other influences or seemingly mechanical response habitual behaviour, the theory carries that improvisation was still in affect by virtue of lack of planning for the unexpected stimuli and also the quick generated response from the responder. I've heard musicians play the same licks in certain situations but I always knew when that recreated lick was placed choicely and honestly withing a solo performance. Habit isn't something you've done before! Habit is something you don't choose to do! Improvisation then is something you may well have done a million times but now is something you did more organically and not by
    Mere default as such. Language is the same like Mayer's musical theory. We use the same words everyday and in similar order but our own individual instinct that allows us to calculate our own personal response to certain external stimuli proves beyond doubt our universal ability to improvise!

  • @StringsOfAndersen
    @StringsOfAndersen 3 роки тому +2

    Very precise on every level of communication. That is inspiring

  • @ShravanSamsi
    @ShravanSamsi 2 роки тому

    Genius !! Thank you for guiding us.. ♥️🙏🏼

  • @monstersaint
    @monstersaint 3 роки тому

    Yes! Jojo, thanks so much for this, as a drummer you really hit home.

  • @rodrigoaquinoofficial
    @rodrigoaquinoofficial 4 роки тому +2

    Brilliant!

  • @GT-fx8fd
    @GT-fx8fd 3 роки тому +2

    Gotta just love Jojo.
    What a brilliant musician and philosopher

  • @macumbamusic6332
    @macumbamusic6332 3 роки тому +1

    beyond inspiring , what a truly great master you are love you!!

  • @grahazamrud7207
    @grahazamrud7207 4 роки тому +3

    Absolutely genius..

  • @Khmissa
    @Khmissa 4 роки тому +1

    Really really wise words

  • @xXAccessIsDeniedXx
    @xXAccessIsDeniedXx 2 роки тому

    To be in the audience… jojo is such a treat!

  • @udomatthiasdrums5322
    @udomatthiasdrums5322 4 роки тому +1

    still love your attitude and your musical drumming since Intergalactic maiden ballet band!

  • @TheTouchy1
    @TheTouchy1 4 роки тому

    Love this guy!!!

  • @paigeblack6666
    @paigeblack6666 4 роки тому +3

    Outstanding.true session player .truly thoughtful. Ya tht wonderland between1&2. I call it the ( vvoid)

  • @gttennisandfitness4476
    @gttennisandfitness4476 3 роки тому

    JO JO Mayer what a speech....absolutely brilliant and such a strong message. Thank you mate

  • @wolowolowolo
    @wolowolowolo 3 роки тому

    What brilliant human being...

  • @jacobchavez6039
    @jacobchavez6039 2 роки тому

    Wow love this!

  • @TurgutAlpBekoglu
    @TurgutAlpBekoglu 4 роки тому

    Thanks for sharing.. again..

  • @CeaselessDetritus
    @CeaselessDetritus 2 роки тому +1

    This is the kind of drummer I always wanted to be. I understood this at 15 years old but, was considered kind of crazy and eccentric. I gave up drumming at 26. This world looks upon certain expressions of intelligence like an illness, the irony is that mindset is the illness.

  • @slimyelow
    @slimyelow 3 роки тому +2

    Amazing is who amazing does.

  • @PatrickBuzoDrums
    @PatrickBuzoDrums 4 роки тому +1

    I looooove jojo!!!!

  • @kohelet910
    @kohelet910 4 роки тому

    Fantastic Jojo

  • @Qqqqzzzzznnnt
    @Qqqqzzzzznnnt 3 роки тому

    This is so good.........

  • @joetrollson
    @joetrollson 3 роки тому

    That man jumped from genious to hero in 1 phrase. At least in my book. Thank you again!

  • @guillermodelnoche
    @guillermodelnoche 3 роки тому

    Phenomenal!

  • @johnnhello4913
    @johnnhello4913 4 роки тому +5

    For just a second, It sounds like - to listen is to love - at 0:12 and at the end

  • @nayrdrumr
    @nayrdrumr 4 місяці тому

    Jojo is amazing

  • @superjaykramer
    @superjaykramer 3 роки тому

    A True Legend!!

  • @krabbyd9254
    @krabbyd9254 4 роки тому

    Incredible

  • @stefanbregenzer
    @stefanbregenzer 2 роки тому

    Just wow!

  • @RolfWamFjell
    @RolfWamFjell 3 роки тому +1

    Beautiful! And NICE tip of the hat to Tower Of Power - Squib Cakes (Drummer: David Garibaldi) at 4:27 : )

  • @MrBostonrobb
    @MrBostonrobb 2 роки тому

    That's fahkin stunning.

  • @paulbentley2709
    @paulbentley2709 4 роки тому +2

    So nailed to the floor, fantastic. I love it. Order from chaos 7:56, wow.

  • @davidezecchi450
    @davidezecchi450 4 роки тому

    JOJO NUMBER ONE!!!!

  • @danielefalchetti1732
    @danielefalchetti1732 2 роки тому

    Jojo hai fatto una grande performance , non è facile tenere sedicesimi così di continuo sul hi hat , hai un grande senso del ritmo con una padronanza perfetta ,mi è piaciuto molto quello che hai suonato e spiegato , bello vederti suonare ,ciao ,da un batterista Italiano che ama il ritmo.

  • @NanoverseProductions
    @NanoverseProductions 2 роки тому

    Jo jo Mayer giving off Bob Ross vibes in this video. Fcking love it

  • @babar69110
    @babar69110 Рік тому

    JOJO again !! Master

  • @slavestudio
    @slavestudio 3 роки тому +1

    Totally true !

  • @FlowEckurt
    @FlowEckurt Рік тому

    This man is a genius 🤩

  • @timfisher5417
    @timfisher5417 2 роки тому

    Came here for the drums. Got a life lesson. Great day!

  • @monstersaint
    @monstersaint 3 роки тому +2

    "Technique creates order from chaos."

  • @houseof192
    @houseof192 3 роки тому +4

    Its a skill in of its self to talk and drum at the same time and he was able to do a Ted talk and drum 😅🤣

  • @thepillarsofcreation9170
    @thepillarsofcreation9170 Рік тому

    The Master! 🙂

  • @shaitesler8751
    @shaitesler8751 3 роки тому

    Beyond

  • @xXEvangelXx
    @xXEvangelXx Рік тому

    0:23 that little ghosted accent is so cheeky, Jojo is a madman lmao

  • @Paintballguru92
    @Paintballguru92 2 роки тому

    That's the last time I ever practice paradiddles. Hah! Thank you Jojo!

  • @user-wy4qp9bm5c
    @user-wy4qp9bm5c 8 місяців тому

    SUPER!❤🎉😮😊

  • @realitykicksin8755
    @realitykicksin8755 3 роки тому +1

    Jojo is an artform

  • @raffaelescarpa1105
    @raffaelescarpa1105 4 роки тому

    si gruoss!!!! =great

  • @InYourDreams-Andia
    @InYourDreams-Andia 2 роки тому

    Improv. its the edge that it gives me , too. :)

  • @daveylong3089
    @daveylong3089 3 роки тому

    Brilliant

  • @alexg4284
    @alexg4284 3 роки тому

    Mans a genius

  • @_djegs.time_
    @_djegs.time_ 2 роки тому

    A free human being

  • @m8discovery
    @m8discovery 8 місяців тому

    4:25 - "as a game"
    *proceeds with a phrase from mario theme*
    that's a brilliant example of mussical narration

  • @andreasomenzi5194
    @andreasomenzi5194 9 місяців тому

    super super talento

  • @monstersaint
    @monstersaint 3 роки тому

    Like water, Jojo's playing is.

  • @patrickmuller9221
    @patrickmuller9221 4 роки тому +2

    Jo jo ✌️👌👍

  • @justinbriginshaw5911
    @justinbriginshaw5911 3 роки тому

    What are his secondary hi-hat and stacks there??

  • @Vincent-up6hf
    @Vincent-up6hf 3 роки тому

    Ain't nothing but rebounds!

  • @rigopeligro
    @rigopeligro 3 роки тому

    Damn, it’s hard to play so freely while playing heavy 16ths on the hats. He does it all while giving a lecture. Shieeet.