My new album, 1234! features songs about rhythm. I’ve been thinking about rhythm quite a bit lately. Specifically I’ve been wondering about the best way to introduce the concept to young children. The “tic tick” of a clock. The “beat” of walking down a street. The “pulse” of the heart, the “in & out” of breath, the “tapping” of drums. All good examples but today I figured out when I first fell in love with rhythm. I fell in love with the “rhythm of language” and the noble messenger was the one & only Dr. Suess. He was by far my favorite and I couldn’t get enough of his books when I was a little kid. My dad was a teacher and my mom studied English in college. They really “got” the rhythm of Dr. Suess and that rhythm really got to me. Dr. Suess was such a master of meter and was so meticulous and thorough with his rhythms. I thank my parents so much for reading his books so well. It set me on a path that would last a lifetime. I realize now that when I listen to some my favorite artists who have an extraordinary touch with rhythm (De La Soul, G. Love, Tom Tom Club, James Brown, Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams, Etta James, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings to name very few) it taps into those early experiences with the rhythm of language. Taps into a deep part of my mind (pun intended). Thanks mom & dad and thank you to my hero, Dr. Suess. Oh and BTW, doctor, Happy birthday!
Kurt
