Jeroen Diepenmaat

"In the basement of the library I came across a little book together with a 7" record. The book is titled 'De muziek van de mens' (The music of man) and it was written by Eugène Brands, one of the Cobra painters. The book describes world music and the 7" has audio fragments to illustrate the diversity and richness of music from all continents.

Brands was a cognoscente of world music and old jazz and blues. A radio documentary recently broadcasted by VPRO program Urubichadie, reveals how dedicated and serious he was looking for new sounds, and how he also liked to share them. In response to both the music and the text I made a series of linocuts which now serve as a cover for my CD 'Drums for Eugène'. The music on the CD also refers to Eugène Brands. The jazzy drums of the first two tracks shift constantly and create new rhythms and patterns. Very much like the patterns in traditional African music.

In 'Drums for Eugène' the rhythms originate from two identical 7" records playing simultaneously. This 7" record is titled 'Philicorda Rhythm Record'. A minimal difference in playback speed causes the drums to play in synch, shift out of synch or play offbeat. After which they slowly interweave again and sound exactly the same at some points. It's a surprising listening experience, where a curious ear can make all kinds of discoveries, both rhythmically and in sound, tone and timbre. I secretly assume that Eugène Brands would have appreciated such an auditory journey." - Jeroen Diepenmaat