Let the Drums Speak

Recorded in 1975 at Blue Rock Studio in New York City for the Fatback Band's album Yum Yum, with Eddie Korvin and Jim Rathbun engineering and subsequent mixing at Mediasound. Produced by the Fatback Band and arranged by drummer Bill Curtis, the recording features the group's percussion-led ensemble, including Johnny King on guitar, Johnny Flippin on bass, Gerry Thomas on keyboards, George Williams on trumpet and Earl Shelton on saxophone. Released in 1975 on Event Records as part of Yum Yum and as the B-side of 'Yum, Yum (Gimme Some)', 'Let the Drums Speak' placed Bill Curtis's distinctive drumming at the centre of the arrangement. Its extended percussion passages and tightly coordinated instrumental groove exemplified the band's rhythm-focused approach during its mid-1970s recording period. The recording became an influential source of samples for hip-hop producers, including Kanye West, who incorporated elements into Slum Village's 'Selfish' and Common's 'The People'. Bah Samba revisited the composition in 2005 with Fatback Band members Bill Curtis and Johnny Flippin, introducing its rhythmic arrangement to a new generation of listeners.