A Plea for Improvisation | Jojo Mayer | TEDxZurich

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

[@mattamponah2597]

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

[@blackwizards1692]

Facts, he makes it looks effortless

[@danielclee1]

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

[@jasperjenkins7729]

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

[@thomaskleinhans2384]

with one hand!

[@adams7786]

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

[@GeorgVoros]

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]

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]

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

[@krioni86sa]

It's about flowers and chess.

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]

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

[@umdiscodevinil]

Such a legend.

[@brandonwalker9245]

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

[@jakubwieczorek01]

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

[@boarhead5573]

Just found myself humming in similar ways when improvising^^

[@foxxwoodmusicstudio4949]

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

[@grandtheftaudio3]

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.

[@werakaczorowska9400]

The best TED talk I have ever watched, seriously

[@johnnhello4913]

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

[@sarahconnor4647]

💕💕💯

[@vienna0810]

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!!

[@billsmith1957]

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

[@bobsmith513]

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.

[@haydenbarnes5110]

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]

I can hardly do that in my primary language!

[@tinobaricic]

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

[@ScienceAppliedForGood]

Such an incredible way to convey information! Mind boggling.

[@sarahconnor4647]

💕

[@tommyaldridge9933]

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

[@LixinQin]

beautiful, reminds me of Bernard Purdie and the birdman movie

[@hmclake1]

Birdman movie drummer is Antonio Sanchez...

[@hameshrai6710]

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 👌

[@lootlord]

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

[@sarahconnor4647]

💕

[@slvshy666]

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

[@gilbertosilva2935]

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

[@drummerjen]

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

[@kristinkoenig7080]

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!

[@GT-fx8fd]

Gotta just love Jojo. What a brilliant musician and philosopher

[@KONAMAN100]

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

[@johnnhello4913]

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

[@Joesfosterdogs]

what is this snare? it is perfection!!!

[@johnnhello4913]

@@Joesfosterdogs I mentioned it in my comment

[@Joesfosterdogs]

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

[@johnnhello4913]

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

[@jeffawake4669]

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.

[@calinpetrescu]

Thank you so much for this lesson, mister Mayer!

always deeply inspiring to listen to Jojo !

[@gttennisandfitness4476]

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

[@macumbamusic6332]

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

[@johnnhello4913]

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

[@joetrollson]

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

[@tomk7131]

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

[@brianmcguire5175]

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!

[@CeaselessDetritus]

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.

[@paigeblack6666]

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

[@xXAccessIsDeniedXx]

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

[@nayrdrumr]

Jojo is amazing

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

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

[@ShravanSamsi]

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

[@hanbo123]

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.

[@slimyelow]

Amazing is who amazing does.

[@DougieL]

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.

[@stefanbregenzer]

Just wow!

[@wolowolowolo]

What brilliant human being...

[@danielefalchetti1732]

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.

[@Khmissa]

Really really wise words

[@NanoverseProductions]

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

[@superjaykramer]

A True Legend!!

[@rodrigoaquinoofficial]

Brilliant!

[@m8discovery]

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

[@houseof192]

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 😅🤣

[@InYourDreams-Andia]

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

[@timfisher5417]

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

[@realitykicksin8755]

Jojo is an artform

[@thepillarsofcreation9170]

The Master! 🙂

[@_djegs.time_]

A free human being

[@FlowEckurt]

This man is a genius 🤩

[@shaitesler8751]

Beyond

[@guillermodelnoche]

Phenomenal!

[@Paintballguru92]

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

[@speedcodedrums4720]

1:24 When the groove starts to possess even the great Jojo. Hahaha

[@MrKeys57]

Of course improvisation is not of lesser value, as Jojo means, but it is volatile, and only present for the moment, as it is meant to be, something unique, inimitable

[@krabbyd9254]

Incredible

[@MrKeys57]

take a baby for example, it has not the structure in its brain to be able to play anything comprehensive, so the movements ,maybe with the rattle, is pure improvisation!

[@sarahconnor4647]

💕💕

[@rigopeligro]

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

[@andreasomenzi5194]

super super talento

[@monstersaint]

Like water, Jojo's playing is.

[@ChristopherStoppiello]

When was good recorded? Dude is talking about our plans being inadequate for the future on the eve of COVID!

[@justinbriginshaw5911]

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

[@diazartmovement]

Any one have the full video??🙏

[@tomashradil3994]

I'm glad he's doing that "hmmmm hmmmm hmmm" thing when improvising... I thought I am mental...

[@Vincent-up6hf]

Ain't nothing but rebounds!

[@patrickmuller9221]

Jo jo ✌️👌👍

[@yoock4652]

와우

[@guywhoplaysgames7894]

jojos bizzare drumventure

[@WestonEriksen]

the audience 👏👏👏👏 the stage 👄👁👁

[@alexg4284]

Mans a genius

[@KonstantinDedreux]

🙏

[@Automat1cJack]

No drummers heard a word he said. We all waiting for his right arm to tire out =P

[@52festival]

multichanel brain

[@disectormusic]

Watch this 3000 times to attain enlightenment.

[@jessdrummer_]

What hi hat is that? I want it. Please answer me.

[@pabloblanco7246]

sabian fierce hihat

[@Quodge]

He's easilly the buddha with the meanest beat of all time

[@thegreatwebstar]

The Ripening

[@davidgomersall7185]

Remember kids, whenever you are faced with a difficult decision in life just ask yourself, WWJD? What Would Jojo Do?

[@robertocalderonabogado1427]

Great speach but the sound of the hi hat for so long becomes annoying.

[@sarahconnor4647]

💕💕💯

[@tousifhabib7868]

coronavirus enters the ted talk conference

[@MrKeys57]

what do you mean by that?

[@mikehawk9461]

I get it but how about playing a non cliche 4/4 groove that is pre thought out. Too cheesy.

[@paulbentley2709]

Are u kidding. Cheese free zone.

[@glengamble526]

Mike Hawk this ain’t a drum clinic...it’s a Ted talk, for the general public. It has to flow, groove and be digestible/understandable for the average person. There’s more going on here than just a drum solo.

[@orti1283]

Haters gonna hate. Try giving such a well articulated speech over complex drumming

[@Leatherfacet]

Love Jojo but this was meh.....

[@blackwizards1692]

Bernard Purdie vibes!

[@paulbentley2709]

Bernard would approve.

[@TheMonk711]

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

[@orti1283]

I was thinking the same!

[@ShanPresents]

Complete with the occasional audible grunts too! :D

[@BitterDawn]

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

[@cliffsmith1305]

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!

[@sarahconnor4647]

💯🎄

[@_beatslayer_]

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

[@cliffsmith1305]

So true! Great observation!

[@Joesfosterdogs]

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]

Buy a thousand dollar Sonor snare!! Problem Solved 🎯

[@Joesfosterdogs]

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

[@jasperjenkins7729]

@@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.🤣🤘😯

[@JLozdrummin]

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

[@aidencoxmusicguy5097]

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

[@davidgomersall7185]

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]

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

[@ericwilhelm2941]

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.

[@fabianschreck4393]

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

[@MrGiorgioud]

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...