The Polyrhythm Odyssey: A Journey Through Time

In The Polyrhythm Odyssey, Camille Bigeault explores several topic related to polyrhythms, presenting an approachable method for understanding and incorporating these often-confusing ideas into your drumming. Specifically, the books covers: polyrhythms; polymeters; metric modulation; ostinatos; subdivisions; note groupings; rhythmic illusions; and more.

The 128-page book explains the difference between polyrhythm and polymeter, then presents practice suggestions and tips for absorbing these concepts. Bigeault begins with an 11-note theme that was her first experience with polyrhythm; this is used to introduce her approach to learning odd groupings and playing over ostinatos. Note groupings are fully explored and explained, then used to create advanced grooves. Groupings of 5 and 7 are detailed, and examples are presented in a wide variety of time signatures. Playing note groupings with one hand alongside binary or ternary beats on the other hand is also explored. Several useful tips are included, which are applicable to material beyond the book.