Hi-Hat on “Walking On The Moon” by The Police

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    Stewart Copeland, the drummer for The Police, grew up in Lebanon, Egypt, and England. He was strongly influenced by Arabic rhythms. Skipping the 'One' beat in a measure on many songs. In "Walking On The Moon" from 1979's Reggatta de Blanc, you can hear his use of polyrhythms, which also has a significant effect. It's not your straight-out rock or reggae, that's for sure. 

    His hi-hat work on this tune is entirely unique. To paraphrase, Stewart expressed on a recent YouTube video that Sting would get frustrated with him not sticking to the usual rock backbeat with snare hits on the 2 and 4 (in 4/4 time). No one plays these types of intricate rhythms in rock. Such finesse, superb dynamics, and ever-changing hi-hat rhythms—not to mention the killer delay on the rim shots from his space echo on "Walking On The Moon." 

    Stewart's hi-hat work just adds to the song's minimalist structure. His playing makes me forget about the song's meaning. "Walking back from your house, Walking on the moon" is a young, head-over-healing type of love. Giant steps like walking on cloud nine. Stewart fills in the gaps of Stings and Andy Summer's guitar work yet never overdoes it. It's breathtaking, really. 

    If you can get over the "seemingly boring" minimalist bass and guitar and pay attention to Stewart on this, you'll enjoy the song that much more. Check it out on Spotify: Walking On The Moon.

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