| The clave is the timekeeper of Latin music and dance, rooted in African syncopation. |
| It is in a comfortable key with limited chromaticism, employs only basic syncopation and has frequent rests. |
| James P. Johnson was the prime innovator of stride piano. He embellished basic ragtime syncopation, beginning with a general increase in tempo. |
| Eventually, everyone sang along with the flowing melody while moving about the room in syncopation. |
| There are no breaks, no fills, little syncopation, and the beats rarely drop out. |
| The harmonies become slightly more astringent, and one hears a new fascination with cross-rhythms and syncopation. |
