They are used almost solely to play harmony and rhythm.
He began his career playing rhythm and blues in the Newcastle area.
"Jazz musicians were finding young guys such as myself who could play rhythm and blues," he said.
It is also used to reinforce the rhythms played by the trumpets throughout the movement.
Collins remained mostly in the background on this album, playing rhythms primarily.
Williams, who played lead and rhythm, composed nine of the fourteen tracks on the album.
Although today it broadcasts sports news exclusively, the station became famous in the 1950s for playing rhythm and blues.
He currently plays rhythm in the 1980s cover band, "Monteforte".
Playing simultaneous rhythms in more than one time signature is called polymeter.
Percussion instruments may play not only rhythm, but also melody and harmony.