[quote name='endorka' post='740700' date='Feb 10 2010, 10:17 AM']Ok, to re-iterate:
Playing behind or ahead of the beat, as you say, are subtle, consistent rhythmic devices that affect the feel of a tune sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse, depending on how appropriately they are applied. If done well - and it is a *lot* harder to do this than many people think - they can improve a piece.
Rushing or dragging is a problem with a musician's timing, and I have yet to find any situation where it has a positive effect.
Jennifer[/quote]
As Jennifer's explanation is the only one I've understood in this thread, I thoroughly agree with her.
I also agree that playing off the beat is a lot a harder than many think. What often happens is you get 'musicians' boasting that they play off the beat when in actual fact they are simply playing out of time. I play off the beat all the time, others say I can't keep time