Michael Dawson
Modern Drummer is the world’s most widely read drum magazine, is dedicated entirely to the art of drumming and caters to the needs of amateur, semi-pro, and professional drummers.
Video Demo! Gretsch - Renown RN2 Drumset and Full Range Hammered Black Steel Snare
This excerpt is taken from the complete article that appears in the December 2016 issue, which is available here. Product Close-Up Gretsch Renown RN2 Drumset and Full Range Hammered Black Steel Snare More classic appointments to the brand’s top import…
Video Demo! Zildjian - Avedis Series Cymbals
This excerpt is taken from the complete article that appears in the December 2016 issue, which is available here. Product Close-Up Zildjian Avedis Series Cymbals A retro refit of classic ’50s designs for today’s applications. Given the great success of…
VIDEO DEMO! Sugar Percussion Stave-Shell Snares
The excerpt below is taken from the complete article that appears in the July 2015 issue, which is available here. Product Close-Up Sugar Percussion Stave-Shell Snares Discreet design, careful construction, and top-shelf tones. Although it’s a relative newcomer in the…
Product Close-Up: DW Jazz Series Cherry/Gum Bebop Drumset (From April 2015)
The following review was originally published in the April 2015 issue of Modern Drummer, available here. Product Close-Up DW Jazz Series Cherry/Gum Bebop Drumset Warm but punchy. Strong but controlled. Could this be a perfect pairing? DW’s Jazz series has…
Dunnett Classic Drums 2N Series Snares (with Audio)
From the January 2015 issue of Modern Drummer magazine. The tireless Canadian takes a crack at the time-tested center-bead shell…and wins. In 2012, inventor/drum builder Ronn Dunnett released the R4-L, a version of his popular swiveling R4 throw-off that…
Product Close-Up: Canopus New Yaiba Bop and Groove Drumsets (December 2014 Issue)
The complete review of Canopus New Yaiba Bop and Groove Drumsets, which appeared in the December 2014 issue of Modern Drummer magazine. Canopus New Yaiba Bop and Groove Drumsets Although they’ve been updated to be more affordable, these two Japanese-made…
Product Close-Up: Masters of Maple Black Ugly, Bell Brass, and Copper Snares (From the March 2014 Issue)
by Michael Dawson Founded by Southern California–based drum tech/builder Sahir Hanif in 2002, Masters of Maple began as a custom company that manufactured its own ply shells, with a special emphasis on exotic timbers. These days the company also offers…
Todd Sucherman Methods & Mechanics II
DVD LEVEL: ALL $29.99 Conceived in very much the same manner as Sucherman’s original Methods & Mechanics video, which won the award for Best Instructional DVD in the 2009 Modern Drummer Readers Poll, M&M II is a smorgasbord of…
Systems, Book 1 by Ari Hoenig
BOOK LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED $15.99 NYC drummer Ari Hoenig’s new book focuses on coordination systems and different melodic variations to expand your independence and overall musicality. The material isn’t a breeze—even the flam warm-ups require facility and concentration—and…
The Breakbeat Bibleby Mike Adamo
BOOK/MP3 CD LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED $19.99 Part encyclopedia and part progressive practice manual, this soon-to-be-classic 180-page book dissects the foundation of hip-hop—the breakbeat—into thirteen essential drumming elements (offbeat 16ths, open hi-hat, syncopation, buzz strokes, etc.), while offering essential…
The Making of New American Gospelby Chris Adler
BOOK LEVEL: ALL $24.99 Much like his DIY approach to playing drums and building a career with his band Lamb of God, award-winning drummer Chris Adler is carving his own path as author, publisher, and transcriber (with the help…
Steve Jordan: Web Exclusive
(from the October 2010 Issue) by Michael Dawson If you ask Steve Jordan who his favorite drummer is, be prepared to get hit with a never-ending list of influences, ranging from the obvious—like jazz greats Kenny Clarke and Philly…
Steven Drozd: Songwriting From A Drummer’s Perspective
by Michael Dawson Even though Steven Drozd originally joined the Flaming Lips in 1991 strictly to man the skins, it wasn’t long before the multi-talented musician’s “try anything” twist on songwriting and arranging became as crucial to the band’s successes…
Benny Greb: Breaking Down The Language Of Drumming
by Michael Dawson German drum star Benny Greb has a lot to talk about these days. Not only has he been steadily climbing the ranks as one of the world’s premier clinicians–he’s been a huge hit at major industry events…
