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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.

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The Boys Are Back in Town!

Hi, everyone. It feels as though I was just wishing you a happy New Year and we were all freezing in the cold—especially here in the northeast—and now I’m saying, “Happy summer!” TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS…

by Billy Amendola
May 30, 2018

Bubinga Behemoth

Drummer Matt Flacche, based in Marlton, New Jersey, custom-ordered and built this month’s monster setup, a 2017 Tama Starclassic Bubinga kit in satin natural cordia finish. With previous appearances in the September 2003, July 2007, and January 2009 issues, this…

Modern Drummer
Apr 25, 2018

2017 Sydney Vintage and Custom Drum Expo

Australia’s finest craftsmen shine among celebrated international mainstays during a day of exhibits and performances.

Story by Bob Campbell | Photos by Michael Zaluzny
Apr 25, 2018

Ben Riley, Pat Torpey and Z’EV

Jazz drumming great Ben Riley died last November 18. He was eighty-four. Although best remembered for his high-profile 1964–67 tenure with the iconic pianist Thelonious Monk, Riley enjoyed a fruitful six-decade career supporting a lengthy roster of jazz luminaries, including…

Modern Drummer
Apr 25, 2018

Miles Davis and John Coltrane, Mike Mangini with Into the Great Divide, Legend of the Seagullmen with Danny Carey, and more

RECORDINGS Miles Davis & John Coltrane The Final Tour: The Bootleg Series, Vol. 6 Wes Montgomery In Paris: The Definitive ORTF Recording Two releases of fabled, much-bootlegged European jazz concerts are finally given proper treatment with remastered sound and impressive…

Modern Drummer
Apr 25, 2018
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Diego Arcaute with Juana Molina

Whether playing odd-time indie electronica, contemporary pop, or folkloric acoustic music, the Argentinian drummer brings a seasoned sensitivity and open mind to the studio and the stage.

Article by Adam Budofsky | Photo by Mariko Miura
Apr 25, 2018

Dafnis Prieto on the Dafnis Prieto Big Band’s Back to the Sunset

The prolific Afro-Cuban and jazz connoisseur honors his musical heroes with a heavy ensemble.

Article by Willie Rose | Photo by Henry Lopez
Apr 25, 2018

What’s Your Favorite 1970s Jazz or Fusion Drumming Album?

This month, as we delve into the music and drumming of 1978, we asked our readers and social media followers to name some of their favorite records from the entire decade. Here they weigh in on great ’70s jazz and…

Modern Drummer
Apr 25, 2018

A Year in Transition

There have been numerous landmark events in music history that have made certain years seem more significant than others, such as the death of Johann Sebastian Bach in 1750, which signified the end of the Baroque period, or the dawn…

by Michael Dawson
Apr 25, 2018

The Elf’s Giant

For Eddie “the Elf” Piotrowski of Edison, New Jersey, it took more than ten years of collecting and assembling to build this month’s monster setup. Piotrowski explains that his extensive collection of individual drums and reclaimed sets, which includes a…

Modern Drummer
Mar 28, 2018

Ray Lucas and Frank Capp Remembered

We remember two greats in the world of drumming...Ray Lucas and Frank Capp. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN

Modern Drummer
Mar 28, 2018

The 42nd Annual Percussive Arts Society International Convention and Cascio Music Drummerfest 2017

The 42nd Annual Percussive Arts Society International Convention Clinics and performances abound as the industry’s biggest names gather for drumming’s largest event This past November 8–11, thousands of drummers and percussionists of all levels gathered at the Indiana Convention Center in…

Modern Drummer
Mar 28, 2018
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Belle and Sebastian’s Richard Colburn

For a touring band, life can imitate This Is Spinal Tap in any number of ways, from getting lost backstage to prop and gear malfunctions to, of course, drummers spontaneously combusting. And then there are predicaments that not even the…

by Patrick Berkery
Mar 28, 2018

Terri Lyne Carrington with Lewis Porter, Blake Richardson with Between the Buried and Me, Virgil Donati with IceFish, and More!

RECORDINGS Between the Buried and Me Automata Part I The progressive metal veterans release their highly anticipated eighth full-length album. Drummer BLAKE RICHARDSON somehow takes it up a notch. Once again Blake Richardson’s fluent, musical playing is rendered brilliantly by producer…

Modern Drummer
Mar 28, 2018
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