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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.
The Sounds We Make
“Chances Are.” Composed by Robert Allen and Al Stillman. Sung by Johnny Mathis. Recorded in Columbia 30th Street Studio, where Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue was also recorded.1957. I was three years old when the Mathis single was released, and I can…
Stefano Ashbridge’s Tama Sunburst Fade Starclassic
This month’s Kit of the Month comes from Los Angeles drummer and teacher Stefano Ashbridge. Stefano’s kit is a Tama Starclassic Maple (Sunburst Fade lacquer) with an array of Zildjian and Sabian cymbals. The drum sizes are a 16×22 bass…
I’m Just Like You!
After the last three years with Modern Drummer, people now seem to be asking me a lot of questions. During my interviews, more drummers are asking me about “me,” and I have NO idea why. I’m just like you, a…
Klook-Mop: A Rhythmic Signature of Bebop
The drum set is a uniquely American instrument that has played a central role in jazz from its inception. The invention of the bass drum pedal enabled one drummer to cover multiple percussion parts, and as the different styles of…
Dirk Verbeuren’s Megadeth Touring Kit
Photos by Jason Mehler Drums: Tama Starclassic Maple Custom – 9×10,10×12,11×13 Rack Toms, 16×16,16×18, Floor Toms, two 18×22 Kick Drums.Snare: 5½x14 Signature Snare.Heads: Evans Drumheads: ST Dry, EC2, EQ3, G2.Cymbals: Meinl – 14” Byzance Brilliant Med Hi-Hat, 18” Classics Custom Dark China, 18”…
Hand-Picked Vinyl October 2024
As the music world continues to see a resurgence in Vinyl (LP’s,) Vinyl Me Please (VMP) is curating and producing some of the best vinyl remasters and pressings around. They are scouring the history of recorded music for forgotten gems…
Out Now October 2024
Modern Drummer is spotlighting new recordings that have the drums at the center of their sound. These recordings might be drummer-led, or just include high-quality, special, or unique drumming and musical performances from the drummer and/or musicians in the band.…
The 2024 Music City Drum Show
The Music City Drum Show, now in its fourth year, once again proved to be a spectacular event; this year it was held at the Nashville Fairgrounds on July 20-21, 2024. The show has grown and evolved significantly since its…
Dennis Chambers’ solo from John Scofield’s “Pick Hits”
Dennis Chambers’ solo on “Pick Hits” from the live recording of the same name is the “soup du jour” this month. I consider Dennis to be on the Mount Rushmore of drummers—a rare group who revolutionized how the rest of…
Joe Boyd: And the Routes of Rhythm Remain: A Journey Through Global Music.
Drummers usually talk about the same drummers, and we all know their names. But producers and music lovers often talk about a different list of drummers. Joe Boyd is one such producer, music lover, and author. In his legendary career…
Brian Thompson: Rack ‘em Up!
This month’s Modern Drummer Kit of the Month comes from Brian Thompson. Brian’s entire kit is mounted on a cool Gibraltar Stealth Docking Station rack consisting of a no-leg hi-hat stand, snare basket, 22” hoop over the bass, and a…
Drums and Sports
Let’s start here. Music is not a sport, and any attempt to make music or drumming into a sporting event where there are winners, losers, best, and worst, is something that I am (basically) against. Healthy competition can be advantageous…
J-Rod Sullivan’s Janet Jackson Touring Kit
Photos by Jason Mehler Drums: Pearl Masters Maple Gum Kit in Piano Black – 7X8 rack tom, 7×10 rack tom, 8×12 rack, 16×16 floor, 16×18 floor, 18×22 kick. Snares: 6.5×14 Pearl Reference 20-ply (main), 8×14 Pearl Reference One (low), 5×12 Pearl…
Hand-Picked Vinyl September 2024
As the music world continues to see a resurgence in Vinyl (LP’s,) Vinyl Me,Please (VMP) is curating and producing some of the best vinyl remasters and pressings around. They are scouring the history of recorded music for forgotten gems and…
