Features
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.
Andrew Cyrille
Jazz historians would point out that his free and abstract playing with the world-renowned pianist Cecil Taylor shattered conventions of timekeeping and helped redefine the rhythms of modern jazz. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
John Clardy
After years of trolling through the underground, he’s finally found balance—and a musical home—with the progressive indie band Tera Melos. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Melvin Davis
In the ’60s, British kids hungry for exotic American sounds helped resuscitate the careers of countless R&B musicians from the States, a practice that continues to this day. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Ed Shaughnessy
As the most visible drummer on network TV for three decades, he helped America understand what big band drumming was all about. But there was more to his story—much more. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Simon Kirke — Rocklife
In 1970 "AII Right Now" by the band Free became a hit, and almost an anthem. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Anthony J. Cirone — Organic Balance
I've always been intrigued by people who do a variety of things in their careers. My first drum teacher was such a person. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
J.R. Mitchell Creative Survival
J.R. Mitchell is a multi-faceted human being. On the surface, he might seem to be "just" a drummer. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Kwaku Dadey
Kwaku Dadey is the quintessential African master drummer. He comes from a family in Africa that has a rich musical background. There have been master drummers in Kwaku’s family for well over five generations. Kwaku is a musician who not…
Francis Clay
Francis Clay is one of a handful of drummers who helped to create and define blues drumming. Many rhythm section players get very little recognition for their contributions to the blues and other forms of American music. In the evolution…
Steve Nisbett of the Iconic Reggae Band Steel Pulse
He barely knew what to do with a reggae groove when he started his climb to the top of the pops with Steel Pulse. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Leon “Ndugu” Chancler
Ndugu. The name in Swahili means "Earth Brother." In drumming, Ndugu Leon Chancler's aura is that of a powerhouse, with his head in the stars and his feet planted firmly in the groove—the pulse of the earth. TO READ THE…
Joe LaBarbera — Goal Achiever
Sometimes, jazz just seems to run in the family. There are the Joneses (Hank, Thad and Elvin), Chuck and Gap Mangione, Tootie, Percy and Jimmy Heath, the Brecker Brothers, the Brubecks (Dave, Darius, Chris and Danny), and the LaBarberas—saxophonist Pat,…
Sandy Nelson
For those who grew up in the '60s, Sandy Nelson needs little introduction. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Def Leppard's Rick Allen
Rick Allen carefully studies his hands, which are blistered already, just a few days into Def Leppard’s tour with Billy Squier. “Yeah, I’ve often thought about it,” he says, examining one especially calloused finger, “how playing the drums has totally…
