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.
Bill Bruford
Bill Bruford has never attained the widespread fame of Carl Palmer or Billy Cobham. But whenever Bruford's name is mentioned, it is almost invariably prefaced by the term "drummer extraordinaire" or "precise percussionist." TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO…
Max Roach: Back On The Bandstand
Max Roach remains the essential modern drummer. The quality of his work has been proclaimed world-wide as melodic, subtle and intensely musical. Over the last thirty years, jazz percussionists have studied and imitated Roach's unique style. TO READ THE FULL…
Les DeMerle Up Front
Les DeMerle enjoys spending his free time improving his art. Lately, he has found less spare time for such a venture. With a recently completed itinerary of clinics and his new book Jazz/Rock Fusion ready for release, DeMerle is busier…
From The Past - Profile Of A Legend: Dave Tough
Almost without exception, every drummer that has left a mark in the jazz world, will tell you that to some degree, they were influenced by Dave Tough. Who was Dave Tough? TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG…
Chloe Saavedra
It’s often pointed out that life’s changes can be particularly stressful on young musicians who balance a “normal” existence with that of a performer. But anyone who’s been following Chloe Saavedra’s career knows that she seems to not only deal…
Gabor Dornyei
U.K.-based drummer Gabor Dornyei is among the busiest touring player/educators on the international scene. His highly developed technique and advanced proficiency with multi-pedal patterns allow him to explore polyrhythmic, layered ethnic concepts with authenticity and passion. TO READ THE FULL…
John Colpitts
Toeing the line between rigid structure and utter chaos, the drummer for the long-running art-punk band Oneida—who’s also known by Kid Millions or by another of his “taken” names, Man Forever—bangs drums into infinity. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE…
Mark Stepro
He’s as likely to be seen rocking out on late-night TV as he is in war-ravaged conflict zones, playing the role of state-sponsored cultural ambassador. It’s all part of a career defined by balance—between preparation and inspiration, commerce and art,…
Kenny Washington
Busy jazz drummer and longtime MD contributor Paul Wells—who we last heard from in his December 2012 Drummer to Drummer feature with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra’s John Riley—sits down this month with a man that many consider to be the…
One The Cover - Bernard "Pretty" Purdie
What’s left to say about the R&B legend that hasn’t already been said? Some would declare that the outspoken drummer has pretty much covered it all himself, from his vast and unassailable list of performances on pop, soul, jazz, R&B,…
Catching Up With... Corky Laing
During classic rock’s golden era, Corky Laing found great success with guitarist Leslie West and bassist Felix Pappalardi in the proto-metal band Mountain (“Mississippi Queen”), which he’s played with on and off for decades, and with West, Bruce & Laing,…
Catching Up With... Terry Silverlight
Terry Silverlight has covered vast territory as a drummer and composer for recordings, television, and film. As a sideman, he recently played on vibraphonist Dave Shank’s Soundproof, pianist Ted Brancato’s The Next Step—featuring bass great Ron Carter—and Bolero by the…
10 Essential Drummer Autobiographies
The most popular musician autobiographies tend to come from famous singers and guitar heroes. But drummers can tell a tale as well as anyone else. Here’s a ten-pack of proof. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Joe Morello
Joe Morello is a drummer not often written about. The last album to feature Morello was the Dave Brubeck Quartet's 25th Anniversary Reunion. In the liner notes to that album Morello wrote, "It's nice to be remembered when you're old…
