Portraits

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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Tony Mason - NYC Pocket Master

New York native Tony Mason, one of NYC’s most in-demand drummers, has a reputation built on his fierce backbeat, soulful timing, and undeniable groove. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN

Ry Rick Moe
Mar 19, 2018

Amadeus

Trey Songz tour drummer and musical director Antwan J. Thompson always had big plans for himself. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN

by Billy Amendola
Feb 9, 2018

Squidly Cole

He’s always ready to draw from decades’ worth of classic Jamaican sounds in the service of his own cutting-edge recordings, the music of the extended Marley family, and hits by international artists like Lauryn Hill and Joss Stone. TO READ…

by Robin Tolleson
Jan 30, 2018

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…

by Charles M. Bernstein
Jan 23, 2018

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…

by Charles M. Bernstein
Jan 23, 2018
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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

by Robyn Flans
Jan 18, 2018

Dr. Ralph LaFemina Exploring New Directions

The fact that Dr. Ralph LaFemina was never a performer in the big leagues of music, or that he's a practicing psychologist rather than a full-time musician, does not detract from his contribution to drumming. TO READ THE FULL STORY:…

by Charlie Perry
Jan 10, 2018

Dottie Dodgion

Don’t make the mistake of asking Dottie Dodgion what it’s like being a female drummer. “I’m so tired of that,” she’s likely to answer. “I’ve been asked that a million times, and being a woman really has nothing to do…

By Katherine Alleyne
Jan 10, 2018

Bruno Carr

Bruno Carr is not a household name with most drummers. But if you could ask Billie Holiday, Ray Charles, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Michael Franks, Aretha Franklin, Monte Alexander, Stanley Turrentine, Roy Ayers or King Curtis who Bruno Carr is,…

By Jeff Fish
Jan 5, 2018

J.C. Heard

J.C. Heard is relaxing in the living room of his modest apartment in Troy, Michigan. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN

by Mark B. Lipson
Dec 18, 2017

Archie Alleyne

The funny thing is, that in some circles, Archie Alleyne is known as a restaurateur. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN

by Katherine Alicia Black
Dec 12, 2017

Kenwood Dennard

At the age of 25, Kenwood Dennard is in a position many drummers would envy. For the past two years he has been playing in one of the top groups in the world, Manhattan Transfer. TO READ THE FULL STORY:…

By Ronald Hayek & David Corsi
Dec 5, 2017
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Warren Cohen: Under The Big Top

SF: What does it take to become a circus drummer? WC: You have to be familiar with every style of music and drumming. Latin, rock, shows, marches, contemporary, disco. You have to have all those in mind and be comfortable…

by Scott K. Fish
Nov 21, 2017

Jack Sperling

Jack Sperling's experience with big bands, combos, show and studio conductors, network staff groups and as back-up drummer for star performers would be difficult to match—and this shows no sign of letting up. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO…

by Tracy Borst
Nov 16, 2017
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