Jeff Porcaro
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.
12 MD Cover Artists on Playing for the Song From the Modern Drummer Archives
As we honor Charlie Watts in this special tribute issue, we wanted to take a look back at how some other drummers accomplished what Watts did so brilliantly—which was create parts and arrangements that enhanced the song. A lot of…
Jeff Porcaro
It’s About Time Initially, we were scheduling a short review of long-time MD contributor Robyn Flans’ book on Jeff Porcaro, It’s About Time: Jeff Porcaro, The Man and His Music. Then, we thought about it for a second. This is…
“Gaucho”
In It’s About Time: Jeff Porcaro, The Man and His Music, author Robyn Flans relates the story that the title track to Steely Dan’s Gaucho album was nearly cut when the musicians couldn’t get a good take, causing Donald Fagen…
What Song Are You Working on Now?
“Metropolis—Part I” by Dream Theater .@ptrlcc “Chemical Warfare” by Slayer .@nickkcuevas “Hemispheres” by Rush . The first section is so tough on the hi-hat.@mconrad332 “Around the World” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers .@_rywill22 “Just like Heaven” by the Cure…
Steve Lukather on Five Jeff Porcaro Toto Tracks (Plus Five Non-Toto Ones!)
Back in 1977, after doing sessions in L.A. for a number of top acts and appearing on many hit records together, keyboardist David Paich and drummer Jeff Porcaro decided to write, record, and tour for themselves.
Jimmy Bralower — Creating Illusion
Some people think of Jimmy Bralower as the enemy. Why? Because the man makes his living programming drum machines for records. This is the guy who’s putting drummers out of work. Or is he? Jeff Porcaro once remarked that he…
Mark Sanders
At only 28, Mark Sanders is a veteran. Mark has toured with major acts and free-lanced in the L.A. megalopolis, recorded critically acclaimed albums, and done demo and jingle work. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
L.A. Studio Drummers Roundtable, Part 2
For a long time, a shroud of mystery covered the fact that our favorite groups on vinyl were not always the same individuals we saw in concert. Certainly the records never revealed anything to the contrary. But as the facts…
The 50 Greatest Drummers of All Time
Whose playing endures through the decades? Whose music do we reach for when we want new ideas? When we want to practice? When we want to laugh? Who inspires and delights us most? TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO…
Jeff Porcaro
Whether listening to Jeff Porcaro on vinyl or watching him in the studio or on a live gig, a multitude of adjectives come to mind. First and foremost is finesse: an artful delicacy of performance, a tastefulness and subtlety. TO…
Do Self-Taught Drummers Play Better?
Some well-known drummers, who have never taken lessons, play very well. Other well-known drummers, who have studied for years, also play very well. Drummers who have not studied sometimes tend to be critical of those who have. The following defensive…
Mike Porcaro
August 5, 2012, was the twentieth anniversary of revered studio and stage drummer Jeff Porcaro’s untimely passing.
Joe and Jeff Porcaro: Like Father, Like Son
Surprisingly enough, much of the drumming heard in today's commercial media is aptly executed by a distinguished pair of performers, both of the same family, but of two different generations. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
