modern drummer
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.
Catching Up With Rod Morgenstein
“The concept of jam band totally applies,” the famed drummer with fusion greats Dixie Dregs says of his latest album with Jazz Is Dead, “meaning go for it, challenge yourself, and don’t be afraid to take chances.” TO READ THE…
Catching Up With The Aquarium Rescue Unit’s Jeff Sipe
When Jeff Sipe met underground art-rock icon Col. Bruce Hampton in the clubs of Atlanta in 1984, his life—and drumming—changed forever. “From the very first time I played with Bruce,” Sipe tells MD, “I felt that I’d found my calling…
John Legend and Jill Scott’s Rashid Williams
Rashid Williams has always been attracted to powerful people. When he was seven years old and attending church in Jersey City, New Jersey, the drummer with the best groove nabbed the drum chair, whether it was Rashid or the other…
Spock’s Beard’s Jimmy Keegan
Fueling the Flame Story by Will Romano Photos by Alex Solca When frontman and main songwriter Neal Morse left Spock’s Beard in 2002, drummer Nick D’Virgilio assumed the lead role, pulling triple duty as singer, drummer, and guitarist for studio…
BASICS - The Tap Nine
The traditional nine-stroke roll consists of four alternating double strokes followed by a single stroke. It can be played open (clearly articulated) or closed (buzzed). This is a popular rudiment in marching and concert percussion idioms, and I’ve found a…
STRICTLY TECHNIQUE - One-Sided Hairtas, Grandmas, and Grandpas
This month we’re going to look at three unusual rudiments: one-sided hairtas, grandmas, and grandpas. These three closely related rudiments are especially useful for drumset fills when playing the accents on toms or cymbals and the unaccented notes on the…
CONCEPTS - The Business of Gigging
This month’s topic, so eloquently summarized by Henry Ford, has been on my mind for a few months. I went to see the Rush R40 tour this past July. I’ve seen Rush many times over the years, but I knew…
ROCK ’N’ JAZZ CLINIC - Hidden Rhythms Part 2 Odd Groupings
Last month we explored the endless rhythmic and textural ideas hiding inside a measure of 16th notes, including clave and cascara patterns, partido alto phrases, and more. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
JAZZ DRUMMER'S WORKSHOP - Timetable Warm-Up
As drummers, we’re often taught the importance of warm-up exercises. These drills are typically designed to help loosen the muscle groups of your wrists, forearms, and fingers. A good warm-up routine develops your reflexes and helps you produce an articulate…
PRODUCT CLOSE-UP - Natal - Arcadia Series
The last time we checked out Natal, we talked about their vision to offer a range of high-level drumsets. Each kit comes with the same high-quality components, but it was the species of wood that differentiated each model. The company…
PRODUCT CLOSE-UP - Sabian - HH Remastered Cymbals
For the past couple years, Canadian cymbal company Sabian has been revamping its manufacturing to put greater focus on the old-world hand-hammered stage of its process. We saw the initial results of those efforts with the introduction of the gnarly,…
PRODUCT CLOSE-UP - Van Kleef - Snare Drums
Van Kleef Custom Drums is owned and operated by Alan van Kleef, a UK-based musician-turned-builder who started his career in the ’90s as a live drum & bass performer and studio owner. His workshop is in Sheffield, which is the…
PRODUCT CLOSE-UP - Cymbal Packs
So you’ve never considered a cymbal pack before and generally like to purchase cymbals one at a time based on what your needs are at the moment? That’s totally understandable. But could there be some great advantages to buying a…
Hugh Grundy
Hugh Grundy Story by Dennis Diken Photos by Rahav Segev Highly influential beat group the Zombies separated in 1968,then reunited decades later to finally receive their fair share of accolades. Today an unusual personnel arrangement allows the surviving core…
