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.
Strictly Technique - A Musical Approach To The Single Stroke Roll
The single stroke roll has always presented some interesting points for discussion. The most common method for teaching and practicing this rudiment has basically been alternating sticking, tarting slowly and gradually accelerating to top speed, with no inherent regard for…
Peter Erskine - A New Horizon
For those few who haven't heard. Erskine has indeed found a new home, playing with the jazz-rock quartet Weather Report. The group members include Josef Zawinul. keyboards: Wayne Shorter, saxophone and Jaco Pastorius, electric bass. TO READ THE FULL STORY:…
Art Blakey - The Eternal Jazzman
Two days before Art Blakey was to end a week-long engagement at Blues Alley in Washington, D.C., I had the opportunity to spend an afternoon with the legendary drummer. Blakey is a simple man of simple words who exudes love…
Complete Percussionist: The Beginning Timpanist: Part 2
Complete Percussionist The Beginning Timpanist: Part 2 by George Frock ROLLS. One of the more difficult techniques to develop is that of producing a sustained sound. Much practice must be done to ensure a feel for the proper roll speed.…
Jazz Drummer's Workshop: Understanding Time
by Alan S. Kinsey A drummer’s time is probably the single most important factor in deciding whether a group is pushed apart or pulled together. It is necessary to understand that time is a musical feeling. This feeling can be…
Shop Talk: Tuning Your Snare Drum
A common complaint among many drummers is excessive snare drum rattling and buzzing when striking another drum in the set. Another familiar complaint is, "my snare drum just never sounds crisp enough." Bear in mind that there will always be…
Drum Soloist: Elvin Jones
Elvin Jones needs no introduction to drummers. He reached prominence in the early sixties by way of his pioneering rhythmic concepts behind the late, revered tenor saxophonist John Coltrane. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
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…
Jazz Drummer's Workshop: Basic Brush Technique
Brushes, like sticks, are instruments of motion in time. It is motion in time which produces sounds and rhythms in time. Smooth, relaxed motions produce smooth, flowing rhythms. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
South Of The Border: Calypso
Along with reggae, calypso is one of the most popular rhythms of the West Indies. Although its roots are African, calypso originated in the plantations of Trinidad. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
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…
