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.
New Recordings from Donald Sturge Anthony McKenzie II, Dan Weiss, and more!
RECORDINGS Taking The Reins Donald Sturge Anthony McKenzie II Silenced One drummer’s unique and bold statement on topical events. On Silenced, accomplished drummer/composer Donald Sturge Anthony McKenzie II and an impressive cast of collaborators (including Nels Cline) navigate a series of…
In Memoriam: Joel Smith
Remembering the hugely influential and multifaceted gospel drummer. Joel Smith, one of the most prolific drummers in the gospel music scene, passed away this past September 8 at the age of fifty-eight. Beginning in the mid ’70s, Smith carved out…
Dave Elitch’s Getting Out of Your Own Way: A Multitude of Subtleties
Dave Elitch is not happy with all the false prophets out there. And with his new, super in-depth instructional course, he’s on a mission to tell all who will listen how to really take their drumming to the next level.…
The Vintage Double Bass Monster
The Brooklyn-based drummer and educator David Clive, who plays with the New York groups the Nawlins Funk Band, Carla V, and John Putnam and Used Blues, assembled this month’s featured vintage Gretsch beauty. Clive, who also teaches at the College of…
Denny Seiwell
His new, Grammy-nominated album represents a major return to his roots as a jazz artist. “That’s why we call it Boomerang,” says the drummer, whose first rock ’n’ roll recording was Paul McCartney’s hit 1971 album, Ram. “A boomerang comes…
What’s Your Favorite Tony Williams Album?
In this month’s Jazz Drummer’s Workshop, the Brooklyn-based drummer and educator Mike Alfieri demonstrates ways to develop unique ride patterns inspired by the jazz great Tony Williams. To coincide with the piece, we asked our readers and social media followers…
Lee "Scratch" Perry's Larry McDonald
Larry McDonald’s conga playing is a thread that runs through more than half a century of Jamaican music.
Props to the Drum Shops
When was the last time you visited a music store or drum shop? If you’re like me, you’re probably spending less and less time hanging and talking shop with other local drummers and musicians while picking up a new pair…
Doc Sweeney RX Series Drumset
Doc Sweeney Drums specializes in building top-notch snares and kits out of exotic and domestic woods in solid, single-ply, stave, and now hybrid configurations.
Amedia Jazz Legend and Vision Series Cymbals
Amedia is one of a handful of cymbal companies in Istanbul, Turkey, that employ centuries-old manufacturing methods done primarily by hand.
Tama Classic Stand Series
Sturdier versions of vintage-style, lightweight designs for more modern applications. A couple years ago, Tama revived the simple, compact, and lightweight design of cymbal stands from the 1960s with the flat-base Classic model. The company has since fleshed out an…
Percussion Kinetics Vector G1 Double Pedal
A strong, smooth option for double-kick players looking to make foot positioning more ergonomic. Percussion Kinetics developed the G1 single pedal several years ago so drummers could sit at the kit with a more natural outward-turned foot position without having to…
Gene Chrisman
From 1966, for a period of five years, working at that studio under Moman's supervision, a small group of musicians knocked out hit after hit.
Marillion's Ian Mosley
When was the last time you went to a concert where the audience clapped and sang along to every song?