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.
Frankie Dunlop — Making It Swing
I first heard Frankie Dunlop’s drumming in the best way possible. When I was about 17years old, I was visiting a friend who had Two Hours Of Thelonious on the turntable. The drumming on that record went straight to my…
Herman Rarebell — Keeping The Basics Together
HAVE you noticed how more drummers seem to be getting involved in writing? Many people regard this as a very healthy thing. Drummers are becoming more than just the people in the back who keep the time happening. The obvious…
Platinum Blonde’s Chris Steffler
In setting up this interview with Chris Steffler, drummer of the hugely popular Toronto band, Platinum Blonde, I was impressed by how easy he was to reach. After only two calls to his management, I was able to talk to…
Chuck Riggs
Eddie Cantor used to say, “Sometimes it takes ten years to become a star overnight.” Chuck Riggs, 34, knows the feeling. He had been working with tenor sax player Scott Hamilton for a full ten years before the release of…
Drumming And The Big Break
Young drummers often ask the question, “How did you get your big break?” In my own case, it started when I met Louie Bellson in Kansas City. Louie was visiting the drum studio where I was taking lessons. He played…
Study In 8th-Note Triplets
This month’s Rock Perspectives examines some time feels involving the use of the 8th-note triplet. When practicing these examples, remember to concentrate on the two sound levels (dynamics): Accented notes should be played forte (f), and unaccented notes pianissimo (pp).…
Tommy Campbell — Progressive Chops
The date: May 20, 1984. The place: the Entermedia Theatre. The event: Zildjian Day in New York. Some of the greatest drumming talents in the world took the stage to display their craft. The artists appearing that day were Alex…
Kenny Malone’s Quest For Knowledge
The one thing that Kenny Malone wanted to communicate most during our interview was a sense of joy. He told me so, although he didn’t have to. His whole make-up—who he is as a person and how he approaches music—is…
Adam Woods — breaking the rules
In England, it’s not easy to join a top-40 band and make a good living at playing music. It’s also not easy to become a virtuoso on your instrument and then spend five nights a week for years headlining the…
Johnny Blowers
His students know he’s experienced, but it’s doubtful that many realize just how experienced drummer Johnny Blowers is. In a career that spans six decades, Blowers has recorded with jazz greats such as Sidney Bechet, Bobby Hackett, Eddie Condon, Red…
Drumming And Recording
A red light means “go,” but only in the music business. In every recording studio, the red light means “musicians at work.” The red light means it is time to be serious. The red light means this is a “take.”…
The Quarter-Note Funk Hi-Hat Style
The quarter-note hi-hat style has a distinctive sound and feel that makes it well worth the extra effort required to perfect it. I first heard this style played by Clyde Stubblefield on James Brown’s recording of “Mother Popcorn,” and many…
Steve Jordan
It’s 4:00 in the afternoon, and the set of Late Night With David Letterman is crowded with people. Cameramen are setting up shots, electricians are adjusting lights, stagehands are moving things around, various assistants are checking innumerable details, and Steve…
Mickey Curry — The Man Behind The Big Bam Boom
About four years ago, Mickey Curry’s life changed radically. From the club band he had been playing with, he went straight into the major leagues, recording with Hall & Oates and Bryan Adams. He was out on the road with…
