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.
Steve Nisbett of the Iconic Reggae Band Steel Pulse
He barely knew what to do with a reggae groove when he started his climb to the top of the pops with Steel Pulse. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Syncopation Revisited Part 1: Basic Applications
This month’s Jazz Drummer’s Workshop features some of my favorite applications of the classic Ted Reed book Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer. Syncopation has been a staple since it was first published in 1958 and is regarded…
Leon “Ndugu” Chancler
Ndugu. The name in Swahili means "Earth Brother." In drumming, Ndugu Leon Chancler's aura is that of a powerhouse, with his head in the stars and his feet planted firmly in the groove—the pulse of the earth. TO READ THE…
Joe LaBarbera — Goal Achiever
Sometimes, jazz just seems to run in the family. There are the Joneses (Hank, Thad and Elvin), Chuck and Gap Mangione, Tootie, Percy and Jimmy Heath, the Brecker Brothers, the Brubecks (Dave, Darius, Chris and Danny), and the LaBarberas—saxophonist Pat,…
A Beat Study
The following musical examples comprise what I term a “beat study.” It is by no means exhaustive (every possible variation), but simply presents related time feels. Bar 1 is the pattern on which all the others are based. The focus…
Drumming and Discouragement
Most of us get frustrated and discouraged at one time or another. It is difficult to keep your spirits up when there are no jobs in sight. Furthermore, it is difficult to keep practicing and rehearsing when your career is…
Eric Carr — The Kiss Of Success
In the summer of 1980, with the departure of original drummer Peter Criss, Kiss began a talent hunt that ended with the installation of Eric Carr in the drum chair. Unknown but far from inexperienced, he had served his…
Paul T. Riddle's Listener's Guide
For readers who ‘d like to buy albums that most represent your drumming, which ones would you recommend? Which drummers on which records do you listen to most for inspiration? When I started playing, I got heavily into Joe Morello…
Sandy Nelson
For those who grew up in the '60s, Sandy Nelson needs little introduction. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Cubby O'Brien
The fact that show drummers receive comparatively little recognition is an enigma to me considering that they are some of the hardest working musicians. Their ability to play a variety of styles must be masterful; their sense of theatrics and…
Alan Schwartzberg
BB: Where and when did you first hear drums? AS: I was ten years old and on my way home from school in the Bronx. I passed a house and heard a drummer playing a Gene Krupa/Cozy Cole-like solo. I…
Rufus "Speedy" Jones
Jazz has often been called the true American classical music, finding its most immediate roots in the blues. Although the blues sang out against physical hardship and mental depression, its simple, haunting rhythms would most always convey a jubilance and…
Hüsker Dü’s Grant Hart: 1961-2017
It seemed that Hüsker Dü’s Grant Hart existed to dispel the moronic clichés informing most drummer jokes. The dude could seemingly do it all. Killer drummer. Great singer. Amazing songwriter. He was also a supremely talented visual artist who designed…
