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.
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.…
Strictly Technique: Towards More Musical Practice Routines
Many drummers and teachers seem to feel that a mechanical exercise, repeated an ungodly number of times, is the cure-all for a particular technical problem (weak left hand, sloppy doubles, whatever.) TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG…
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
Ed Shaughnessy: Swinger On Staff
Ed Shaughnessy has been playing drums since he was 14 years old in his native New Jersey. By 19, he was working with George Shearing at New York's Three Deuces. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
John Guerin - Stretching Out
"I want to create a feeling to a mass of people instrumentally, one that permeates their inner self, that gives them a feeling. We don't have lyrics to rely on and that makes me feel the best," states drummer John…
Joe and Jeff Porcaro: Like Father, Like Son
Surprisingly enough, much of the drumming heard in today's commercial media is aptly executed by a distinguished pair of performers, both of the same family, but of two different generations. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Rock Drummers Of The 80's
As we move into a new decade, certain trends in contemporary music have already become apparent. To find out more about rock music of the 80's and the style of drumming that it incorporates, we have interviewed Clem Burke of…
Drum Soloist - Tony Williams: Solo on "Seven Steps to Heaven"
Tony Williams: Solo on "Seven Steps to Heaven TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Russ Kunkel: On Call
Russ Kunkel is a familiar name on the Los Angeles session scene. He has played drums for some of the most well-known artists in the music business. As pulse maker of the rock-jazz quartet, The Section, Kunkel's breezy jazz-flavored playing…
Rock Perspectives: Ride Rhythm Independence
Traditionally, drummers have used the bass and snare drum to execute independent yet interacting rhythms. The ride rhythm, whether played on the ride cymbal or hi-hat, usually was a repetitive steady rhythm, filling in holes and making everything jell. TO…
Drums: On Stage
Has Buddy Rich embarked on a new career in symphonic music? Not really. But he is giving it a try, playing with local symphony orchestras throughout the country. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Complete Percussionist The Beginning Timpanist
Because the timpani are among the "musical" percussion instruments they present special problems for both the beginner and his teacher. The intent of this article is to offer some practical suggestions which will render the teaching of this instrument less…
