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Bernard Purdie






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Note: Some MD articles are only available in pdf format. Those articles do not appear in this list. Subscribers to Digital and All-Access can view every Modern Drummer issue in their available formats. Browse all MD issues from our archive here.
February 2022:
Gallery of Groove

Photos from the 2021 Modern Drummer Festival For the second year in a row, the global pandemic chased the Modern Drummer Festival to an online venue. But we were unbowed. Presented by the MD team and produced by Thom Mozloom’s crew at M Network, we were able to unleash one …


September 2021:
Bernard Purdie

Excerpted from the November 1985 Cover Story Known as the “Father Time” of modern drumming, Bernard “Pretty” Purdie has drummed up an almost unbeatable record of more than 3,000 album credits—many of them smash hits. He has cut across all stylistic barriers to play with a wide range of musicians: …


May 2021:
10 Pieces of Wisdom from the MD Archives
Harvey Mason

In its 45 years of publication, Modern Drummer has collected essential data from thousands of remarkable drummers, percussionists, and educators. Throughout our 45th anniversary in 2021, we will offer some features that celebrate the musicians, editors, writers, and photographers who have served the drumming community in these pages. So, sit …


September 2020:
MODERN DRUMMER SEPTEMBER 2020 COVER
Avenues to Excellence
Avenues to Excellence

15 MD Cover Artists Reveal the Big Ideas That Put Them on the Road to Success The abundance of educational material online, as well as great teachers to mold your passion and enthusiasm into technique and musicality, are massively beneficial to those seeking proficiency on the drums. But even with …


October 2018:
Bernard Purdie

On every track of his new album, Cool Down, the iconic R&B drummer burns like a house on fire in a live-in-the-studio setting. “And would you believe,” the pretty one adds, “with no overdubs at all!”


September 2018:
Must-Know Grooves – Demystifying the Half-Time Shuffle

This month we’re tackling a groove that has confounded drummers for more than forty years: The half-time shuffle. This groove’s ghost note placement has been a mystery to many drummers since legends such as Bernard Purdie, John Bonham, and Jeff Porcaro first laid it down in the late ’70s and …


October 2012:
BERNARD PURDIE: The Hitmaker
Bernard Purdie

Bernard “Pretty” Purdie has played on enough tracks to overstuff an iPod. His drumming is, in fact, pretty. And nasty too.


July 2017:
On Ringo Starr

MD asked several world-famous musicians to describe the impact that Ringo’s drumming had on them and to explain just how it represented the shock of the new.


April 2015:
One The Cover – Bernard “Pretty” Purdie

What’s left to say about the R&B legend that hasn’t already been said? Some would declare that the outspoken drummer has pretty much covered it all himself, from his vast and unassailable list of performances on pop, soul, jazz, R&B, and rock singles and albums to his infamous claims of …


April 2015:
One The Cover – Bernard "Pretty" Purdie

What’s left to say about the R&B legend that hasn’t already been said? Some would declare that the outspoken drummer has pretty much covered it all himself, from his vast and unassailable list of performances on pop, soul, jazz, R&B, and rock singles and albums to his infamous claims of …


May June 1979:
The New York Scene
The New York Scene

Modern Drummer’s first discussion of percussion includes four of the busiest drummers on the New York Scene today: Herb Lovelle, Ralph MacDonald, Bernard Purdie and Grady Tate.


May June 1979:
Rock Perspectives – Theme And Variations
Rock Perspectives Lead

People ask me how I keep my ideas flowing and how I keep from getting stale and bored. This is a problem many drummers seem to have in common; a lack of ideas or concepts to use in their everyday playing.


August September 1979:
Rock Perspectives Rock 'N' Time
Rock Perspectives Lead

The basic role of the drummer has always been that of a timekeeper. Today’s music is no exception. I believe that basic role has become clouded in the minds of many due to the high technical level contemporary music has evolved to within the last ten years or so.


March 2017:
Twelve Essential Shuffles – Some of Drumming's Most Influential Feels

While simple in concept, the shuffle, which features prominently in early jazz, blues, Motown, soul, funk, rock ’n’ roll, and hip-hop, among other styles, can be difficult to execute even for skilled drummers. In this article we’ll cover the essential shuffle variations by examining some of the most influential tracks …


July 2010:
July 2010 – Volume 34 • Number 7

Chris Pennie, Bernard Purdie, Chad Cromwell, Billy Rymer, Mickey Waller, Rich Redmond, Dan Bitney, John McEntire, John Herndon, Marco Minnemann, Bubba Bryant, Tommy Aldridge, Brian Viglione, Bill Rieflin, Glenn Kotche, Poni, Ash Pearson, Chad Smith, Keith Harris, Kenny Aronoff


September 2009:
September 2009 – Volume 33 • Number 9

Joey Castillo, Dave Lombardo, Jack White, Carter Beauford, Tyshawn Sorey, Jon Karel, Bun E. Carlos, Sib Hashian, Bernard Purdie, Dena Tauriello, Chris Pennie, Gary Husband, Rich Pagano, Phanie Diaz, Eric Green, Freddie “Goldenstix” Holliday, Brian Tichy


August 2009:
August 2009 – Volume 33 • Number 8

Tré Cool, Aaron Harris, Uriel Jones, Benjamin Corbett, Butch Trucks, Stephen Perkins, Jojo Mayer, Trivett Wingo, Jerry Shirley, Scott Johnson, Larry Herweg, John Moen, Chris Vatalaro, Jeff Friedl, Roy Hanes, Bernard Purdie


November 1992:
November 1992 – Volume 16 • Number 11

In this Issue: Trilok Gurtu, Nick Menza, Jim Hodder, Bernard Purdie, Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd, Hal Blaine, Jim Keltner, Jim Gordon, Rick Marotta, Paul Humphrey, Ed Greene


March 1986:
March 1986 – Volume 10 • Number 3

Jerry Marotta, Buddy Williams, Manny Elias, Marvin Smith, Chris Brady, Steve Ferrone, Simon Phillips, Terry Bozzio, Joe Franco, Bernard Purdie


November 1985:
November 1985 – Volume 9 • Number 11

Bernard Purdie, Bobby Chouinard, Ed Soph, Gary Chester, Nick Ceroli, Ron Krasinski, Henry Adler, Simon Phillips, Phil Collins, David Garibaldi


August September 1980:
August September 1980 – Volume 4 • Number 4

Chet McCracken, Keith Knudsen, Ed Greene, Joe Cocuzzo, Morris Lang, Mel Lewis, Ralph MacDonald, Tony Williams, Jim Chapin, Bernard Purdie


May June 1979:
May June 1979 – Volume 3 • Number 3

Bernard Purdie, Herb Lovelle, Ralph MacDonald, Grady Tate



Posted: December 31, 2020

Episode 14
Category: News, The Modern Drummer Podcast
The Modern Drummer Podcast Episode 14: David Frangioni & Billy Amendola with Mickey Curry

Episode 14: David Frangioni & Billy Amendola feature interview with Mickey Curry + Dawson’s Shop Talk interview with Steve Stecher & review on two Doc Sweeney snares. David Frangioni & Billy Amendola talk with Mickey Curry about his career & records, his way of playing the drums, and the set …


Posted: May 30, 2019

Category: On the Beat
John Lum of the Allman Betts Band

My background is heavily steeped in jazz and rudimental drumming, but I grew up listening and jamming to lots of heavy metal and classic rock and roll.


Posted: April 4, 2019

Mick Rain
Category: On the Beat
Mick Rain of Pezband

I’m Mick Rain from Pezband sending a big shout out to all my drummer friends around the country and in other parts of the world.


Posted: December 27, 2018

Roger Earl
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Roger Earl of Foghat in On The Beat

Hello! Roger Earl here, writing from Long Island, New York, my adopted home. I grew up in SW London during the ’50s and ’60s, listening to American music like Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Muddy Waters, and Chuck Berry.


Posted: May 17, 2018

Dan Needham
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Dan Needham of Michael McDonald: Talks Making Yourself Valuable

Hello fellow MD drummers! We recently returned from an amazing two-month American/European tour with the great Michael McDonald and I’m excited to be home with my family again.


Posted: May 17, 2018

Category: Multimedia, News, News and Events, Web Exclusive
Exclusive Audio Premiere! The Title Track to R&B Legend Bernard Purdie’s Cool Down Album, Which Drops Tomorrow

Bernard Purdie, the famed drummer known for his work with Aretha Franklin, Steely Dan, and hundreds of other top artists, is partnering with Modern Drummer on the audio premiere of “Cool Down,” the title track to his brand-new solo release. “The album’s producers, Pete Shand [bass] and Brian J [guitar], …


Posted: January 30, 2018

Micheal Blicher
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Michael Blicher: The Making of Omara with Michael Blicher, Dan Hemmer, and Steve Gadd

Hello Modern Drummer, I’m Michael Blicher. I play the saxophone but drums are what I should really be playing—I love them!


Posted: August 24, 2017

Lee Falco
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat with Lee Falco of Donald Fagen and the Nightflyers: Landing the Gig of a Lifetime

Hello! On July 31, we played our first show as Donald Fagen and the Nightflyers, kicking off a two-month tour (twenty-eight shows) around the US and Japan. It was a monumental night for my bandmates and me as we had spent the last eight months preparing and a lifetime dreaming …


Posted: April 26, 2017

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Featured
Dr. Dog drummer Eric Slick branches out on solo debut, Palisades

This past April 21, Eric Slick, the drummer for the ’60s-influenced indie-rock band Dr. Dog, released his debut solo album, Palisades.


Posted: April 26, 2017

Category: A Different View, Drummers, Feature Stories, Web Exclusive
Web Exclusive: Producer Russ Titelman on 10 of His Favorite Drummers

The June issue of Modern Drummer magazine features an interview with three-time Grammy Award–winning producer Russ Titelman who in his long career has worked with musical giants including Little Feat, Randy Newman, James Taylor, Brian Wilson, Cyndi Lauper, Graham Central Station, Rickie Lee Jones, George Harrison, Chaka Khan, the Bee …


Posted: March 6, 2017

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Featured
Nick Zamora On Tour With the Suffers

Drummer Nick Zamora’s driving feel, blazing yet apt chops, and Motown-inspired grooves are supporting the Houston, Texas, soul collective the Suffers on their current March tour. Since forming in 2011, the ten-member group has enjoyed a steady rise in popularity, thanks in part to television appearances on such shows as …


Posted: February 7, 2017

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Featured
On Tour with Griffin Goldsmith of Dawes

This past September, Los Angeles–based indie folk-rock group Dawes released their fifth studio album, We’re All Going to Die, a record teeming with drummer and vocalist Griffin Goldsmith’s deep pocket and solid grooves.


Posted: September 29, 2016

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, On the Beat
On Tour: Tony Leone With the Chris Robinson Brotherhood

Longtime New York City drummer Tony Leone is currently on the road with the Chris Robinson Brotherhood.


Posted: May 31, 2016

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Web Exclusive
Keith Carne on We Are Scientists’ Helter Seltzer

Brooklyn-based indie-rock band We Are Scientists’ fifth album, Helter Seltzer, released digitally this past April 22 and physically on June 3, is an advanced-level course in hook-ology.


Posted: January 29, 2016

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat With Nick Cesarz of Vinyl Theatre: Talks Tour Challenges and Debut Album

Hey, MD readers! My name is Nick Cesarz and I play drums in Vinyl Theatre. We’re an alternative rock group based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin….


Posted: November 2, 2015

Category: Feature Stories
Dom Famularo’s Teachers List

Over the course of his forty-year career traveling the globe to teach, perform, and conduct clinics, Dom Famularo has interacted with some of the finest drummers and drum instructors in the world. The following list contains many of those names, organized by country/continent. If you’re looking for top-notch drum instruction, …


Posted: April 22, 2015

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Drummer Blog: Salvador Placencia and Garrett Ray of Fool’s Gold

Greetings drummers of the modern age! We are Salvador Placencia and Garrett Ray, percussionist and drummer for the band Fool’s Gold from Los Angeles. We thought it would be fun to interview each other to give you a little insight on who we are and what we’ve been up to …


Posted: March 26, 2015

Category: News, News and Events
News: Vic’s Drum Shop Wins 2014 Outstanding Retailer Award From Vic Firth Company

Vic’s Drum Shop in Chicago has been selected to receive the 2014 Outstanding Retailer Award from Vic Firth. The award was presented to drum shops across America that achieved double-digit sales growth last year with more than $25,000 in annual sell-through of Vic Firth products….


Posted: March 24, 2015

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Drummer Blog: the Blues Magoos’ Geoff Daking Talks Greenwich Village, Engineering, and Session Work

Hey drummers! I’m Geoff Daking of the Blues Magoos. I started playing in the early ’60s in Delaware. When I was in high school I came to New York City on weekends to see Monk, Cannonball, and Coltrane with those great drummers like Elvin Jones. I moved to Greenwich Village …


Posted: March 12, 2015

Category: Multimedia, News, News and Events, Spotify Playlists
Listen to the Drumming on Spotify: Great Tracks From MD’s April 2015 Issue

Check out performances by Bernard Purdie, Kenny Washington, and all the other drummers featured in the April issue of Modern Drummer, plus tracks featured in Critique, Rock Perspectives, and more….


Posted: March 6, 2015

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Multimedia, On the Beat, Videos
Drummer Blog: Gabor “Gabs??? Dornyei on Being Anything but Average

Some great things have happened in my career, but being featured in the current (April 2015) issue of Modern Drummer is a dream come true, especially as I’ve also just discovered that both MD and I were born in 1977….


Posted: February 26, 2015

Category: Drummers, Issues, News, News and Events
April 2015 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Bernard “Pretty??? Purdie

See what’s in, and where to order, the April 2015 issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Bernard Purdie.


Posted: February 26, 2015

Category: Drummers, In The Pocket, Lessons, Multimedia, Videos
In the Pocket: “Rock Steady??? Demystified (VIDEO)

“Rock Steady??? combines a super-solid groove and some classic funk techniques with a special twist. Click to check out In the Pocket columnist Jim Payne’s take on how to master it….


Posted: February 26, 2015

Category: Drummers, Lessons, Multimedia, Videos
Rock Perspectives: Diamonds in the Ruff, Part 2: The Sexy Four-Stroke (VIDEO)

In part two of our miniseries on the ruff, we discuss the four-stroke version. It takes a certain amount of precision, which is also what makes it so cool. Click for a video demo.


Posted: September 16, 2014

Category: Drummers, Multimedia, Playlists, Spotify Playlists
October 2014 Spotify Playlist

Our October 2014 Spotify Playlist kicks off with some great live cuts, including cover star Ian Paice’s famous solo vehicle, “The Mule,” from Deep Purple’s seminal in-concert recording, Made in Japan….


Posted: September 3, 2014

Category: Basics, Drummers, Lessons, Multimedia, Videos
VIDEO! Power Triplets: Putting the Roll in Your Rock (From the October 2014 Issue)

These exercises are inspired by the master jazz drummer Elvin Jones. In Elvin’s world, everything was a triplet.


Posted: July 17, 2014

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
Fourth Annual International Regina Drum Festival

The International Regina Drum Festival will take place September 26–28 at the Exchange and the Club, located at 2431 8th Avenue in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada….


Posted: March 3, 2014

Category: Drummers, Multimedia, Videos
VIDEO – Trey Anastasio Band Drummer Russ Lawton

Check out this video clip of the band Soule Monde, featuring drummer Russ Lawton and keyboardist Ray Paczkowski, both members of the solo group led by Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio. The clip was filmed in July 2013 at the Slide Brook Lodge & Tavern in Warren, Vermont, a favorite haunt …


Posted: November 18, 2013

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Ryan Ricks of the Little River Band

The road I took to get here was definitely curvy. Out of college, I toured with Lacy J. Dalton, and after that I worked extensively with local guys in Nashville, playing clubs, colleges, and even some cruise ship tours….


Posted: August 12, 2013

Category: Clinics and Events, Drummers, News, News and Events
World’s Fastest Drummer Competition Heats Up Nashville

Tom Grosset of Toronto became the second person in history to break 1,200 single strokes (hits) in sixty seconds, at this year’s WFD World’s Fastest Drummer Extreme Sport drumming event held during the Summer NAMM Show in Nashville this past July. Grosset, who played 1,208 single strokes, broke the previous …


Posted: June 28, 2013

Category: Feature Stories, News, News and Events
Modern Drummer’s 2013 Readers Poll Winners

The results are in for the longest-running, most prestigious drummer poll in the world. Without further ado, here are your winners for 2013….


Posted: May 29, 2013

Category: Clinics and Events, Drummers, News, News and Events
Bernard “Pretty??? Purdie Clinic and Concert, June 2, 2013

An educational clinic and concert, featuring Bernard “Pretty??? Purdie and friends and the Pat Clark Band, will take place on Sunday, June 2, 2013 from 1 PM to 5 PM at the Darress Theatre located at 615 Main Street in Boonton, NJ. Presented by the Purdie Good Company and Drummers …


Posted: March 12, 2013

Category: Drummers, Lessons, Multimedia, Videos
Rock Perspectives: Half-Time Shuffle

Click here to check out a video demonstrating many of the half-time shuffle grooves transcribed in the Rock Perspectives column in the April 2013 issue.


Posted: January 10, 2013

Category: Feature Stories, Lessons, MD Education Team
MD Education Team Weighs In On: Learning Jazz

We asked the members of the MD Education Team if they think it’s important for their students to study jazz. Here’s what they had to say….


Posted: September 21, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Russell Simins of the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion

Hey, all, Russell Simins from the one and only Blues Explosion here. I play drums and write music with bandmates Jon Spencer and Judah Bauer, two of the greatest guitarists I know, and I know a lot of them.


Posted: July 30, 2012

Category: Drummers, Lessons, MD Education Team
MD Education Team Weighs In On: Reading Music

We asked the members of the MD Education Team if they think that reading skills are crucial. Here’s what they had to say….


Posted: June 13, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Seth Faulk of the Nightmare River Band

What’s up, MD readers. I recently got back from touring with Sami.The.Great, and I’m getting ready for the release of the new record by the Nightmare River Band.


Posted: May 31, 2012

Category: Drummers, Lessons, MD Education Team
MD Education Team Weighs In On: Teaching Feel

We asked the MD Education Team if feel could be taught. See what they had to say….


Posted: May 29, 2012

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
R&B Drumming Legend Ray Lucas: Props From Peers

Ray Lucas is one of the unsung heroes of American music. An early accomplice of Jimi Hendrix, Lucas spent long hours jamming and performing on stage with the future guitar god. He also backed many of the top R&B and soul artists of the ’60s and ’70s, including Aretha Franklin, …


Posted: April 19, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Phil “NaturalPhil??? Johnson

A few months back Michael and I finally had time to jam out in one of the studio sessions I had planned. We mesh really well together and are musically in sync, so when we get together it just works. I love classical styles and blurring it with contemporary music, …


Posted: December 19, 2011

Category: News, News and Events
Dec Web Update News

Drumming news from around the web for December 2011.


Posted: October 19, 2011

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Nia Lovelis of Cherri Bomb

When I was really young my parents took me horseback riding, and the sound and feel of the rhythm got stuck in my head. It was then I knew I wanted to play drums. I come from a musical family: My mom was the lead singer/songwriter in an alt-rock band, …


Posted: July 25, 2011

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Chris St. Hilaire of London Souls

Hello! Ahh…drums! How else can you smash heads with a stick and not go to jail? I started playing at about fourteen years old, when my dad got me my first drumkit. It was a Groove Percussion kit, and I really beat the thing to a pulp…


Posted: April 1, 2011

Category: Drummers, The Greats
Buddy Miles: The Power Of Soul

George “Buddy??? Miles—nicknamed after “the world’s greatest drummer,??? Buddy Rich—was born in 1947 in Omaha, Nebraska, and got an early musical education listening to the jazz that was played at home. At the same time, Buddy was listening to the R&B sounds of drummer Al Jackson Jr., who was the …


Posted: November 29, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Sarab Singh of Harper Blynn

Greetings, fellow MD readers! My name is Sarab Singh, and this is my first-ever blog post for MD. I am truly honored and grateful to be doing this! A bit about myself: I live in Brooklyn, New York, got my music degree from the University of Miami, and am a …


Posted: September 29, 2010

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Narada Michael Walden: Web Exclusive

by Billy Amendola More—way more—with the fusion and pop maestro. In a continuation of our interview with Narada Michael Walden from the November 2010 issue of Modern Drummer, the fusion and pop drumming/producing maestro reflects on his early days, teaching, spirituality, playing in odd time signatures, and coming full circle …


Posted: May 11, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Darren King of MUTEMATH: YouTube Favorites

I don’t care so much about difficulty or technicality. I like style, passion, creativity, and all that kind of stuff. Here are some videos that always challenge and inspire me no matter how many times I watch them….


Posted: March 17, 2010

Category: Drummers, The Greats
Bernard Purdie: Funky Hit Maker For The Ages

Bernard had an interest in rhythm early and purchased his first drumset by the time he was 14.


Posted: February 5, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Jason “Malletman” Taylor Blog

My name is Jason “Malletman??? Taylor. I’m a vibraphonist and protégé of the late, legendary Lionel Hampton…


Posted: February 5, 2010

Jason "Malletman" Taylor
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Jason "Malletman" Taylor Blog

My name is Jason “Malletman??? Taylor. I’m a vibraphonist and protégé of the late, legendary Lionel Hampton…


Posted: November 24, 2009

Category: Feature Stories
On Tour And On Stage: 9 Lives (+9, +9 More)

On Tour And On Stage: 9 Lives (+9, +9 More). MD’s editors just can’t keep a list of their favorite albums short–even in service of a can’t-resist pun. Twenty-seven live albums you gotta have.


Posted: October 11, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Jon Radford of the Dynamites

Hi everyone, my name is Jon Radford and I play drums for the Dynamites featuring Charles “Wigg??? Walker, a funk and soul band out of Nashville, Tennessee.


Posted: January 8, 2009

Hawk Lopez of Crown Of Thorns : Modern Drummer
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Crown Of Thorns' Hawk Lopez

My name is Hawk Lopez and I’ve been with Crown Of Thorns since 1994, when I was recommended to Jean Beauvoir by Ozzy Osbourne drummer Randy Castillo….


Posted: January 8, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Crown Of Thorns’ Hawk Lopez

My name is Hawk Lopez and I’ve been with Crown Of Thorns since 1994, when I was recommended to Jean Beauvoir by Ozzy Osbourne drummer Randy Castillo….


Posted: November 1, 2008

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Web Exclusive Interview: Jon Wysocki of Staind

Jon Wysocki has been laying down his tasteful, well thought–out grooves with the chart-topping band Staind for thirteen years. The group, which hails from Springfield, Massachusetts, also includes lead singer/guitarist Aaron Lewis, lead guitarist Mike Mushok, and bassist/vocalist Johnny April. They’ve recorded six studio albums and four number-one singles, and …


Posted: September 12, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Pete Thompson

I've most recently been on tour with Robin Trower, with whom I've recorded a live double CD,.


Posted: July 18, 2008

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Thomas Pridgen: Turning Bedlam Into Beats

Twenty-four year old Thomas Pridgen unleashes the most rabid drumming in recent memory on The Mars Volta’s The Bedlam In Goliath. Of course, the band’s fans have come to expect madness and mastery from the innovative Long Beach, California group…


Posted: June 23, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Aaron Pritchett’s Jayson Brinkworth

Hey everyone, Jayson Brinkworth here writing from Canada. If this magazine doesn't get you fired up about playing drums, you must not have a pulse!


Posted: June 23, 2008

Jayson Brinkworth
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Aaron Pritchett's Jayson Brinkworth

Hey everyone, Jayson Brinkworth here writing from Canada. If this magazine doesn't get you fired up about playing drums, you must not have a pulse!


Posted: January 16, 2008

Category: Feature Stories
Best Of ’07

I’m convinced that, ten years from now, we’re going to look back at 2007 as an unusually fertile time in music and in drumming.


Posted: October 1, 2007

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
The Return of Double Drumming’s Greatest Hits

In the February 2007 issue of Modern Drummer, we ran a feature called “Double Drumming’s 25 Greatest Hits.??? At the time we asked MD readers to submit their own favorite double-drum performances, which we’d post online at a later date. Well, the time has arrived, double-drum fans—the floor is yours!


Posted: September 19, 2007

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Carl Allen: Embracing the Journey

Soon after moving to the New York area in the early ’80s, Carl Allen landed a dream gig with post bop trumpeter Freddie Hubbard. That gig established the then nineteen-year-old drummer as a leading light among a select group of eager young musicians who were looking to breath new life …


Posted: October 19, 2005

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Mickey Curry

Not many people get to do exactly what they love and get paid for it – much less with two of the biggest artists in the world. Mickey Curry toured and recorded with Hall & Oates at the peak of their career, laying down a solid backbeat with perfect feel …


Posted: July 19, 2005

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Kevin Franks of Silvertide

Drummer Kevin Frank, singer Walt Lafty, bassist Brian Weaver, and guitarists Nick Perri and Mark Melchiorre of Silvertide created quite a buzz in their hometown of Philadelphia. In fact, the band was so hot, it led to an all-out label bidding war that veteran music mogul Clive Davis won. That’s …


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Eric Harland

When twenty-five-year-old Eric Harland was a teenager, he weighed an astonishing 380 pounds, making him a target of cruel children, mean-spirited teachers, and sometimes, his own family. “I would walk into a clothing store and the employees would just laugh,” recalls the Texas native. “Man,” they would say, “we don’t …


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Wilson Laurencin

If you live anywhere in Canada or the northern states, you’re going to recognize Wilson Laurencin from the television show Open Mike With Mike Bullard. And you don’t have to wait the whole show to catch a glimpse of Wilson, either. The camera’s constantly on the house band as they …


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Jack DeJohnette

Jack DeJohnette has remained one of the world’s premier drummers by always looking forward, and never losing the passion. Oh, and by playing some of the most uniquely beautiful drums ever.



Posted: December 31, 2020

Episode 14
Category: News, The Modern Drummer Podcast
The Modern Drummer Podcast Episode 14: David Frangioni & Billy Amendola with Mickey Curry

Episode 14: David Frangioni & Billy Amendola feature interview with Mickey Curry + Dawson’s Shop Talk interview with Steve Stecher & review on two Doc Sweeney snares. David Frangioni & Billy Amendola talk with Mickey Curry about his career & records, his way of playing the drums, and the set …


Posted: August 17, 2015

Category: Mike and Mike Podcast, Multimedia, Podcasts
Episode 5: Polyrhythms, Drum Shell Properties, Bernard Purdie, Sabian’s Big and Ugly Series, and More

There are two main topics in this episode: polyrhythms and drum shell properties. Mike and Mike begin their talk with drum shell properties, how the type of wood, amount of plies, and bearing edges can affect the sound. The conversation then shifts to defining polyrhythms and recalling techniques and practice …