
James Gadson

Music has changed a lot, but it’s important to see where the shuffle evolved from, because it really has a lot to do with all of the other rhythms that you play. For example, when I was playing “Kissing my Love” on Bill Withers’ second album, Still Bill in 1972, …

The R&B legend on learning the ropes on the Chitlin’ Circuit, going pro, and working with Paul McCartney and Adam Sandler.

?uestlove, Richard Christy, Robin Russell, Daniel Glass, Chris Coleman, Chris Pennie, Shawn Pelton, Shannon Forrest, Adam Deitch, Benny Greb, Stanton Moore, Paul Wertico, Sammy Merendino, Arejay Hale, Lee Barratt, Maureen “Moe” Tucker, James Gadson, Max Weinberg, Jay Weinberg, Brendan Buckley, Rodney Howard

Alex Van Halen, Alex González, John Humphrey, Marcus Gilmore, Brooks Wackerman, James “The Rev” Sullivan, Roger Taylor, Torry Castellano, Jim Bogios, Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, Carlos Vega, Steve Smith, James Gadson, Gavin Harrison, Carlos “Patato” Valdez

Josh Freese, Jeff Porcaro, James Gadson, Vinny Appice, Morgan Rose, Vicki Randle, Ryland Steen, Artimus Pyle, Stephen Flinn, Steve Smith, Abe Laboriel Jr., David Garibaldi
Posted: April 26, 2017
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
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 2, 2017
Jason Trammell on Sinkane’s Life & Livin’ It
This past February 10, multifaceted producer and pop, funk, and jazz blender Ahmed Gallab released his sixth album, Life & Livin’ It, with his solo project Sinkane. Drummer and longtime Gallab collaborator Jason Trammell lays down tasty, soulful, and world-influenced grooves beneath the contagious hooks and gorgeous harmonies that adorn …
Posted: February 8, 2017
Legendary Bassist Nathan East on His New Album Reverence
On Nathan East’s second solo album, Reverence, he once again steps into the spotlight as bandleader. Produced by East and Yamaha Entertainment Group of America founder Chris Gero, it’s no surprise that shortly after its debut (less than one month ago), the album hit the number-one spot on both the …
Posted: May 31, 2016
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: December 12, 2014
Cannibal and the Headhunters’ Robert Zapata Talks Influences, New Album, and Tour
I have been the drummer for Cannibal and the Headhunters for forty-six years now. For those who don’t know the group you might know the song “Land of a 1000 Dances.???
Posted: January 20, 2014
UPDATED – Beats, Brews & Banter with Patrick Berkery (War on Drugs, Wesley Stace, Danielson, Pernice Brothers)
Due to inclement weather, Philly Drum Project’s monthly event, Beats, Brews & Banter, has been postponed and will continue on Monday, February 10, at The R Bar (formerly Roosevelt’s Pub) at the corner of 23rd and Walnut in Philadelphia. The event will run from 7 to 9 p.m. and feature …
Posted: September 21, 2012
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: March 19, 2012
Tim Walsh of the Stepkids
I’m Tim Walsh of the Stepkids, and I’m excited to be on here and hope to add to the wealth of knowledge that is MD’s awesome thirty-five-year history…
Posted: December 28, 2011
10 Indispensable Funk Albums
Funk music is all about the beat, and it’s no coincidence that many of our most influential drummers have made a name for themselves playing the style. If you want to learn the essence of the style, here are ten classic albums you should definitely check out.
Posted: August 19, 2011
In Memoriam: Woody “Sonship” Theus
The drummer, who worked with jazz stars Michal Urbaniak, Eddie Henderson, and Bobby Hutcherson, had his own completely unique take on things. Gerry Gibbs recalls his great gifts.
Posted: August 25, 2010
Steve Jordan: Web Exclusive
If you ask Steve Jordan who his favorite drummer is, be prepared to get hit with a never-ending list of influences, ranging from the obvious—like jazz greats Kenny Clarke and Philly Joe Jones and funk innovators David Garibaldi and Stephen Ferrone—to the more obscure, like Motown/disco session drummer Andrew Smith, …
Posted: May 3, 2010
Griffin Goldsmith of Dawes
I started playing drums when I was about eleven. My first lessons were with a drummer named Stuart Johnson, who was collaborating with my brother in a band called Simon Dawes at the time….
Posted: July 16, 2007
James Gadson: R&B Sound Legend
Most longtime readers of Modern Drummer are familiar with the soulful grooves of the great James Gadson. But for younger, up & coming players who may not know, you’re about to be introduced to one of the greatest timekeepers of the past forty-plus years….
Posted: June 15, 2007
Glenn Kotche: Painting The Sky Blue Sky
This past winter, the duality of rock drummer / experimental percussionist Glenn Kotche’s eclectic career reached an all-time high as he juggled writing/recording sessions for Wilco’s latest release, Sky Blue Sky, and composing “Anomaly,??? a seven-movement commission for world-renowned string ensemble The Kronos Quartet.
Posted: August 25, 2017

Mike and Mike Podcast Episode 106: Music Theory for Drummers, R&B Legend James Gadson, UA Apollo 8P, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike zero in on some basics of music theory that every drummer should know.