Louie Bellson
October-November 1980 At the root of Louie Bellson’s talent lies a wealth of knowledge, perseverance and the hunger for constant improvement. His consistent quest to remain abreast of the times and changes is rewarding to him and his audiences all over the world. He was genuinely thrilled about the 1980 …
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 …
Drummer, Composer, Bandleader, and Double-Bass Pioneer Last month we talked about the father of modern jazz drumming, Papa Jo Jones. This time we’re featuring one of Papa Jo’s disciples, the great jazz artist and drumset innovator Louie Bellson.Bellson was the epitome of class as both a drummer and a person. …
The interactive museum celebrates a decade of percussion education. Nestled in the heart of downtown Indianapolis is the Rhythm! Discovery Center, a gem of the drum and percussion world. Founded by the Percussive Arts Society in 2009 and now celebrating its tenth year, the RDC is said to be the …
Armand Zildjian starts a lot of his sentences the same way: “I’ve got a cymbal that . . . ,” after which he describes the attributes of a particular cymbal in his private collection. His enthusiasm is evident as he expounds on whatever it is that makes the cymbal special …
Hall Of Fame: 1985 One thing never changes—Louie Bellson’s constant desire to change. When I interviewed Louie for MD five years ago, that fact struck me. When we got together recently, that aspect remained most blatant. His open mind and continual quest to keep abreast of the times have …
An Anniversary is typically a time to celebrate, but it can also be a time to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future. And so, when the editors got together to plan a special issue to mark the beginning of Modern Drummer’s tenth year, it was agreed …
JD: How did you start playing drums? HA: Both my brother and sister played instruments. I was the youngest, I loved music, and I had a feeling for drums. I grew up during the Depression, so it was very tough to get an instrument or to pay a teacher. In …
Vegas. It’s a word that conjures a succession of freeze-frame images: The glittering marquees that boast some of the world’s most dynamic performers; the smoke filled but lavishly decorated gambling casinos; the million-watt color of Las Vegas Boulevard, known as “The Strip.”
From the album Louie Rides Again (Percussion Power2310-715).
In the early ’50s, Tony Scott hired a young drummer from Philadelphia named Joe Jones. To avoid confusion with Count Basie’s famous drummer (Jo Jones), Scott would introduce his drummer by saying, “This is the Joe Jones from Philly.”
First of all, let me say I couldn’t be more delighted with the great advancement being made in the percussion field. Material is great and more of it is coming. Drummers today are required to do it all: to play all styles with the proper feel and stay with the …
The talent of Louie Bellson has been recognized world wide for many years. Love of and dedication to music, fostered at a young age by his father, prepared Bellson for the bands of Ted FioRito, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Tommy Dorsey and Duke Ellington. In this special interview, Bellson discusses …
Mick Fleetwood, Benny Greb, Winston Watson, Eric McPherson, Max Roach, Roy Hanes, Elvin Jones, Dave King, Matt Cameron, Steve Smith, Louie Bellson, Ryan Van Poederooyen, Graham Hopkins, John “Drumbo” French, Dannie Richmond
Vinnie Colaiuta, Abe Cunningham, Nigel Olsson, John Mahon, Dave Buckner, Dominic Howard, Jim Brock, Steve Asheim, Raymond Pounds, Nate Morton, Marcus Randolph, Tim Alexander, Jack Irons, John Blackwell, Danny Carey, Louie Bellson
Louie Bellson, John Tempesta, Chris Pennie, Matt Byrne, John Marshall, Lori Peters, Josh Eppard, Michael Jerome, Stanton Moore, Nir Z, Bun E. Carlos
Steve Gadd, Jon Theodore, Sterling Campbell, Kris Kohls, John Gardner, Michael Urbano, Yuri Ruley, Yvette Preyer, Tony Fagenson, Nick D’Virgilio, Mitch Mitchell, Charlie Morgan, Fredy Studer, Louie Bellson, Butch Vig
Steve Jocz, Gene Krupa, ?uestlove, Steven Drozd, Louie Bellson, Chris Knapp, Daniel Glass, Shannon Leto, Jody Cortez, Neal Smith, Randy Caputo, Dennis Chambers, Hilary Jones, John Riley
Steve Smith, Terry Bozzio, Simon Phillips, Gregg Bissonette, Louie Bellson, Dave Weckl, John Dolmayan, Bill Bruford, Thomas Lang, Tommy Aldridge, Mike Mangini, Horacio Hernandez, David Garibaldi, Virgil Donati, Carl Palmer, Paul Doucette, Gavin Harrison, George Rebelo, Duduka Da Fonseca, Jim Keltner, Terry Santiel, Walfredo Reyes Jr.
Tré Cool, Wuv, Nicko McBrain, Dave Krusen, Phil Ehart, Trey Gray, Steve Gadd, Joe Morello, Rod Morgenstein, Peter Erskine, Neil Peart, Mel Lewis, Roy Burns, Mark Parsons, Rick Van Horn, Tony Williams, Buddy Rich, John Bonham, Tito Puente, Alan Dawson, Gary Chester, Eric Carr, Larrie Londin, Art Blakey, Philly Joe …
Gary Novak, Raymond Herrera, Marco Minnemann, Stanton Moore, Denise Fraser, Marty Richards, Butch, Peter Lockett, Louie Bellson, Simon Phillips, Steve Smith, Vinnie Paul
Rod Morgenstein, Billy Mason, Vernel Fournier, Chuck Burgi, Fred Holiday, Rocky Bryant, Joe Smyth, Louie Bellson, Gregg Field, Adam Cruz, Dave Abbruzzese, Mick Fleetwood, Paul Quinn, Kevin Haynes, Jonathan Joseph, Carl Palmer, Dave Weckl
In this Issue: Joey Baron, Philip Rhodes, Paul Leim, Eddie Bayers, Tommy Wells, Jerry Kroon, Kenny Malone, Owen Hale, Lonnie Wilson, Milton Sledge, Alan Dawson, Gary Seligson, Richard Hilms, Louie Bellson, Charlie Benante, Peter Yanowitz, Jody Stephens, Terry Bozzio, John Molo, Chester Thompson
In this Issue: Vinnie Colaiuta, Rob Affuso, Mickey Curry, Terry Bozzio, Louie Bellson, Dave Abbruzzese, Adam Nussbaum, Ginger Baker, Dennis Chambers
In this Issue: Louie Bellson, David Beal, Rob Affuso
Ed Shaughnessy, Don Baldwin, Ted McKenna, Ray McKinley, Alan White, John Stacey, Pete Magadini, Philly Joe Jones, Jerome Cooper, Cliff Leeman, Billy Amendola, Louie Bellson, Steve Smith, Alan Gratzer, Gerry Brown
Louie Bellson, Alan Dawson, Sly Dunbar, Steve Gadd, David Garibaldi, Danny Gottlieb, Omar Hakim, Larrie Londin, Neil Peart, Buddy Rich, Andy Newmark, Jimmy Bralower, Jules Moss, Bill Bruford, Gil Moore, Carl Palmer, John Bonham, Karen Carpenter, Nick Ceroli, Papa Jo Jones, Philly Joe Jones, Roy Knapp, Shelly Manne, Kenny Clare, …
Larrie Londin, Chris Frantz, Keith Copeland, David Garibaldi, Nick Ceroli, Frankie Banali, Pheeroan Ak Laff, Narada Michael Walden, Rod Morgenstein, John Densmore, Louie Bellson, Carl Palmer
Charlie Watts, Ed Mann, David Dix, George Marsh, Louie Bellson, Paulinho DaCosta, Gina Schock, Tony Williams, Sandy Slavin
Louie Bellson, Mick Fleetwood, Roy Hanes, Henry Adler, Joe Franco
Posted: October 13, 2022
Drumming’s Biggest Names To Play LIVE Tribute to Their Big Band Heroes
Seven All-Star Drummers Including Peter Erskine, Dennis Chambers, Russ Miller and Steve Smith will Perform October 20 and 21 HITKOR (www.hitkor.com) today announced its first-ever charity event which will take place over two days in mid-October. “A Salute to the Big Band Greats” will feature performances from all-star drummers Peter …
Posted: December 11, 2020
MD Interview with Don Lombardi – Founder of Drum Channel & Drum Workshop – 12/10/20
Don Lombardi – Drum Workshop’s 2nd Product the DW 5000 Bass Drum Pedal Who did you study with and how did it affect your development as a drummer?DL: I started taking lessons at the age of 12 with Nat Leslie, a local teacher. I also joined the union at age …
Posted: May 24, 2020
Narada Michael Walden Joins Journey
Following the dismissal a while back of bassist Ross Valory and drummer Steve Smith over an alleged “coup attempt” within the corporate structure of the band, guitarist Neal Schon announced yesterday that Narada Michael Walden will be Journey’s new drummer. Schon also revealed that former Journey member — and American …
Posted: December 4, 2019
Drum Workshop Acquires Slingerland from Gibson
Drum Workshop, Inc. (DW) recently announced the acquisition of the Slingerland drum brand from the Nashville-headquartered Gibson Musical Instruments.
Posted: June 15, 2016
On the Beat With David Frangioni: Inspired by Carl Palmer
Hello Modern Drummer readers, fellow drummers, and music lovers. My name is David Frangioni and I’ve been playing the drums since I was two years old. Doing the math, that gives me about forty-five plus years of drum time.
Posted: March 9, 2015
Lennie DiMuzio Passes
Modern Drummer is saddened to learn of the passing of Lennie Di Muzio, longtime artist relations manager for the Avedis Zildjian company. Later in life Di Muzio worked for Sabian Ltd., which, on its Facebook page, described Di Muzio as “a one-of-a-kind and a true legend who helped shape the …
Posted: March 4, 2015
10 Tips from Bobby Sanabria
The renowned Latin and jazz drummer/percussionist has always known how to get his point across, whether in the studio, on stage, or in the classroom. Here he offers words of advice that all of us, regardless of age or preferred musical style, should take heed of….
Posted: February 27, 2015
News: “World’s Greatest Drummer??? Concert to Feature Steve Gadd
The World’s Greatest Drummer Concert returns on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at the Derngate Theatre in Northampton, UK. Since the first concert in 2007, the event has featured some of the finest drummers alive….
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: July 1, 2014
Louie Bellson Ninetieth-Year Celebration
Jazz drumming great Louie Bellson, who passed away in 2009, will be honored with a ninetieth-year celebration of his enduring works, organized by the Louie Bellson Legacy. There will be a full year of activities, beginning on Bellson’s birthday, July 6….
Posted: April 8, 2014
Modern Drummer Education Team Weighs In On: Developing Independence
We asked the members of the Modern Drummer Education Team to share their thoughts on their favorite methods for developing independence. Here’s what they had to say.
Posted: February 7, 2014
VIDEO – In the Studio With Actor/Drummer Michael Chiklis
In this video, drummer/actor Michael Chiklis takes Modern Drummer into his state-of-the art recording studio and performance space, which will be the hub for all his musical projects in the future. MD sat down for a two-part series with Chiklis at his home studio in Los Angeles, CA. Actress/drummer Pam …
Posted: January 1, 2014
Darien Williams of Carbon Tigers
I’m living in Chicago, IL and playing in a few projects that range from a four-piece rock outfit, Carbon Tigers, to an improvisational jazz duo that goes by faug….
Posted: June 17, 2013
Frankie Anthony of the Stick People
Hello, Modern Drummer readers, this is Frankie Anthony. I’m currently touring, writing, and rehearsing with my band mates in the Stick People….
Posted: April 26, 2013
25 Timeless Drum Books
What makes a great drum book? There’s no single answer, as different books have been written to address a wide variety of styles and techniques. But judging by a recent poll in which Modern Drummer readers were asked to name their favorite volumes, a few characteristics stand out….
Posted: February 29, 2012
Basic Hand Technique
As Taught to Chuck Silverman by Richard Wilson and Murray Spivak
A new multimedia package distills the wisdom of legendary teachers Richard Wilson and Murray Spivak into practical instruction.
Posted: February 24, 2012
Gimme 10! Bobby Sanabria
One of the most world-traveled, well-spoken, and high-profile drummer/leaders on the planet tells us what’s what, Sanabria style.
Posted: January 10, 2012
Mel Lewis: A Quiet Fire
For big band great Mel Lewis, the drums were his easy chair and the band his hearth. He was the fire.
Posted: July 1, 2011
MD Readers Poll 2011 Results
Welcome once again to the MD Readers Poll, where the greatest drummers on the planet are honored by the most educated drum fans around. Let’s get right to it: the envelope, please….
Posted: February 4, 2011
Henry Adler : Legendary Drum Teacher
Drumming pioneer, music retailer, author, and teacher Henry Alder was born in New York on June 28, 1915. His first professional playing job took place when he was fifteen years old at the Belmar Hotel in New Jersey. He subsequently worked in several pit orchestras in theaters, as well as …
Posted: January 29, 2010
Bobby Rosengarden: The Stylish Rhythm Of TV’s Golden Age
Bobby Rosengarden was a well-traveled and well-recorded drummer whose career spanned the ’40s, ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s and included work with musical giants such as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Tony Bennett, Stan Getz, Benny Goodman, and Astrud Gilberto….
Posted: January 21, 2010
Alexis Razon of Vinyl
“To start, it is an honor to write for an outstanding magazine that caters to drummers and percussionists worldwide. MD is a great resource for the drumming community….”
Posted: December 18, 2008
Derico Watson: Pocket, Chops, and Soul
For the past five years, Michigan native Derico Watson has held one of the most coveted chairs a drummer could imagine, touring regularly with pioneering bassist Victor Wooten.
Posted: December 1, 2008
Royal Crown Revue's Daniel Glass
It’s a pleasure and a privilege to throw my hat into this incredible blog, and to share a bit about what’s been going on in my world for the last several years…
Posted: December 1, 2008
Royal Crown Revue’s Daniel Glass
It’s a pleasure and a privilege to throw my hat into this incredible blog, and to share a bit about what’s been going on in my world for the last several years…
Posted: August 6, 2008
Bruce Burgess
I started off as a rock drummer, but over time I’ve evolved into classical, jazz, and world-music playing styles…
Posted: September 25, 2006
Joe Morello: Revisiting A Master
The Dave Brubeck Quartet was the most popular jazz group of that time. “Take Five,” featuring a drum solo by Joe Morello, was a million-seller. This group toured the world playing concerts instead of location club gigs. I can’t think of one jazz group today that approaches the level of …
Posted: May 15, 2006
Harold Jones
Harold Jones’ golf game is reportedly a lot better now than the last time he was in Tony Bennett’s band. But that’s just one of the changes the drummer has been through in the thirty years he’s been away from Bennett….
Posted: May 19, 2005
Daniel Reyes
In between those gigs he’ll squeeze in a performance with Ricky Martin, Stevie Nicks, or Jennifer Lopez, among other top acts. But Danny’s brain is always thinking: How do I make my playing better? Equally important to him these days: How do I make the instruments I play better? Enter …
Posted: May 12, 2004
Louie Bellson A Lifetime Of Greatness
When one of the greatest drummers of all time turns eighty, celebrations are held all over the country – from coast to coast for months.
Posted: June 30, 2022
Episode 77: John DeChristopher Live From My Drum Room With Chris Hart
John’s guest is Chris Hart, Director of Artist Relations at Remo Inc. Chris has built relationships with the world’s top drummers and percussionists and in this show, you’ll see why he is one of the most loved and respected figures in the Drum Industry. John and Chris discussed their history …
