Questlove

Hey, hey MD readers! Let me introduce myself. My name is Gayelynn McKinney. I recorded with a ground breaking, all-female jazz group called Straight Ahead for Atlantic Records. While touring with that group, I had the opportunity to be featured in Modern Drummer’s Bonzo Twentieth Anniversary edition. (January, 1996).

Hello Modern Drummer universe, I am Jacobi Gunter from Columbia, SC and this my inaugural post. I am so hyped yet humbled to share my phenomenal journey with you all here “On The Beat.” I’ve been told that my first performance was at eighteen months old, but my earliest memory …

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 …

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 …

What’s up, Modern Drummer readers? This is my first “On the Beat,” and I’m happy to catch you up on what’s been happening (for the past thirty-plus years, ha). We won’t go back that far, but I will fill you in on the variety of things I’ve been up to …

In this second installment of our 2015 holiday gift guide, we’re taking a look at some great four-piece shell packs for under $400. All but one kit still requires hardware, cymbals, and a throne. However, they each offer plenty of bang for the buck, featuring solid construction and reliable tone, …

Hi, my name is Thaddeus Dixon and I’m the drummer for (“All About That Bass???) Meghan Trainor. I’ve been playing drums for Meghan since January 2015 and it has been an absolute pleasure and an amazing year. Not only have I been playing drums for her but also I’ve been …

Okayplayer Films followed Roots/Tonight Show drummer and Okayplayer founder, Questlove, as he journeyed to Havana, Cuba, where he engaged in extensive cultural research by digging up some classic Cuban-made vinyl and by visiting the legendary EGREM studios, where most of those classic sessions were recorded. Questlove also showed partygoers how …

Hello! I recently had the craziest week yet. All my friends were in a classroom while I was in New York City during the craziest time of our band’s life….

Hello! I recently had the craziest week yet. All my friends were in a classroom while I was in New York City during the craziest time of our band’s life….

Playing Caleb’s tunes is a pleasure. The first record is more Motown inspired, and his second record has a more funk/synth/Prince-y vibe, so I’ve been getting to let out my inner Ndugu Chancler/Steve Jordan/Questlove….

Blue Note Jazz Festival and Jill Newman Productions are proud to present “Mumbo Jumbo: Bobby McFerrin & Questlove In Musical Dialogue,” on Friday, June 13, 2014, with one show. This rare performance marks the first official full show to solely feature McFerrin and Questlove in collaboration.

With over 150 performances at more than fifteen venues throughout New York City, the 2014 Blue Note Jazz Festival will be held Sunday, June 1 through Monday, June 30. Ticket information and a current schedule of events and locations are available on the official website, www.BlueNoteJazzFestival.com….

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 …

Watch Korn drummer Ray Luzier’s exclusive performance of “Sluggo’s Revenge??? from Guitar Center’s 2014 Drum-Off Finals, held this past January 18. Ray’s band featured Jeff Kollman on guitar, Billy Sheehan on bass, and DJ/producer Sluggo.

Check out this video of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith leading his band the Bombastic Meatbats at Guitar Center’s 2014 Drum-Off Finals, held this past January 18. The band, which also consists of guitarist Jeff Kollman, keyboard player Ed Roth, and bassist Kevin Chown, was joined onstage by …

Check out this video of longtime Tom Petty drummer Steve Ferrone and the Roots’ Questlove playing “Pick Up the Pieces,??? from Guitar Center’s 2014 Drum-Off Finals, which were held this past January 18. The song was the biggest hit for the Scottish funk group Average White Band, which Ferrone played …

Guitar Center’s Drum-Off launches its 25th annual search for the next great undiscovered drummer.

As a drummer myself, I had a burning question, “Why is it we’ve never heard from the drummer’s personality and character on and off the stage????

Hey guys, this is Matt Covey of Shai Hulud, the Suicide Dolls, and the Flaming Tsunamis. And the Hempsteadys. And the Franklin Brothers…and Young Pandas. About three and a half years ago, I was shocked to find myself on the road playing drums for a truly pioneering band….

On the heels of its highly successful US Drummer Love contest, Zildjian has decided to launch Drummer Love Europe, bringing the event to the U.K., Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, and Russia. The contest runs from April 2 through July and includes video submission, voting, and tour components. Ultimately, six lucky …

Questlove of the Grammy Award winning hip hop collective The Roots will guest DJ the Music Crossing Borders Take A Tour Gala benefit.

If you had told me at age fifteen that I would grow up to be a professional drummer, I would have thought you were crazy. Playing drums seemed like the last thing I would be able to do. Fast-forward fifteen years, and who would have thought that some kids from …

Hi, everyone, I’m the drummer for British indie-pop quintet Scars on 45. We’re a new band, along the lines of Fleetwood Mac, Coldplay, Death Cab for Cutie, and Snow Patrol. We signed with Chop Shop/Atlantic in the U.S.A. before we had any label interest back home, so we basically spend …

What up, MD readers! My name is Ryan Peel, and I’m a drummer/singer-songwriter from Memphis, Tennessee. I just released my debut single, “Even If,??? and I’m getting ready to release my follow-up EP in September…

Guitar Center has announced the launch of the 23rd annual Guitar Center’s Drum-Off the nationwide search for the next great undiscovered drummer.

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….

See what’s in the June 2010 Issue of Modern Drummer Featuring The Roots’ Questlove….

(June 2010 Issue) Hip-hop’s greatest band might be spending most of its energies rehearsing and performing on Fallon. But the Roots’ new album proves they’re still an awesome force in the studio. Here Quest, in his own words, gives us the inside dope on his best recordings. Common featuring Erykah …