April 2018 Issue – Volume 42 • Number 4
Articles in April 2018
Uptempo Studies - Part 1: Whole Notes and Half Notes
In this series, we’ll focus on exercises that develop flexibility and endurance when playing fast tempos (300 bpm and up). To efficiently play at these speeds, it’s essential to stay relaxed. To gain the confidence and language necessary to handle…
P.O.D.’s Noah “Wuv” Bernardo
“I’ve been with Pearl since 1997,” says Noah “Wuv” Bernardo. “This was my first acrylic kit, so I didn’t know how it was going to sound. But in the venues we’re playing, once we miked them up, I knew they’d…
Sabian - FRX Series Cymbals
Pro-quality, b20-bronze cymbals designed for lower-volume situations.
Karl Brazil With James Blunt
The U.K. touring and studio vet flawlessly supports the pop singer-songwriter’s flowing and dynamic set with ease on an international arena tour.
New Gear from CRX, Ahead, Cympad, Tama, Yamaha, Evans and REpercussion!
CRX AIR Series These low-volume cymbals are recommended for studios, schools, and practice rooms. Models include 13" and 14" hi-hats, a 20" ride, a 16" crash, and an 18" crash-ride. List prices range from $109.99 to $169.99. The AIR-SET1 includes…
Roland - SPD::ONE Electro, Percussion, and WAV Pads
Simple, single-trigger pads with just enough options to keep things interesting.
Lia Braswell of A Place to Bury Strangers
The Heart of the Matter Some musicians are too cool for school. They’re unfazed by auditions, uninterested in getting close to new bandmates. They may never miss a beat, but you don’t get the feeling that they’re ever going to…
Tim Alexander of Primus
On getting back behind the drums after suffering a heart attack. It was a lot of just Will I be able to do this? The heart attack happened in July of 2014. We had shows booked for the next month…
Canopus - 6x10 and 10x14 Harvey Mason Signature Snares
A duo of top-shelf wood-shell drums to fill out the upper and lower registers of the sonic spectrum.
How Do You Develop a Unique Voice on the Drums?
Developing your own voice on the kit is a constant endeavor. Considering varied musical influences, teacher feedback, and an abundance of available educational material—among other factors—the question arises of how best to sit down in the shed and focus on…
Ian Chang on Son Lux’s Brighter Wounds
A sharp drummer’s forward-thinking electronic concepts and downright dirty acoustic grooves shine on the trio’s latest release.
Brad Wilk of Prophets of Rage
Touring with an act that’s a household name comes with its perks, not the least of which is playing your own kit every night. Brad Wilk’s needs on the road with Prophets of Rage—the supergroup composed of members of Rage…
Yamaha Drums Fiftieth-Anniversary Celebration
The renowned manufacturer takes over Hollywood with a day of performances, gear demos, and honorary guests.
Doc Sweeney - Blue Tiger Drumset
Steam-bent ash shells with a striking finish to match their big, biting tones.
The Drum Orb
The California-based inventor, musician, and performance artist William Close brings us a unique spherical percussion instrument dubbed the Drum Orb. The work is ten feet in diameter, and during performances it’s suspended fifteen feet in the air by a steel…
Adam Nussbaum's Leadbelly Project, Matt Cameron solo album featuring Mark Guiliana, and more!
RECORDINGS Taking the Reins Photo by Dustin Carlson Kate Gentile Mannequins A strong debut of demanding originals that’s “out” but inviting. There’s no doubt that the music on Brooklyn-based drummer Kate Gentile’s debut album as a leader is difficult to…
Crucial Jazz Drumming Recordings, Part 2
Last October we presented fifty albums that show how incredibly far jazz drumming has come since it first appeared on record a century ago. This month we bring you twenty-five more titles as we work toward a clean hundred. The…