April 2018 Issue – Volume 42 • Number 4
On 01st Apr 2018
Articles in April 2018
Katy Perry’s Tony Royster Jr.
He grabbed headlines as one of the most talked-about drumming prodigies in the history of the instrument, playing alongside musical icons three times his age and establishing a reputation for blistering clinic appearances. In his first MD interview in years,…
Roland - SPD::ONE Electro, Percussion, and WAV Pads
Simple, single-trigger pads with just enough options to keep things interesting.
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…
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…
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…
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…
Doc Sweeney - Blue Tiger Drumset
Steam-bent ash shells with a striking finish to match their big, biting tones.
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…
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…
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.
Yamaha Drums Fiftieth-Anniversary Celebration
The renowned manufacturer takes over Hollywood with a day of performances, gear demos, and honorary guests.
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…
Bobby Sanabria, Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste, Roger Taylor, Florian Alexandru-Zorn, Clem Burke, and more!
Jazz Education Network Names Bobby Sanabria 2018 Recipient of LeJENds of Latin Jazz Award Bandleader, drummer/percussionist, educator, and seven-time Grammy nominee Bobby Sanabria has been named the 2018 recipient of the Jazz Education Network’s LeJENds of Latin Jazz award. The…
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.
Mind Matters - The Power of “No”
Q: My lead guitarist is finding fault with the drum parts I write. When we first attempt a new tune, he often rolls his eyes, makes a face, and stops the song. He’ll either start offering suggestions or ask to…
