August 2023 – Volume 47 • Number 8

HalBlaine’s 1950s Rogers “Constellation” Drum Set

The set that started it all… By now, studio drummer Hal Blaine’s legend is pretty well known. He is widely considered the most recorded musician of all time. His extraordinarily prolific career spanned four decades from the the 1950s through…

Sam Smith, The 1975, Interpol, Black Crowes, Blur, and Placebo Drummers Use Porter & Davies

Photo by David Phillips The silent tactile monitors made by Porter & Davies (P&D) are used around the globe by many top professional drummers. Joining the growing P&D family are Jonathan ‘Ginger’ Hamilton (Sam Smith), George Daniel (The 1975), Sam…

Latin Percussion Rhythm Rods New Tools for the Toolbox

The other half of my LP box had a nice assortment of Rhythm Rods. LP sent over three different pairs: Synthetic Lightweight and Heavyweight models, and the Natural Rhythm Rods. I tried these alternative implements on just about everything I…

Triplets with Flams

In previous months we have learned about an often-ignored sound of drumming called Flat Flams. Then we learned about Joe Morello’s creative way of combining eighth notes with Flams.This month we will continue with a study of playing triplets with…

Danny Schreiber of Quor

The prog-metal band Quor has been together since 2013, and their newest member is drummer Danny Schreiber. The band just got back from a Japanese tour which found them playing at the Osaka club called Hokage’, as well as Babel…

Understanding the Language of Music Basic Chord Structure

Modern Drummer founder Ron Spagnardi wrote an excellent book called Understanding the Language of Music, a Drummer’s Guide to Theory and Harmony. This book spells out the basics of theory and harmony in a very easy to understand way. It…

Joe Morello’s Maple Ludwigs

This Ludwig five-piece sliver sparkle maple drum kit (14x22, 9x13, 16x16, 16x18, and 5.5x14 Hammered Bronze Snare) was owned and played by Joe Morello for many years. David Frangioni studied with Joe in the 80’s and they became very close.…

Groove Concepts for Fusion-Funk Music

I began playing with the Carl Mayotte Fusion Quintet in 2018. We have recorded four albums since 2018 and have had the chance to release a play along series for drum and bass with Hudson Music in 2023. Creating the…

DW’s Alex Gonzalez Collectors Series Icon Snare Drum: Iconic drummer, Iconic Snare Drum

Drum Workshop sent Modern Drummer over one of their newest Collector Series Icon snare drums for a look-see. The Alex Gonzalez DW Collector’s Series ICON snare drum was created as a tribute to Latin Pop icons Mana and their legendary…

Pearl Welcomes Drummers to High-End Reimagined

The emerging power drummer, gigging player, or up-and-comer can expect a fresh new selection of visuals for Pearl’s Decade Maple Series drums. Two new satin lacquer finish options are being introduced with the arrival of Blue Mirage, and Rose Mirage,…

Godsmack’s Shannon Larkin Mountain vs. Machine

Photo by Mike DeMillia As you walk in drummer Shannon Larkin’s house there are no pictures of himself, or Gold or Platinum records on the wall. The only thing that would clue you into the fact that you are in…

2023 Chicago Drum Show: The Drummers Family Reunion!

The Chicago Drum Show, now in its 32nd year, returned to the Kane County Fairgrounds on May 20 & 21, 2023. The show was a rousing success with an attendance of around 1500 visitors and over 180 booths. Attendees came…

Laura Donelan of Music Pro Insurance

Many musicians don’t know that specialized musical instrument insurance exists. If they do know about it, they probably assume it’s going to cost an arm and leg. And if someone knows about it, and is interested, they probably assume that…

Latin Percussion Single Brass Timbales Versatility and Choices

Latin Percussion (LP) has been around for decades. I am literally still using LP cowbells I bought back in the 1970’s. (No, I’m not that old, I just started young!) LP is not only known for making outstanding cowbells but…

OUT NOW! New Recordings in the August 2023 Issue

Modern Drummer is spotlighting new recordings that have the drums at the center of their sound. These recordings might be drummer-led, or just include a high-quality, special, or a unique drumming and musical performance from the drummer and/or musicians in…

August 2023 – Volume 47 • Number 8

Explosive CONFIDENCE Through Drumming

Where does true confidence come from? It’s found in the evidence of actions when you faced your dragons, and came out the other side. It’s not just thinking, but KNOWING. Everyday, we earn another 1%, but we don’t always see…

ProMark Drumsticks Releases Innovative New Nylon Brushes

D’Addario is proud to introduce new ProMark Nylon Brushes, the next phase in drumstick innovation. Designed to deliver the control of a stick and the tone of a brush, ProMark Nylon Brushes have a soft-touch handle, complete with internal counterweights,…

Joe Farnsworth: Playing from the Past, and for the Future

Photo by William Brown I tell drum students this all of the time. If you become a music major in college, pay as much attention to your peers as you do to your teachers. You can learn as much (and…

Louie Palmer: From London to L.A. with fire!

Photo by Marcus Wolf When you scroll through social media pages you see many different posts from various guys, and you might stop for only a few seconds on one who caught your attention. But sometimes, you might spend more…