December 2018 Archives - Modern Drummer Magazine

December 2018 Issue – Volume 42 • Number 12

When it comes to gear, Jerusalem-born/Nashville-based session drummer Nir Zidkyahu, whose ultra-precise, intense pocket can be heard on hit records by pop/rock great John Mayer, alt-rock legend Chris Cornell, and modern country superstar Blake Shelton, isn’t too particular, as long as he has a sturdy seat. “The older I get, the more I care that the drum stool is comfortable,” he says. ”I’ve been using the Porter & Davies [BC2] throne. It’s a great monitor system, and I think it makes you play better.”
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Articles in December 2018

Departments

The 2018 Chicago Drum Show

The perennial percussion event once again serves vintage and modern drum lovers alike.

Story and photos by Robert Campbell
Oct 30, 2018
Article by Ilya Stemkovsky
Oct 30, 2018
Equipment

Roland - TD-17KVX V-Drums

A game changing mid-level kit with increased expressivity, improved pads, and highly effective practice tools.

by Michael Dawson
Oct 30, 2018
Equipment

Quicksand’s Alan Cage

Quicksand drummer Alan Cage isn’t overly particular about his gear. “I’m not too attached,” he says. “But I don’t like deep drums, at least on the rack toms. I always play a 16" floor tom, but I don’t mind it…

Interview by John Martinez | Photos by Alex Solca
Oct 30, 2018
Departments

Aaron Sterling’s Sound of Sterloid, Volume II

“I do almost everything at my place now,” says top L.A.-based session drummer Aaron Sterling. In addition to recording about fifteen songs per week for artists and producers around the world, Sterling has created five online master classes that focus on…

Interview by Michael Dawson
Oct 30, 2018
Critique

Questlove's latest book and more

RECORDINGS Skyharbor Sunshine Dust Indian progressive metal titans release a gripping new album on the heels of successful tours with Babymetal, the Contortionist, and Deftones. Equal parts ethereal atmospherics, thick and chugging grooves, and soaring vocals, Skyharbor offer some of their…

Modern Drummer
Oct 30, 2018
Features

Keith Moon: An Examination

“In an egotistical way I always prefer my demos to what the Who does.” —Pete Townshend Rolling Stone interview with Jonathan Cott, May 14, 1970

By John Colpitts
Oct 30, 2018
Equipment

OffSet - Eclipse Double Pedal

A symmetrical design for more ergonomic setups.

Christopher Kozar
Oct 30, 2018
Departments

An Enduring Kit and an Unforgettable Time

This vintage 1963 Ludwig Hollywood set in an Oyster Black Pearl wrap comes to us from drummer Nelson Hawkins, who ordered it after paging through a Ludwig catalog in the early ’60s. The kit came with two 8x12 mounted toms,…

Modern Drummer
Oct 30, 2018
Features

In the Studio with Travis McNabb

When not touring with top modern country acts Sugarland and Frankie Ballard, this Tennessee transplant tracks drums for artists around the globe out of his home setup.

Story and photos by Sayre Berman
Oct 30, 2018
Departments

Scott Seiver with Tenacious D

Tracing the path that the prolific drummer, composer, and producer paved on his way to playing with the hilarious and hard-rocking act.

Article by Willie Rose | Photo by Rosalie Sage
Oct 30, 2018
Basics

The Modern Drummer Guide to Reading Rhythms

Part 1: Fundamental Elements of Music Notation

by Miguel Monroy
Oct 30, 2018
Departments

Clint Schnase on Cursive’s Vitriola

The original drummer for the biting Nebraska indie group rejoins them in the studio for a raucous homecoming.

Article by Willie Rose | Photo by Hiro Tanaka
Oct 30, 2018
Education

Polyrhythmic Rudiment Applications

Using Standard Stickings to Tackle Odd Groupings

by Aaron Edgar
Oct 30, 2018
Article by Robin Tolleson | Photo by Attis Clopton
Oct 30, 2018
Drum Wisdom

Mark Walker

The Berklee professor and well-traveled performer has made a career out of adapting ethnic rhythms to the drumset—and offering valuable advice on how to do that accurately and authentically.

Story by Ken Micallef | Photos by Alex Solca
Oct 30, 2018
Around The World

Samba Rhythms - Part 1: The Importance of the Tamborim

Hello, and welcome to a new series on Brazilian samba drumming! It’s a great pleasure to be discussing Brazilian rhythms and my approach to this style on the drumset. Generally, I feel that Brazilian rhythms can be divided into three…

by Kiko Freitas
Oct 30, 2018
Equipment

Paiste - Masters Extra Thin and Dark Additions

Soft and sophisticated crashes and splashes for supreme expressivity.

Michael Dawson
Oct 30, 2018