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February 2018 Issue – Volume 42 • Number 2

Can Feel Be Taught, or Is It a Gift? Unlike certain aspects of drumming, suchas timing, technique, and dynamics, developing a drummer’s sense of groove or feel can be somewhat of an ambiguous task. Even more obscuring is the debate that arises among the drumming community over whether groove can be developed in the first place or if it’s a natural ability. Our readers and social media followers recently joined in on the discussion, and here are some of their thoughts. Having seen it as a student at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles in the late ’80s, I can attest that people can learn to groove. However, there’s a subtle difference between a drummer with a natural, soulful groove and someone that shed for hours along to [Toto’s] “Rosanna.” But it can be subjective, because what grooves for one person may not for another. Greg Levine It’s a matter […]
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Articles in February 2018

Steve Nisbett of the Iconic Reggae Band Steel Pulse

Steel Pulse, featuring Steve “Grizzly” Nisbett, second from right   This story originally ran in the August 2012 issue of Modern Drummer.   He barely knew what to do with a reggae groove when he started his climb to the…

by Ben Meyer
Jan 19, 2018

The Fundamentals of 3/4 Rock

Where to Play the Backbeat

by Joel Rothman
Dec 28, 2017

Beier - 6.5x15 and 7.5x15 Steel Snares

Extra depth for larger-than-life backbeats.

by Michael Dawson
Dec 28, 2017

Italian Vintage Drums and Cymbals

Vintage drum expert Luca Luciano’s book is a fascinating introduction to some of the most unusual drums you’ll likely never see.

by Adam Budofsky
Dec 28, 2017

PROGPOWER USA XVIII

The Progressive-Metal Festival Heats Up in the Heart of Atlanta

Text and photos by Mike Haid
Dec 28, 2017
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JD McPherson’s Jason Smay

He might’ve had his sights set on a different musical path, but the skills he honed sure come in handy today, driving the tunes of one of the coolest roots rockers on the scene.

Story by Patrick Berkery | Photos by Rick Malkin
Dec 28, 2017

Exploring Five-Over-Three

Mastering a Difficult Grouping, Step by Step

by Aaron Edgar
Dec 28, 2017

Booker Stardrum

The drummer, who grew up in a household steeped in top-level twentieth-century classical music performance, has built up an impressive résumé featuring some of the most compelling experimental pop and rock groups of the past decade. He’s also released an…

Story by Adam Budofsky | Photos by Alex Solca
Dec 28, 2017

James Cassells on Asking Alexandria’s Asking Alexandria

A little more than a year after reuniting with original lead singer Danny Worsnop, the genre-straddling heavy rock group Asking Alexandria released its fifth studio album this past December 15. Partly inspired by the reunion with Worsnop, the rested and…

by Ben Meyer
Dec 28, 2017

Dare to Drum

A recently released documentary shows what happens when an esteemed percussion ensemble, a famous rock drummer, a world-class symphony orchestra, and a somewhat cranky Mother Nature come together for a unique musical event.

by Lauren Vogel Weiss
Dec 28, 2017

New Gear from SJC, OCDP, Protection Racket, Rhythm House Drums, DrumLite, and Black Swamp!

SJC Custom Drums Foundation Series Hardware The Foundation series of hardware offers professional-quality, heavy-duty stands and pedals. The X line features double-braced legs, gearless cymbal tilters, and hinged memory locks. The Flatline series includes double-braced flat-base cymbal stands. The six-piece,…

Modern Drummer
Dec 28, 2017

Vater - Acorn Tip and Player’s Design Drumstick Additions

Uniquely shaped signature models and a classic-shaped bead for the most popular sizes.

by Michael Dawson
Dec 28, 2017
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Led Zeppelin Experience’s Jason Bonham

Jason Bonham and his Led Zeppelin Experience band have been touring for the past year to celebrate an important anniversary. “It was forty years ago when Led Zeppelin toured the USA ,” says Jason, with a big smile. Jason has…

Interview and photos by Sayre Berman
Dec 28, 2017

Tony Newman

A true survivor, this swashbuckling British drummer brings tales from the golden age of rock ’n’ roll excess—and some of the heaviest performances of the era.

Story by Will Romano | Photos by Jeff Ragland
Dec 28, 2017

Tailor-Made Top Hat

Chuck Riebling of Ellicott City, Maryland, started putting this kit together in 2004 after purchasing four blank maple Keller shells. He then brought the drums—a 10-ply 7x13 snare, 6-ply 8x12 and 14x14 toms, and a 10-ply 14x20 bass drum—to vintage…

Modern Drummer
Dec 28, 2017

Understanding and Utilizing Fear

Tips for Turning Anxiety Into Achievement

by Mark Schulman
Dec 28, 2017

Sonny Emory

On the advantage of formal study. Formal study is paramount for any drummer who’s looking to be versatile enough to sustain a career. Unless you happen to be lucky enough to be in a band that’s already successful. But being…

Interview by Bob Girouard | Photo by Petra Turk
Dec 28, 2017

Pearl Jam/Soundgarden Drummer Matt Cameron Enlists David Bowie’s Blackstar Drummer, Mark Guiliana, for His Latest Solo Album

Photo by Danny Clinch Matt Cameron may be widely known as the drummer with two iconic bands, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, but those who’ve followed his career closely know he’s also a multi-instrumentalist who occasionally releases music as a leader.…

Interview by Ken Micallef
Jan 11, 2018
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Hendrix - Perfect Ply Series Drumset

A warmer and rounder-sounding 4-ply counterpart to the company’s hi-fi, snappy stave setups.

by Michael Dawson
Dec 28, 2017

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