February 2018 Issue – Volume 42 • Number 2
Articles in February 2018
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.
Around and Around We Go
It’s hard to believe that we’ve already turned the corner toward another year, and Modern Drummer is celebrating forty-two years of publishing in 2018. While that pales in comparison to the 4.54 billion times this rock we live on has…
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.
Hendrix - Perfect Ply Series Drumset
A warmer and rounder-sounding 4-ply counterpart to the company’s hi-fi, snappy stave setups.
Matt Wilson - The Ambassador of Unvention
An experienced pursuer of the unfamiliar, and a compassionate leader who’s unafraid to unleash, the eternally curious drummer carves a unique way along his journey of musical discovery—all the while bringing as many of us along as he can. During…
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.
Elizabeth Goodfellow With Iron & Wine
The drummer, percussionist, and vocalist invigorates a seasoned indie artist’s new album and extensive back catalog.
Vater - Acorn Tip and Player’s Design Drumstick Additions
Uniquely shaped signature models and a classic-shaped bead for the most popular sizes.
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.
Jim Eno of Spoon
For three consecutive nights during the 2017 South by Southwest conference, the Austin punk rock mecca Emo’s was temporarily christened Eno’s in honor of the headlining band’s drummer.
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…
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…
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…
Can Feel Be Taught, or Is It a Gift?
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…