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February 2019 Issue – Volume 43 • Number 2

The steppers beat is one of the bedrock grooves in roots reggae drumming. In fact, the steppers, rockers, and one-drop beats comprise the very foundation of roots reggae music’s golden age, which spans roughly between 1975 and 1985. In this column we’re going to focus on one aspect of steppers that can really bring the groove to life: the rim click. First let’s talk about the other two pieces of the steppers beat, the bass drum and hi-hat. Steppers rhythms are also referred
to as four-on-the-floor patterns, which are grooves in which the bass drum plays solid, driving quarter notes on each beat. While the hi-hat pattern can vary, we’re going to stick with a straight 8th-note pattern so that we can concentrate on getting creative with the rim click. As you get comfortable with these exercises, feel free to spice them up by simply adding a couple 16th notes to […]
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Articles in February 2019

Props to the Drum Shops

When was the last time you visited a music store or drum shop? If you’re like me, you’re probably spending less and less time hanging and talking shop with other local drummers and musicians while picking up a new pair…

Article by Mike Dawson
Dec 27, 2018

Crack The Sky's Joey D'AmicoFebruary 2019

His musical road hasn’t always been smoothly paved—or paved at all.

Story by Will Roman | Photos by Linda Miller
Dec 27, 2018

Tama Classic Stand Series

Sturdier versions of vintage-style, lightweight designs for more modern applications. A couple years ago, Tama revived the simple, compact, and lightweight design of cymbal stands from the 1960s with the flat-base Classic model. The company has since fleshed out an…

Story by Michael Dawson
Dec 27, 2018

Path Orchestration

A Unique Method for Developing Fills

by Jost Nickel
Dec 27, 2018

Interpol's Sam Fogarino

Like few units before or since, New York’s Interpol truly truly embodies the city's sound and spirit.

Story by David Ciauro | Photos by Alex Solca
Dec 27, 2018
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The Modern Drummer Guide to Reading Rhythms - Part 3

Part 3: 8th Notes and 8th-Note Rests

by Miguel Monroy
Dec 27, 2018

The Vintage Double Bass Monster

The Brooklyn-based drummer and educator David Clive, who plays with the New York groups the Nawlins Funk Band, Carla V,
and John Putnam and Used Blues, assembled this month’s featured vintage Gretsch beauty. Clive, who also teaches at the College of…

Modern Drummer
Dec 27, 2018

Doc Sweeney RX Series Drumset

Doc Sweeney Drums specializes in building top-notch snares and kits out of exotic and domestic woods in solid, single-ply, stave, and now hybrid configurations.

Story by Michael Dawson
Dec 27, 2018

10 Reasons to Love Pete Thomas

Whittling down the list of worthy tracks to just the ten covered here was a difficult task.

Story by Patrick Berkery
Dec 27, 2018

Jack Stratton on Vulfpeck's Hill Climber

The multitalented group infuses nasty feels and refreshing sounds into a modern funk setting. Here their founding drummer sounds off on their latest killing outing. Since forming at the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance in 2011,…

Story by Willie Rose
Dec 27, 2018

Jawbox’s For Your Own Special Sweetheart

After emerging from Washington D.C.’s legendary late-’80s post-hardcore scene, Jawbox came of age on their 1994 major-label debut—thanks to the addition of powerhouse drummer Zach Barocas. Jawbox was under a great deal
 of scrutiny when For Your Own Special Sweetheart…

by David Jarnstrom
Dec 27, 2018

Percussion Kinetics Vector G1 Double Pedal

A strong, smooth option for double-kick players looking to make foot positioning more ergonomic. Percussion Kinetics developed the G1 single pedal several years ago so drummers could sit at the kit with
a more natural outward-turned foot position without having to…

Story by Michael Dawson
Dec 27, 2018
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Bobby Z of the Revolution

No one could ever replace a musician as iconic as Prince. What we still can do, however, is celebrate his life and work with the musicians who helped make him who he was in the first place.

Story by Billy Amendola
Dec 27, 2018

Denny Seiwell

His new, Grammy-nominated album represents a major return to his roots as a jazz artist. “That’s why we call it Boomerang,” says the drummer, whose first rock ’n’ roll recording was Paul McCartney’s hit 1971 album, Ram. “A boomerang comes…

Story by Bob Girouard
Dec 27, 2018

New Recordings from Donald Sturge Anthony McKenzie II, Dan Weiss, and more!

RECORDINGS Taking The Reins Donald Sturge Anthony McKenzie II Silenced One drummer’s unique and bold statement on topical events. On Silenced, accomplished drummer/composer Donald Sturge Anthony McKenzie II and
an impressive cast of collaborators (including Nels Cline) navigate a series of…

Modern Drummer
Dec 27, 2018

Amedia Jazz Legend and Vision Series Cymbals

Amedia is one of a handful of cymbal companies in Istanbul, Turkey, that employ centuries-old manufacturing methods done primarily by hand.

Story by Michael Dawson
Dec 27, 2018

Musical Palindromes

A Twisted Rhythmic Challenge

by Aaron Edgar
Dec 27, 2018

In Memoriam: Joel Smith

Remembering the hugely influential and multifaceted gospel drummer. Joel Smith, one of the most prolific drummers in the gospel music scene, passed away this past September 8 at the age of fifty-eight. Beginning in the mid ’70s, Smith carved out…

Modern Drummer
Dec 27, 2018
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Scott Quintana
 with Kacey Musgraves

“Less is more” for the tasteful Nashville touring and session pro, as he accompanies a chart-topping modern country music star around the world.

Story by Willie Rose | Photo by Catherine Powell
Dec 27, 2018

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