January 2019 Issue – Volume 43 • Number 1
Articles in January 2019
Gang of Four’s Solid Gold
One of the downsides of making a groundbreaking, influential album is that your other records often get overlooked. So it goes with Leeds, U.K., post-punk trailblazers Gang of Four. While the band’s 1979 debut LP, Entertainment!, is rightfully hailed as…
A Custom Cocktail
John Cutbill, of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, wanted a kit that was portable and had a small footprint, although he didn’t want to sacrifice the functionality and sound of a typical full-size drumset. So he sketched an initial design of…
J. J. Johnson and Tyler Greenwell on Everything’s OK by Whose Hat Is This?
The Tedeschi Trucks Band’s killer double-drummers slay on their second completely improvised side-project release.
Tackle Instrument Supply - Backpack Cymbal Bag
A top-quality canvas-and-leather option inspired by the past but built to last.
The 2018 DCI World Championship Results
Some of drumming’s best young rudimental talents compete for the ultimate title.
New Gear from Gretsch, Vic Firth, Porter & Davies, and Croaker!
Gretsch New Nitron Laminate and Lacquer Finishes Several durable Nitron laminates and lacquer finishes have been added to Gretsch’s Renown, Catalina, and Energy series. The Catalina Club four-piece jazz configuration is now available in Blue Satin Flame laminate, Renown kits…
The Patti Smith Group's “Because the Night”
The saying “It takes a village” certainly applies to the Patti Smith Group’s breakthrough single “Because the Night.” Bruce Springsteen wrote the song around the time of his 1978 album Darkness on the Edge of Town. Jimmy Iovine, who engineered…
Mr. Muff - Vintage Sound Tools
Fluffy, furry stick and beater attachments for soft, attack-free tones.
Voices Refined
In conversation, this month’s cover artist, Arejay Hale, exudes excitement. That should come as no surprise if you’ve ever seen him play with Halestorm, the rock group he started as a youngster. But as I listened back to our conversation…
Milford Graves
A new documentary on the drummer artfully reveals a player and educator who’s long been uneasy with typical learning methods. But his commitment to musical communication and self-actualization has resulted in his being considered one of the most revered musical voices of our time.
The Modern Drummer Guide to Reading Rhythms - Part 2
Part 2: Whole Notes, Half Notes, and Quarter Notes
LCD/Legado - B20 Bronze Snares
A limited run of rolled-shell drums built from handcrafted Turkish cymbals.
Portugal. The Man’s Jason Sechrist
Portugal. The Man’s Jason Sechrist first spotted Ludwig’s new hot pink Vistalite kit at Summer NAMM 2018. Although it took a few months for his to arrive, it was worth the wait. This stunning set fits perfectly into the lefty…