July 1983 – Volume 7 • Number 7

The Reggae Drummers

A decade ago, it would have been unthinkable to envision a music form born in the steamy slums of Kingston, Jamaica, becoming one of the more exciting influences on contemporary music. The simple "chinka-chinka" rhythm and the infectious off-beat have…

Steve Gadd

Sometimes, a person becomes noted for something which is merely a by-product of what the person was actually going for. Steve Gadd's primary concern has always been to play for the music. He has never been preoccupied with trying to…

July 1983 - Volume 7 • Number 7

Steve Gadd, Michael Shrieve, Myron Grombacher, Louis Bellson, Billy Cobham, Les DeMerle, Sandy Slavin

Warm-Up Exercises

Photo of John Beck w/ former student Steve Gadd by Lissa Wales A sensible warm-up is vitally important to a productive practice session or good performance. There is no question that relaxed and supple muscles allow the mind to work…

J.C. Heard

J.C. Heard is relaxing in the living room of his modest apartment in Troy, Michigan. Though the apartment is not large, it is lavishly furnished in rich brown teak and soft leather. The walls are adorned with Japanese artifacts, Samurai…

Concentration

The ability to concentrate and not be distracted from the music by fear or pressure is extremely important for every professional drummer. For example, if you become nervous at a recording session or an audition you may lose your concentration.…

Steve Gadd: Quartet #2

Myron Grombacher — Rock 'N' Roll Energy

Photo by Lissa Wales Seeing Myron Grombacher on stage with Pat Benatar is quite a treat. Aside from being a superb rock drummer—fluid, steady, fluent, tasteful and powerful—he is quite a showman. With boundless energy, the man gives 100% and…