March 2019 Issue – Volume 43 • Number 3
Articles in March 2019
Lone Star Percussion, Dallas, Texas
Lone Star Percussion made it possible for percussionists all over the United States to get their musical supplies in just a few days, and at discount prices.
Night Verses’ Aric Improta
The world’s most energetic drummer had his busiest, wildest year yet in 2018. Our heads are spinning just thinking about it. Keeping a schedule that would quite possibly kill a less intrepid soul, twenty-nine-year-old Southern California drumming savant Aric Improta…
Shakira’s Brendan Buckley
“A bassist friend of mine recently told me that I play drums like a conductor,” says Buckley.
David Bowie’s Never Let Me Down 2018
David Bowie so despised his 1987 studio album, Never Let Me Down, that he didn’t play a single song from it live after wrapping the tour behind it. And on the rare occasions when he discussed the record publicly, he…
Vic Firth — PureGrit and DoubleGlaze Drumsticks and VicWax Stick Wax
Specialty finishes and a tacky applique to enhance grip for sweaty or dry hands. For many drummers, Vic Firth’s traditional matte finish is a perfect middle point between the thicker, glossier coating found on old-school-style drumsticks and the coarser texture…
DW — Collector’s Series Pure Almond Snare
Almond is a difficult timber to work with, especially for drums, because the trees are thin and they rarely grow above 30 feet.
New Releases from Antonio Sanchez, Mark Guiliana, Zach Danziger, Gavin Harrison, and more!
RECORDINGS Donny McCaslin Blow. Still riding the massive spurt of creativity he uncovered on David Bowie’s Blackstar, the saxophonist channels a similar gritty spirit on Blow. Mark Guiliana, Zach Danziger, and Nate Wood share drumming duties on what is largely…
Craviotto Drum Company
Craviotto is also expanding its focus to include handcrafting more drums from exotic and rare wood species for its Private Reserve collection.
A Compact Flyer
The Iceland–based drummer Jón Óskar Jónsson uses this month’s featured setup with singer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter Sóley. Jonsson played this compact C&C kit on a summer 2017 tour with the artist, who he’s been performing with since 2010. “It’s a…
Dennis Chambers
The legendary fusion drummer is still setting stages afire with his scorching chops and unshakable groove.
Yamaha — Crosstown Advanced Lightweight Hardware
They’re just as sturdy as steel, single-braced options, yet taken together have over ten pounds less heft.
Larry Lelli of the Broadway Musical Come from Away
Come from Away, which was nominated for seven Tony awards in 2017, is one of Broadway’s most popular shows. In-house contractor for the drum chair Larry Lelli tells us how his sonic decisions make an impact on the audience. “We…
Blondie’s Clem Burke
About the Playing It’s about ninety minutes before Blondie’s set at the Sea.Hear.Now festival in Asbury Park, New Jersey. It’s a beautiful early fall afternoon, and being at the Jersey Shore has put Garden State native Clem Burke in a…
What You Need to Know About...Plywood Snare Drums
It’s been said many times over the years, by top drummers and producers alike, that the most sonically significant component of the drumset is the snare drum. This is why recording studios and cartage companies often boast extensive collections comprising…
Agean — R Series Low Noise Cymbals
Agean offers the unique R series cymbals, which are designed for low-volume practice and gigging situations.
Hunt Sales
Photo by Todd V. Wolfson Hunt Sales on Get Your Shit Together The rock ’n’ roll survivor opens up about his brutally honest solo debut. Since beginning his career in the mid ‘60s with his brother Tony in the group…
Contemporary Coordination Exercises
8 Challenging Independence Ideas The exercises in this month’s lesson are meant to challenge your concentration, coordination, and independence. Traditionally, each voice of the drumset plays a specific role. In a typical jazz context, usually the snare and bass comp…
Dennis Chambers’ Half-Time Shuffle
The Fusion Legend’s Take on a Steely Dan Classic If you’re not familiar with the Steely Dan album Alive in America, I’d highly encourage you to get a copy. The release, which was recorded during the group’s 1993 and 1994…
What’s Your Favorite Dennis Chambers Performance?
This month, as we catch up with the fusion and jazz great Dennis Chambers, we check in with our readers and social media followers to find out what their favorite albums or performances are from the MD Hall of Famer’s…
Jake Bundrick with Mayday Parade
Jake Bundrick with Mayday Parade The group’s longtime drummer hits the road for a European trek in support of the band’s latest release. This past June 15, the alternative pop-punk group Mayday Parade released Sunnyland, the band’s sixth full-length since…