May 2017 Issue – Volume 41 • Number 5
On 01st May 2017
Articles in May 2017
David Gilmour's Steve DiStanislao
Interview and photos by Sayre Berman Steve DiStanislao is the drummer of choice for legendary artists such as Crosby, Stills and Nash, Kenny Loggins, Don Felder, and his current employer, David Gilmour. “I tour with many different artists, and I…
Kit of the Month - Compact Clubber
Kit of the Month Compact Clubber This light, tight, and customized setup comes from Steve Fruda, from Norwalk, Connecticut, who decided to downsize after a few seasons of nonstop wedding gigs with his New York City–based band, the Elements. The…
Rockin’ at a Snail’s Pace - Variations for Slower Tempos
Basics Rockin’ at a Snail’s Pace Variations for Slower Tempos by Joel Rothman Playing slow tempos can be one of the most difficult things to master. As the distance from one beat to the next increases, the ability to accurately…
Beyond the Noteheads - Part 3: Varying Your Transcriptions
Jazz Drummer's Workshop Beyond the Noteheads Part 3: Varying Your Transcriptions by Steve Fidyk This month we’ll apply variations to some of the transcribed phrases from Part 2 of this series (March 2017). This process truly has no limits. I…
1,000 Ways to Practice a Single Page, Part 3: Incorporating Flams
https://vimeo.com/208716618 Strictly Technique 1,000 Ways to Practice a Single Page Part 3: Incorporating Flams by Libor Hadrava Last month we applied a set of written rhythms to the drumset by accenting the figures within continual 16th notes and experimenting with…
Groove Construction, Part 12: 16th-Note Metronome Training
https://vimeo.com/208722950 Rock 'n' Jazz Clinic Groove Construction Part 12: 16th-Note Metronome Training by Jost Nickel In this lesson we’ll work on perceiving a metronome on various 16th-note partials. These exercises will improve your ability to hear different rhythms before you…
Modern Drummer 2017 Readers Poll Winners
Introducing... the 2017 Modern Drummer Readers Poll Winners Hall of Fame Peter Erskine It’s tough to imagine a more thoughtful player than Peter Erskine. In his introduction to Erskine’s June 2016 MD cover story, Rick Mattingly compared Peter’s career to…
Do I Need an Attorney? Part 2: Navigating Contract Negotiations
Concepts Do I Need an Attorney Part 2: Navigating Contract Negotiations by Russ Miller In last month’s column, we discussed whether or not you should hire a lawyer for your business dealings. This time we dive a bit deeper into…
Mastodon's Brann Dailor
As you read this, Mastodon’s brand-new album is dropping all over the world. As usual, fans will get exactly what they expect—plus a little something new. Story by David Ciauro Photos by Jimmy Hubbard Mastodon’s discography follows a linear pattern,…
What's Your Favorite Steve Gadd Track and Why?
Readers' Platform What's Your Favorite Steve Gadd Track and Why? For drummers, it could be hard, if not impossible, to pick out one standout track from the extensive and legendary career of this month’s cover artist, Steve Gadd. His feel…
Brazilian Girls' Aaron Johnston
Features Brazilian Girls' Aaron Johnston With his rudimental training, skillful electronic programming, and vast international influences, this New York City–based multi-instrumentalist and producer represents the future of drumming as well as anyone who comes to mind. Story by Henri…
Evans - UV1 Drumheads
https://vimeo.com/202236606 Product Close-Up Evans UV1 Drumheads A new silkscreened coating cured with ultraviolet light for increased consistency and durability. Evans’ research team spent several years experimenting with new ways to improve upon one of its most widely used products—the single-ply…
Sabian - Artisan Elite Series Cymbals
https://vimeo.com/202227210 Product Close-Up Sabian Artisan Elite Series Cymbals A limited range of dry, low-pitched rides and hi-hats from Canada’s top cymbalmaker. Sabian has spent the past few years refining its manufacturing process to incorporate more traditional old-world-style techniques. First it…
The 2016 Hollywood Custom and Vintage Drum Show
Danny Seraphine Backbeats The 2016 Hollywood Custom and Vintage Drum Show Story and photos by Bob Campbell This past October 8, the 2016 Hollywood Custom and Vintage Drum Show packed the Glendale Civic Auditorium in Glendale, California, with gear, drumming…
Aleks Girshevich
Up & Coming Aleks Girshevich A twelve-year-old reaches into the “El Negro” clave bag, and more than holds his own on a disc featuring Eddie Gomez. by Ilya Stemkovsky Most twelve-year-olds are busy trying to beat that hot new combat…
Sunhouse - Sensory Percussion Electronic System
Product Close-Up Sunhouse Sensory Percussion Electronic System Innovative technology that combines the natural expressivity of acoustic drums with the limitless power of software. The goal for Sunhouse’s super-advanced Sensory Percussion system is to, as much as possible, remove machinery from…
Septuplet Fives - Polyrhythmic Permutation
https://vimeo.com/208718798 Rock Perspectives Septuplet Fives Polyrhythmic Permutation by Aaron Edgar Seven over five can be a challenging polyrhythm to master. We’ll start building this rhythm by playing every fifth septuplet partial in a measure of 5/4. It can take plenty…
Ziv Ravitz
Features Ziv Ravitz The Urgency of Now Story by Jeff Potter Photos by Bastien Burger “It’s hard to define what jazz is these days,” Ziv Ravitz says. “In the end, it’s the spirit of everything being possible.” A drummer of…
Steve Gadd - The Innovator
Jazz fans lucky enough to be in New York City this past November had the opportunity to see three great masters pour out their hearts, extend their technique, and recapture past glories. Pianist Chick Corea, bassist Eddie Gomez, and drummer…
