May 2017 Issue – Volume 41 • Number 5

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Gibaltar - G Drive Stealth Pedals

Product Close-Up Gibraltar G Drive Stealth Pedals Simple, smooth, and powerful options in a sleek black design. In addition to continuously redefining what can be done with drum racks, Gibraltar has a solid reputation for producing simple, functional, and affordable…

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,…

May 2017 Issue – Volume 41 • Number 5

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…

Simon Kirke

Features Simon Kirke The Free and Bad Company cofounder releases a solo album that reaffirms his place in the top tier of rock drumming, as well as his stature as a solo artist to be reckoned with. Story by Bob…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

An Editor's Overview - Influencers

by Willie Rose “If I am an influence, I hope I’m a good one,” said this month’s cover artist, Steve Gadd, in his very first Modern Drummer cover story, in 1978. “I don’t play to be an influence. I feel…

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…

George Marsh's Inner Drumming

Inside Methods George Marsh's Inner Drumming by Elizabeth Walsh You’re not going to work on any of the standard drum rudiments in this book. The notation is unfamiliar, and awareness of the energy flow within your body is a key…

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…

A&F Drum Co. - 4x14 Raw Brass Snare

  Product Close-Up A&F Drum Co. 4x14 Raw Brass Snare A contemporary take on iconic turn-of-the-century drums. There’s a new player on the high-end drum scene. The Antoun and Family Drum Company was founded in 2012 in Austin, Texas, and…