May 2017 Issue – Volume 41 • Number 5
On 01st May 2017
Articles in May 2017
Fred Pierce's Studio Drum Shop
Retailer Profile Fred Pierce's Studio Drum Shop Overland, Missouri Interview by Patrick Berkery Photos by Madison Thorn For forty-five years, Fred Pierce has been serving drummers of the St. Louis area in a cozy space he bought outright back in…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
