May 2017 Issue – Volume 41 • Number 5

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

May 2017 Issue – Volume 41 • Number 5

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…