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May 2018 Issue – Volume 42 • Number 5

The concept of tension and release is fundamental to any style of music. Creating moments of musical conflict followed by resolution, either through compositional or performance devices, can be satisfying and interesting both for the listener and the performer. Incorporating syncopated rhythms, dynamic changes, busier subdivisions, or dissonant harmonies are some of the many ways to create musical tension. In this lesson, we’ll explore methods to create tension and release by using five-note phrases.
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Articles in May 2018

Do You Need to Read Music?

Weighing the Pros and Cons in an Age-Old Argument

by Russ Miller
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John McLaughlin’s Ranjit Barot

Drumming in the 4th Dimension

Story by Ken Micallef | Photos by Paul La Raia
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The 42nd Annual Percussive Arts Society International Convention and Cascio Music Drummerfest 2017

The 42nd Annual Percussive Arts Society International Convention Clinics and performances abound as the industry’s biggest names gather for drumming’s largest event This past November 8–11, thousands of drummers and percussionists of all levels gathered at the Indiana Convention Center in…

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Travis Orbin on Silly String II

Exploring the Session Guru’s Latest Chop-Infused Labyrinth

by Austin Burcham
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Finding a Balance

Drummers often grapple with certain questions or problems that could be answered by simply finding the right balance between two choices. For example, a popular debate among drummers is the choice between using traditional or matched grip. Or some players…

by Willie Rose
Mar 28, 2018
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Ray Lucas and Frank Capp Remembered

Ray Lucas: 1939-2017 The loyal NYC drummer had the music in him. Ray Lucas was an unsung hero of the dynamic New York City R&B/soul scene of the ’60s and ’70s, recording with Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, George Benson, and…

Modern Drummer
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The Elf’s Giant

For Eddie “the Elf” Piotrowski of Edison, New Jersey, it took more than ten years of collecting and assembling to build this month’s monster setup. Piotrowski explains that his extensive collection of individual drums and reclaimed sets, which includes a…

Modern Drummer
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Zildjian - K Sweet Series Cymbals

Larger, darker, and thinner cymbals with just enough transparency and brightness to sit comfortably in any mix.

by Michael Dawson
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Eric Clapton's Jamie Oldaker

After forty years, the famed Eric Clapton cohort’s career is coming full circle.

Interview by Bob Girouard | Photo by Phil Clarkin
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by Ilya Stemkovsky
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Smashing Pumpkins’ Jimmy Chamberlin

For the second incarnation of the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex, as heard on its new album, The Parable, the mighty drummer, who came to prominence in the ’90s with the Smashing Pumpkins, gathered players from East and West Coasts to create…

by Ken Micallef
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Next to None’s Max Portnoy

Within the international drumming community, the name Portnoy is synonymous with progressive metal. Through his work with Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment, Flying Colors, Transatlantic, and, most recently, Sons of Apollo, Mike Portnoy has garnered every award and accolade imaginable…

Story and photo by Mike Haid
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101 Drums - 5.5x14 Woodfiber Snare

Lightweight and weather-resistant shell with a big, robust sound.

by Michael Dawson
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Guitar Center Destination Drum Shops

With more than 280 stores from coast to coast offering just about everything in the way of musical instruments, accessories, and audio gear, you’d think that the retail giant Guitar Center could easily rest on its laurels. “No way,” says…

Interview by Bob Girouard | Photos courtesy of Guitar Center
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How to Play Odd Time Signatures

Part 1: 16th-Note Meters

by Aaron Edgar
Mar 28, 2018

Up-Tempo Studies

Part 2: More Exercises for Reflexes and Chops

by Steve Fidyk
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Yamaha - Tour Custom Drumset

An aptly named series designed to bring full, versatile tones to any stage and at an economical price.

by Michael Dawson
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St. Vincent’s Matt Johnson

A Profound Evolution

Story by Patrick Berkery Photos by Alex Solca
Mar 28, 2018
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Paramore’s Zac Farro

Spending your teenage years making records and touring the world on a rocket ship to stardom is every young musician’s fantasy. Choosing to jump off that rocket while it’s still on a steady ascent may seem like madness. For this…

Story by David Ciauro | Photos by Lindsey Byrnes
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