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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

St. Vincent’s Matt Johnson

A Profound Evolution

Story by Patrick Berkery Photos by Alex Solca
Mar 28, 2018
by Ilya Stemkovsky
Mar 28, 2018

Do You Need to Read Music?

Weighing the Pros and Cons in an Age-Old Argument

by Russ Miller
Mar 28, 2018

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
Mar 28, 2018

Travis Orbin on Silly String II

Exploring the Session Guru’s Latest Chop-Infused Labyrinth

by Austin Burcham
Mar 28, 2018
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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

Santiago “Jimmy” Vela III on the Sword’s Used Future

Monstrous grooves underlie heavy riffs and Black Sabbath–inspired melodies on the group’s latest release.

Article by Willie Rose | Photo by Dean Dickinson
Mar 28, 2018

101 Drums - 5.5x14 Woodfiber Snare

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

by Michael Dawson
Mar 28, 2018

How to Play Odd Time Signatures

Part 1: 16th-Note Meters

by Aaron Edgar
Mar 28, 2018

Bopworks - Drumsticks and Brushes

Faithful reproductions of classic models as well as contemporary designs with a vintage twist.

by Michael Dawson
Mar 28, 2018

Terri Lyne Carrington with Lewis Porter, Blake Richardson with Between the Buried and Me, Virgil Donati with IceFish, and More!

RECORDINGS Between the Buried and Me Automata Part I The progressive metal veterans release their highly anticipated eighth full-length album. Drummer BLAKE RICHARDSON somehow takes it up a notch. Once again Blake Richardson’s fluent, musical playing is rendered brilliantly by producer…

Modern Drummer
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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
Mar 28, 2018
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What’s Your Favorite 1980s Metal or Hard Rock Drumming Album?

This month we dive into the third installment of our series on great ’80s drumming performances with a focus on metal and hard rock tracks. As usual we asked MD readers and social media followers for their take on the…

Modern Drummer
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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
Mar 28, 2018

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
Mar 28, 2018

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
Mar 28, 2018

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
Mar 28, 2018

John McLaughlin’s Ranjit Barot

Drumming in the 4th Dimension

Story by Ken Micallef | Photos by Paul La Raia
Mar 28, 2018
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Rod Morgenstein with the Dixie Dregs

The prog-rock flag bearers reunite their classic 1970s Free Fall lineup for a spring U.S. tour.

Article by Ben Meyer | Photo by J. Mimma Photography
Mar 28, 2018

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