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November 2017 Issue – Volume 41 • Number 11

Jazz drumming great Mickey Roker died this past May 22 in Philadelphia, at the age of eighty-four. Known for his propelling swing, Roker performed with top jazz artists throughout a career spanning six decades. A drummer sprung from swing and bop, Roker had an irresistible groove, sensitive dynamics, unshakable time, and tasteful kit artistry that earned him a long and impressive discography.
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Articles in November 2017

Jess Gowrie on Chelsea Wolfe’s Hiss Spun

Drummer and singer reunite on one of the more highly anticipated albums of the year.

Story by Adam Budofsky | Photo by Priscilla C. Scott
Sep 27, 2017

Faux Double Bass Drumming

Ten Single-Pedal Variations

by Matt Starr
Sep 27, 2017

Quintuplet Madness - Superimposing Odd Groupings

In this article we’ll play quintuplets within the space of three 16th notes. This concept can create some unique rhythmic statements, such as subtle hi-hat embellishments or twisted double-bass grooves. https://vimeo.com/235035256 Exercise 1 sets up a framework that places the…

by Aaron Edgar
Sep 27, 2017

Embellished Jazz Time

Pushing Beyond the Standard Ride Pattern

by Joel Rothman
Sep 27, 2017

Drum Design Knowledge, Part 1: Hoops

I get many emails about equipment issues. Some are related to what gear to choose for different gigs, some are about why I use certain pieces, and some concern tuning. I’ve been involved in the design of gear for more…

by Russ Miller
Sep 27, 2017
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The Importance of the Offbeat

Tracing Its Use in Rock, Pop, and Jazz

by Peter Erskine
Sep 27, 2017

New Gear from Sabian, Canopus, Promark, Attack, Tama and more!

Sabian XSR Cymbals New models added to Sabian’s XSR line include 17" and 19" Fast crashes, which feature enhanced profiles designed to provide a quick, explosive attack with penetrating definition and power. The 22" ride offers a balance of stick…

Modern Drummer
Sep 27, 2017

Roland - GO:MIXER

A smartphone audio mixer for social-media video performers.

by Miguel Monroy
Sep 27, 2017

JP Bouvet

Written on the wall of the ancient Egyptian temple of Luxor is the proverb Know thyself, and you will know the gods. Whether or not he’s come across that bit of wisdom during his travels, this drummer certainly gets the…

Story by Ilya Stemkovsky | Photos by Tanya Ghosh
Sep 27, 2017

A Lot Like Birds’ Joseph Arrington

That place where wild improvisation meets super-refined composition? It’s a very sweet spot indeed, and this drummer is at his best when he’s smack-dab in the middle of it.

Story by Ben Meyer | Photos by Lauren Jenkins
Sep 27, 2017

Green Day’s Tré Cool

His multicolored pompadour in outrageous full effect, his powerful punch-to-the-gut drumming a testament to his long-term success and ongoing love of life and music, Tré Cool is the world’s eternal punk rock poster boy. Green Day has released twelve albums…

Story by Ken Micallef | Photos by Gregg Schneider
Sep 27, 2017
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Jon Cross - 6.5x14 Macassar/Gaboon Ebony Snare

A powerhouse segment-shell drum with more musicality than most.

by Michael Dawson
Sep 27, 2017

Josh Manuel With Issues

The drummer crushes a rising group’s live set thanks to a background heavily steeped in gospel, rudimental, and hardcore influences.

Story by Willie Rose | Photo by Ryan Watanabe
Sep 27, 2017

Dunnett - Res-O-Tone and Res-O-Two Drumheads

Hazy timpani-style film for a warmer tone with fast attack and quick response.

by Michael Dawson
Sep 27, 2017

The National’s Bryan Devendorf

Bryan Devendorf’s drumming is deceptively simple. A brilliant accompanist to the National’s diverse, moody, and propulsive oeuvre, Devendorf provides vital rhythmic hooks to some of the group’s best-known songs. If you seek out a live performance of “Bloodbuzz Ohio” or…

Story by John Colpitts | Photos by Keith Klenowski
Sep 27, 2017

Collective Soul’s Johnny Rabb

Whether he’s developing new drumsticks, cymbal combinations, or electronic instruments, Johnny Rabb, who’s currently playing with the platinum-selling rock band Collective Soul, likes to remain on the cutting edge of innovation. “I had just graduated from Berklee and moved to…

Interview and photos by Sayre Berman
Sep 27, 2017

Jimmy Cobb

On Sticking a Powerful Jazz Ride Cymbal Pulse When I was a youngster I came up in an environment where the drummers were playing the big 4 on the bass drum. I never could do that strong enough for what…

Interview by Ken Micallef
Sep 27, 2017

The Invasion

To bring more authenticity to his British Invasion tribute band’s live show, Howell, Michigan, drummer Donn Deniston plays this pristine 1960s Ludwig sparkling blue pearl drumset. Deniston explains that because the group specializes in ’60s-era music, each member strives to…

Modern Drummer
Sep 27, 2017
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Yamaha Drums at 50

After a decade spent laying the groundwork, the Japanese manufacturer captured the imaginations of drummers who obsessed over its top-level endorsers, including the drum heroes Rick Marotta, Andy Newmark, and Steve Gadd. Today players like the Dave Matthews Band’s Carter…

Modern Drummer
Sep 27, 2017

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