Search
Advertisement

November 2017 Issue – Volume 41 • Number 11

John Dentz Passes This past May 9, Los Angeles–based drummer John Dentz passed away. “I loved the way John played,” says the iconic studio and stage drummer Jim Keltner, who was friends with Dentz since the mid-’60s, and who in 1969 passed the baton in Gábor Szabó’s band to the drummer. “John was from the Max Roach school, with a lot of Philly Joe Jones thrown in,” Keltner says. “He played with a lot of great artists, including Stan Getz, Freddie Hubbard, and Chick Corea. But I dug watching him play with Supersax—a fantastic big band that played in little clubs out in the Valley—or with Mose Allison, at a club down by the beach. I loaned him my 24″ Zildjian A ride with rivets when he played with Mose and Gábor.” Though Dentz made his mark on the West Coast, he was originally from New Jersey, an obvious fact […]
TO READ THE FULL STORY:

Articles in November 2017

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

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

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

Jon Cross - 6.5x14 Macassar/Gaboon Ebony Snare

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

by Michael Dawson
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
Advertisement

The Importance of the Offbeat

Tracing Its Use in Rock, Pop, and Jazz

by Peter Erskine
Sep 27, 2017

LP - Uptown Sculpted Ash Congas and Valje Bongos

A textured veneer finish for the industry standard and the reintroduction of a legendary name in percussion.

by Michael Dawson
Sep 27, 2017

Roland - GO:MIXER

A smartphone audio mixer for social-media video performers.

by Miguel Monroy
Sep 27, 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

Cuban Rhythms for Percussion and Drumset: The Essentials by Aldo Mazza

Aldo Mazza is best known through his work as a clinician and founder of the KoSA workshops, and as a longtime member of the Canadian ensemble Répercussion. Born in Italy and raised in Canada, Mazza has called Montreal home for…

by Stephen Bidwell
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
Advertisement

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

Steve Maxwell Vintage and Custom Drum Shop

Glendale Heights, Illinois; New York, New York

Interview by Patrick Berkery
Sep 27, 2017

Faux Double Bass Drumming

Ten Single-Pedal Variations

by Matt Starr
Sep 27, 2017

Agner - Number, Name, and Signature Series Drumsticks

Durable, balanced, and great-sounding models made from hickory, maple, and the little-known hornbeam wood.

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

Embellished Jazz Time

Pushing Beyond the Standard Ride Pattern

by Joel Rothman
Sep 27, 2017

What Song Inspired You to Start Playing the Drums?

This month’s cover artist, Tré Cool, certainly inspired plenty of drummers to pick up a pair of sticks. That got us thinking about what drew the rest of us to the kit, and when we asked our readers and social…

Modern Drummer
Sep 27, 2017
Advertisement

Nashville Drummers Jam

Music City’s Finest Pair Off to Honor Clyde Stubblefield

Story and photos by Sayre Berman
Sep 27, 2017

Advertisement