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November 2017 Issue – Volume 41 • Number 11

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 some time, but performing and teaching has led him all over. He has made Cuban music a particular focus, traveling to Cuba and leading study programs there several times a year since 2001. His new method book/video package is a concise resource for Cuban rhythms as he learned them from the masters. Cuban Rhythms for Percussion and Drumset covers the country’s most popular dances, and is focused around an understanding of clave and conga technique from which the pulse in Cuban music is derived. “The way I designed the book and the way I teach my students,” Mazza explains, “is to first understand the idea of clave. Once that is […]
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Articles in November 2017

Faux Double Bass Drumming

Ten Single-Pedal Variations

by Matt Starr
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
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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

Jack DeJohnette, Jimmy Cobb, Art Taylor, Dale Crover, Nate Wood and More!

RECORDINGS Dig These Dug-Ups Three discs of previously unreleased sessions capture jazz giants swung by drumming greats. It’s not uncommon for “unearthed” recordings issued long after an artist’s passing to be shoddy affairs. But three recent jazz releases take the…

Modern Drummer
Sep 27, 2017
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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

The Importance of the Offbeat

Tracing Its Use in Rock, Pop, and Jazz

by Peter Erskine
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

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
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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

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

Jon Cross - 6.5x14 Macassar/Gaboon Ebony Snare

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

by Michael Dawson
Sep 27, 2017
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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

Make Every Second Count

How’s everyone doing? Hopefully life isn’t being too hard on you. Spending time on social media, as so many of us do these days, we become more and more aware of what’s happening in people’s lives—and we communicate the general…

by Billy Amendola
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

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
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Roland - GO:MIXER

A smartphone audio mixer for social-media video performers.

by Miguel Monroy
Sep 27, 2017

Embellished Jazz Time

Pushing Beyond the Standard Ride Pattern

by Joel Rothman
Sep 27, 2017

Nashville Drummers Jam

Music City’s Finest Pair Off to Honor Clyde Stubblefield

Story and photos by Sayre Berman
Sep 27, 2017
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Mickey Roker

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…

by Jeff Potter
Sep 27, 2017

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