October 2017 Issue – Volume 41 • Number 10
Articles in October 2017
Antonio Sanchez Soars Beyond Birdman
Antonio Sanchez knows the key to being a successful jazz drummer in this unpredictable decade: Always keep evolving. To stay ahead of the game—both artistically and business-wise—the indefatigable artist embraces a whirlwind schedule and wholeheartedly welcomes a challenge. In addition…
John Blackwell Jr., Kim Plainfield, Sweetwater Gearfest, Vic Firth and more!
Dweezil Zappa performs at the close of day one in the Sweetwater pavilion. Sweetwater GearFest 2017 Draws Record Crowds and Sales The 2017 edition of music retailer Sweetwater’s GearFest trade show and festival was held this past June at the…
Custom-Shop Chops
This one-of-a-kind kit comes to us from New York City–based drummer Adam Romanowski, who commissioned a budding drum builder for the set in 2003. “My friend Ilya Hamovic started making drums after a short stint working at Manny’s Music in…
Yes’s Close to the Edge
In the long list of accomplishments that led to Yes’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year, Bill Bruford’s final statement with the band surely ranks as highly as any.
HeadHunters - Crossovers Hybrid Rods
Blending the response and feel of regular drumsticks with the controlled, articulate sound of rods.
38 Special’s Gary Moffatt
For the past nineteen years he’s held the throne for one of rock’s most enduring organizations. It hasn’t always been easy, but rock ’n’ roll eventually rewards its true survivors.
Charlie Hall on the War on Drugs’ A Deeper Understanding
While several drummers pave an unwavering groove foundation on the popular indie group’s new release, its main kit man contributes on multiple levels.
Buddy Rich: A Timeline
No player in history could so confidently—and inarguably—wear the title of “the world’s greatest drummer.” Buddy Rich was simply a phenomenon, astounding vaudeville audiences in the late 1910s and early ’20s, well before most children began their conventional schooling. Indeed,…
Outlaw Drums - Heritage Series Snares
More than 150 years of American history commemorated in reclaimed heart pine snares.
Tammy Glover of Thorcraft Cobra
Changing up my gear keeps me inspired. That said, I’ve been using my dad’s vintage 1953 Gretsch red sparkle on recordings since the ’90s. Initially it was a three-piece kit with a 16x22 kick, a 6x14 snare, a 10x13 rack…
Daxx Nielsen With Cheap Trick
More than forty years since its birth in Rockford, Illinois, the classic hard-rock group is as vibrant as ever, thanks to some recent, well-deserved recognition.
Fishbone’s Philip “Fish” Fisher
Philip “Fish” Fisher recently returned to legendary ska/funk/punk band Fishbone after a sixteen-year hiatus, during which time the drummer played with Justin Timberlake, House of Pain, Lady Antebellum, and Christina Aguilera. Fish stepped back into the band for a tour…
Video Interview with Buddy Rich Writer and Arranger John LaBarbera!
John LaBarbera is a Grammy-nominated composer and arranger whose works have been recorded and performed for nearly fifty years by many of the top artists of jazz, including Woody Herman, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Mel Tormé, Bill Watrous, Phil Woods,…