October 2017 Issue – Volume 41 • Number 10

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…

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,…

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…

Tucker Rule

The seasoned basher reunites with Thursday, backs a British boy band, drives the bus for Yellowcard, and releases a solid new sample library.

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…

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.

Visualize

Get Set Up for Success Before You Hit the Stage

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.

Hybrid Rudimental Ritual

Variations on a Classic Method

HeadHunters - Crossovers Hybrid Rods

Blending the response and feel of regular drumsticks with the controlled, articulate sound of rods.

Paiste - Masters Thin Series

Broad, rich tones with a sparkling, silvery attack.

October 2017 Issue – Volume 41 • Number 10

Gavin Wallace-Ailsworth

Since forming in 2009 while the members attended the Berklee College of Music, the group known as Bent Knee has released several records and done extensive touring, including a string of European dates last summer followed by opening slots on…

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.

The 2017 Chicago Drum Show

A weekend of rhythmic bliss replete with vintage and modern gear, enlightening workshops, and brilliant performances.

What’s Your Favorite Jazz Drumming Album?

When we recently asked our social media followers for their favorite jazz drumming record, enthusiastic responses quickly flooded in. We tallied up the drummers that appeared on each pick and made a top-five list. The late pioneer Elvin Jones played…

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,…

Jazz in the 21st Century

Many scholars argue that jazz, which was first documented on record one hundred years ago by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, is America’s greatest musical gift to the world. I couldn’t agree more. I mean, what other art form encapsulates…

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…

A New Perspective

Displacing Four-Over-Three Polyrhythms