October 2017 Issue – Volume 41 • Number 10
Articles in October 2017
Hired Gun
A new music documentary pushes some of the world’s greatest freelancers—including many of our favorite drummers—“out of the shadows and into the spotlight.”
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…
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…
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…
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.
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.
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.
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…
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…
50 Crucial Jazz Drumming Recordings
A hundred years. It’s a wonder to think that’s how long people have holed themselves away with their Victrolas, hi-fis, iPods, and Google Homes, listening intently to the wondrous music that four generations’ worth of jazz drummers have gifted humankind.…
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…
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…
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.
HeadHunters - Crossovers Hybrid Rods
Blending the response and feel of regular drumsticks with the controlled, articulate sound of rods.
2Box - DrumIt Five Module and TrigIt Triggers
A plug-and-play trigger system with 4 GB of flash memory for uploading original sounds.