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October 2019 Issue – Volume 43 • Number 10

Analyzing Iconic Guitarist Oliver Mtukudzi’s Drummer, James Austin Manyungwa Combining the traditional Jit, Tsotsa, and other rhythms of Zimbabwe, the late Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi’s style could only be defined as distinctly his own. And beyond being an ideal showcase for his unique music, his legendary early-’90s release Shoko features James Austin Manyungwa on drumset laying down tight and fascinating African/soul grooves throughout. The three-against-two hemiolas felt in many of the 12/8 rhythms of Shoko help to push the music along, keeping it danceable yet elusive. And the 4/4 examples apply subtle beat displacement ideas that every funk drummer should stow away in their bag of tricks. Let’s dive in.   “Bvongodza Muto” On this track, which is listed in the liner notes as having a sped-up Jiti-Tsotsa rhythm, Manyungwa anticipates the snare drum and mixes in a nice hi-hat syncopation over a solid four-on-the-floor bass drum pattern. (0:06) This great […]
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Articles in October 2019

Ringo Starr's Maple Ludwig Hollywood Drumkit

As an iconic piece of rock ’n’ roll history, this kit has since been archived, documented, and refurbished, and it currently resides in custom road cases.

by Gary Astridge
Aug 26, 2019

Remembering Hal Blaine

He helped pave the way for every great studio musician who came out of L.A., and his influence extends to this very day.

Modern Drummer
Aug 26, 2019

JD Beck

Mentored by Dallas-area drummers like Robert “Sput” Searight, Mike Mitchell, and Cleon Edwards, JD Beck has crafted a style of crooked beats and patterns mixed with over-the-barline fluidity.

Story by Ilya Stemkovsky | Photos by Alex Solca
Aug 26, 2019

Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters’ John Blease: Fearless with Intention

He’s played with likes of Seal, Ben Folds, the BBC Big Band, Sheryl Crow, and Ellie Goulding. But landing a gig with rock ’n’ roll legend Robert Plant nearly says it all.

by David Ciauro
Aug 26, 2019

Mastodon’s Brann Dailor on the Band’s Heavenly “Stairway to Nick John”

The drummer recently talked to MD to discuss the band’s heartfelt tribute to their longtime friend and manager.

by David Ciauro
Aug 26, 2019
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Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Doug Clifford

Given the breakneck pace at which CCR operated in 1969, it’s a wonder Clifford and Cook are still out on the road fifty years later.

by Patrick Berkery
Aug 26, 2019

Sam Durkes on Ezra Furman’s Twelve Nudes

Throughout the album drummer Sam Durkes drives Ezra Furman’s distorted up-tempo fervor with a surprising avoidance of cymbals.

by Willie Rose
Aug 26, 2019

The Starr Festival Snare

Over the years, Gary Astridge has meticulously researched Ringo’s drumkits and assembled exact replicas of the ones used with the Beatles.

by Bob Campbell
Aug 26, 2019

Paiste 2002

Paiste’s 2002 series was introduced as a solution for heavy-hitting drummers on the burgeoning hard rock scene who demanded sturdier instruments with more powerful tones.

by Michael Dawson
Aug 26, 2019

Led Zeppelin II

Led Zeppelin II was released on October 22, 1969. Although initially panned by some critics, the album became the band’s first number-one album.

by David Ciauro
Aug 26, 2019

A Restored Gretsch Steal

This beautifully restored vintage project was from older Gretsch shells to create a road-worn-looking vintage kit that has that oft-referred-to “Great Gretsch Sound.”

Modern Drummer
Aug 26, 2019
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Inverted Paradiddle-Diddles

Rudiments can essentially be described as groupings of single and double strokes in different configurations and rhythms.

by Kristen Gleeson-Prata
Aug 26, 2019

New Gear From 64 Audio, LP, Schagerl Drums, Tama, and More!

New Product Releases from 64 Audio, LP, Schagerl Drums, Tama, Air Throne, and Canopus

Modern Drummer
Aug 26, 2019

Rhythm! Discovery Center Ten-Year Anniversary

The Rhythm! Discovery Center, a gem of the drum and percussion world.

Story by Bob Campbell
Aug 26, 2019

Louson Drums

The CajonTab is a small, flat, lightweight cajon you wear on a strap.

by Mark Parsons
Aug 26, 2019

New Releases by Santana, Oz Noy, Grupo Fantasma, and More!

New Releases From Santana, Oz Noy, Betty Carter, Grupo Fantasma and more.

Modern Drummer
Aug 26, 2019

Rancid's Branden Steineckert

“I tend to like my snares to be visually fun,” says Steineckert, “but I don’t want it to compromise my sound at all.

Modern Drummer
Aug 26, 2019

Septuplet Linear Patterns

The most fun thing about linear concepts is that almost any pattern you play can be modified in multiple ways.

by Aaron Edgar
Aug 26, 2019
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Talking About Our Generations

A teaser of the momentous drumming from 1969 that our October issue explores—and a chat with the Flaming Lips' Steven Drozd about some of his favorite music from the era.

by Adam Budofsky
Aug 26, 2019

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