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September 2017 Issue – Volume 41 • Number 9

A drumming cartoon made the rounds on the Internet and had an impact on me. In the first panel, a bandleader watches a drummer’s blazing display of chops and says, “You’re amazing.” In the second panel, the drummer plays a simple kick and snare groove, and the bandleader says, “You’re hired.” I’ve always taken the second image to heart by focusing on groove, feel, tone, creativity, and the recording process.
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Articles in September 2017

How Do You Present Yourself?

Consistency Is the Key

by Russ Miller
Jul 26, 2017

New Gear from Tama, AHEAD, OCDP, TRX, 101 Drums and more!

Tama Starclassic Bubinga Exotix Tigerwood Drumkits Starclassic Bubinga drumsets are now available with exotic wood finishes, Crimson Tigerwood Fade and Midnight Tigerwood Fade. The shells are made slightly thicker than those in the Starclassic Maple series to provide an aggressive…

Modern Drummer
Jul 26, 2017

Love Custom Drums - Brass, Copper, and Old Steel Snares

Versatile but unique shades of awesome at prices a working drummer can afford.

by Michael Dawson
Jul 26, 2017

Drums From Above

A photographer focuses on a way to shoot pro drummers that is certain to appeal to the Erector Set kid in all of us.

Modern Drummer
Jul 26, 2017

Universal Audio - Apollo 8P Interface

A professional-grade eight-channel unit with advanced analog-modeling technology.

by Michael Dawson
Jul 26, 2017
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Favorite Steve Smith Track?

Since the mid-’70s, Steve Smith’s drumming has enhanced a wide range of albums within the rock, jazz, and fusion genres. Classic hits, jazz-fusion escapades, and even Indian-influenced pursuits adorn the drummer’s discography with artists such as Journey, Jean-Luc Ponty, and…

Modern Drummer
Jul 26, 2017

Barry “Frosty” Smith Passes, D’Addario Awards Six Grants, Roland Announces New Partnership and More

Barry “Frosty” Smith Passes Barry “Frosty” Smith died this past April 12. The drummer, known by many for his work with the popular soul-rock organist and singer Lee Michaels, worked in multiple genres since the late 1960s, and his devotees…

Modern Drummer
Jul 26, 2017

Eddie Fisher

Bands get cut loose from record labels all the time, but finding a new home is much easier when a group’s drummer thinks and plays like a record producer. The members of OneRepublic can vouch for that. Eddie Fisher was…

Story by Robin Tolleson | Photos by Brody Harper
Jul 26, 2017

Skid Row’s Rob Hammersmith

As drummers, the idea of leaving home for a gig with just a few small items can be stressful. For most of us, the choices we make regarding gear are well-thought-out decisions based on research, experimentation, and experience. The idea…

Rob Hammersmith
Jul 26, 2017

Steve Smith

IN THE PROCESS

Story by Ilya Stemkovsky | Photos by Rick Malkin
Jul 26, 2017

Live and Learn: A Health Insurance Primer for Musicians

With all of the uncertainty surrounding how federal and state governments will be approaching health care law in the future, it’s tempting to throw up your hands and shout, Wake me up when the dust settles! Unfortunately, the vast majority…

by Kim Kicks
Jul 26, 2017

Willie Jones III on Gerald Cannon’s Combinations

A jazz drummer and producer burns on a longstanding musical partner’s sophomore effort as a leader.

by Jeff Potter
Jul 26, 2017
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10 Reasons to Love Bev Bevan

There likely weren’t many impassioned “Where’s Bev?” cries at the several dozen shows Electric Light Orchestra founder Jeff Lynne performed as “Jeff Lynne’s E.L.O.” during 2015 and 2016, and that’s understandable. Though longtime drummer Bev Bevan formed the Electric Light…

by Patrick Berkery
Jul 26, 2017

V-Classic - V.16 5th-Anniversary Cymbals

Funky new designs from one of Turkey’s most creative companies.

by Michael Dawson
Jul 26, 2017

On Topic: R&B Legend James Gadson

On Knowing When the Vibe Is Right It’s a feeling that comes over you. Everybody’s on the same wavelength. Before click tracks, the music really breathed. Pro Tools is cool, but it’s not as true as analog. On Starting Out…

Interview by Bob Girouard | Photo by Derek McCoy
Jul 26, 2017

A New Realm of Groove

Quintuplet Applications

by Aaron Edgar
Jul 26, 2017

KHS L.A. Drum Day

KHS America, the parent company and distributor of Sonor drums, Mapex drums, and NFUZD electronics, hosted L.A. Drum Day this past April at Swing House Studios. The event was packed with clinics, performances, gear demos, giveaways, and one-day-only special deals.…

Text by John Martinez | Photos by Alex Solca
Jul 26, 2017

Doc Sweeney - Serengeti Stave-Shell Drumset

A dual-species stave-shell kit with dark overtones, depth, and power.

by Miguel Monroy
Jul 26, 2017

Dale’s Drum Shop

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

IInterview by Patrick Berkery | Photos by Victor Crespin
Jul 26, 2017
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Chad Gracey With Live

The original lineup of the ’90s rock hitmakers reunites for a string of live dates and more.

by Willie Rose
Jul 26, 2017

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