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September 2017 Issue – Volume 41 • Number 9

RECORDINGS Taking the Reins Man Forever Play What They Want With his latest drum project, Oneida’s John Colpitts, aka Kid Millions, trashes musical labels while thrashing his kit. Aided by contributions from the percussion ensemble Tigue and avant-garde icon Laurie Anderson, among others, John Colpitts (i.e., Man Forever) often electrifies and sends percussive shockwaves undulating through stratified sonic layers of drones, jazz, polymetric playfulness, and hypnotic minimalism. Track four, “Twin Torches,” is a genre-hopping tour de force, buzzing with fiery, funky, syncopated patterns that both complement and counteract Anderson’s icy spoken-word transmissions. This material does have its precedents, including Anderson’s own Big Science, but the artistic trajectory plotted here should provide inspiration for drummers toiling in ambiguous genres. (Thrill Jockey) Will Romano Adam Deitch Quartet Egyptian Secrets Anyone needing proof of the scope of Deitch’s drumming craft will be convinced by this joyously grooving set. Borrowing saxman Ryan Zoidis and […]
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Articles in September 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

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

Doc Sweeney - Serengeti Stave-Shell Drumset

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

by Miguel Monroy
Jul 26, 2017

How Do You Present Yourself?

Consistency Is the Key

by Russ Miller
Jul 26, 2017

Tesla’s Troy Luccketta

“Back in 1987, when I first signed with Tama, I wasn’t all that familiar with their drums,” says Troy Luccketta, who this year celebrates thirty years of touring with the veteran hard-rock band Tesla. “What Tama has done over the…

Interview and photos by Sayre Berman
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

Universal Audio - Apollo 8P Interface

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

by Michael Dawson
Jul 26, 2017

Dale’s Drum Shop

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

IInterview by Patrick Berkery | Photos by Victor Crespin
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

Samba Drumming - Applications and Attitude

The Brazilian samba rhythm is one of the most popular feels in the world. It’s an infectious groove that’s especially popular among dancers, but also among musicians in the jazz field and beyond. The samba bass drum and hi-hat-foot ostinato…

by Rich Redmond
Jul 26, 2017

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
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Rhythmic Conversions

Part 4: Swinging the Half-Note Triplet

by Steve Fidyk
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

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

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

by Michael Dawson
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

A New Realm of Groove

Quintuplet Applications

by Aaron Edgar
Jul 26, 2017
by Dylan Wissing
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
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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

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