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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

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

A New Realm of Groove

Quintuplet Applications

by Aaron Edgar
Jul 26, 2017

Dams of the West’s Gabriela Jimeno and Chris Tomson

Roles flip, as the drummer for the indie-rock hitmakers Vampire Weekend steps out from behind the kit to front his own project while recruiting an established solo artist, frontwoman, and drummer to handle his grooves live. The New York–based, world-music-influenced…

Story by Willie Rose | Photos by Alex Solca
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

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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Collapsed Rudiments

Concepts to Alter Feel and Space

by Stephane Chamberland
Jul 26, 2017

Steve Smith

IN THE PROCESS

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

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

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

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

Your Voice

Each month, as we prepare content for the current issue of Modern Drummer, we post a drumming-related question at our online outlets, sort through responses from MD readers and social media followers, and print some of the answers in our…

by Willie Rose
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
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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

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

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

How Do You Present Yourself?

Consistency Is the Key

by Russ Miller
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

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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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

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