September 2017 Issue – Volume 41 • Number 9
Articles in September 2017
Doc Sweeney - Serengeti Stave-Shell Drumset
A dual-species stave-shell kit with dark overtones, depth, and power.
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…
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…
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…
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…
Chad Gracey With Live
The original lineup of the ’90s rock hitmakers reunites for a string of live dates and more.
Love Custom Drums - Brass, Copper, and Old Steel Snares
Versatile but unique shades of awesome at prices a working drummer can afford.
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…
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…
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.…
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.
New releases by Adam Deitch, Man Forever, and Nate Smith
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…
Custom Craviotto
German drummer, composer, and producer Konstantin Septinus is the proud owner of this handcrafted 2014 maple Craviotto drumset. The kit includes 10" and 12" toms and an 18" bass drum, as well as a special-edition solid cherry snare. “The snare…
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…