September 2018 Issue – Volume 42 • Number 9
Articles in September 2018
New Gear from Paiste, Promark, Roland, Tama, Ultimate Ears, Gon Bops and Drum Workshop!
Paiste PSTX 16" Cajon Crash and 12" Hi-Hats These cymbals were developed to match the sound characteristics of the cajon. The 16" multifunctional cymbal is said to respond quickly with an explosive, somewhat dirty crash that fades swiftly. Due to…
Reggie Quinerly and Steve Gadd take the reins, Chad Smith with Joe Satriani, Claus Hessler's Camp Duty Update, and more
RECORDINGS Taking the Reins Reggie Quinerly Words to Love An ascending drummer delivers a welcome surprise. Reggie Quinerly proved himself as a strong, swinging, fluent, and sensitive drummer accompanying the likes of Branford and Wynton Marsalis, Joe Lovano, and Greg Osby,…
An Evanescence Tribute
The U.K.–based drummer Ben McIlvenna assembled this customized Tama Silverstar for live gigs with his Evanescence tribute band, Fallen. McIlvenna tells MD that he’s been building the setup over the past five years. “It started out as a standard five-piece…
Matt Starr on Mr. Big’s Live From Milan
The latest live release from the seminal rock hitmakers documents one of the group’s last performances with their founding sticksman, Pat Torpey.
What’s Your Favorite John Bonham Performance?
In this month’s Rock ’n’ Jazz Clinic, the drummer and educator Powell Randolph explores a classic John Bonham foot pattern. In keeping with the “Bonzo” theme, we were curious to find out from our readers and social media followers which…
Underøath’s Aaron Gillespie
After nearly ten years away from the band he cofounded while still a teenager, the drummer returns with a new full-length, a 2018 world tour, and a fire in his belly.
Donavan Hepburn with Jeff Lynne’s ELO
Fresh as ever, the English orchestral rock giant takes to the road while powered faithfully by the man behind the skins.
Barrett Martin
The former Screaming Trees drummer on his writings, recordings, and life as a Zen monk.
On the Road
I love our new series, “It Happened on the Road,” and this month’s piece on Courtney Barnett’s Dave Mudie is no exception. It’s wild considering what can happen when you throw a group of musicians into a bus, van, plane,…
Nick D’Virgilio on Spock’s Beard’s Noise Floor
Diving Into the Prog Veterans’ Overdue Reunion
Bishop Briggs’ Nik Hughes
MD caught up with Nik Hughes while he was on tour with British indie-pop artist Bishop Briggs to find out how he recreates for the stage the unique mixture of electronics and acoustic drums from Briggs’ recordings. “Our idea is…
Hiding in Plain Sight - Musically Applying Odd Rhythms
Unless you’re playing in a technical prog-metal band, you may find it difficult to apply odd rhythmic ideas to songs without getting deathly glares from your bandmates. Although I wouldn’t suggest that you start cramming polyrhythms and septuplets into pop…
Must-Know Grooves - Demystifying the Half-Time Shuffle
In This Lesson What are the characteristics of the half-time shuffle? Which drummers defined this groove? Which songs feature the half-time shuffle? https://vimeo.com/282012161 This month we’re tackling a groove that has confounded drummers for more than forty years: The half-time…
Courtney Barnett’s Dave Mudie
Alright drummers, let’s go over that international travel checklist one last time: suitcase, cell phone, cell phone charger, snare and cymbals (assuming there’s a backline kit being provided at your destination), sticks, in-ears, drum key, and, most importantly, your passport.…
Alesis - Command Mesh Drumkit
A competitive entry-level setup with improved feel and sample upload capabilities.