December 2019 Issue – Volume 43 • Number 12
Articles in December 2019
New Gear from Tama, Gon Bops, BeatSeat, DPA, and Canopus
Tama S.L.P. New-Vintage Hickory Drumset and Powerpad Throne Case This hickory kit’s tonal focus emphasizes a mid-range timbre. The Direct Flexi-Mount, 2.3 mm steel Mighty Hoops, and Evans G1 Coated heads offer an open sound, while the dark lacquered bass…
The 2019 DCI World Championship Results
Blue Devils corps held on to a narrow lead of less than a tenth of a point to win a record-breaking nineteenth championship.
Blue Microphones
We received a pair of large-diaphragm condensers for overheads and bass drum and other low-frequency applications.
Dynamicx
We received two gorgeous Medallion Brass snares for review: a 5x14 in Torch Patina and a 6.5x14 featuring a black-nickel finish with a hand-engraved six-leaf pattern.
Tool's Danny Carey - We are Back!
It's been thirteen years since Tool’s last album, 2006’s 10,000 Days, but the faithful need wait no more, because Tool, and a never-better Danny Carey, are back. With their new album, Fear Inoculum, the band continues down the road…
A New Perspective on Polyrhythms, Part 2
The easiest way to create a five-over-two polyrhythm is to play quintuplet single strokes across two different surfaces.
Tama Starclassic Drumset
After extensive research and development, Tama announced the next phase for the Starclassic line: the Walnut/Birch drumkit.
The Velvet Underground
This month we check out some classic tracks from the influential band and associated artists.
Harvey Vogel
“There’s no question that Harvey Vogel changed the way the consumer viewed retail percussion.”
The Offspring's Pete Parada
Offspring's drummer Pete Parada relocated with his family to Nashville in 2011 from Chico, a small college town in northern California.
Samba Rhythms
Sing these individual 16th-note partials while maintaining the tamborim rhythm with your lead hand.
Andy Woodard and Jola with Adam Ant
Now, more than three and a half decades later, Ant is hitting the road for an international Friend or Foe live run that lasts through late November.
Aerosmith In Vegas
Aerosmith’s Deuces Are Wild residency at the MGM Resorts Park Theater in Las Vegas boasts a number of cutting-edge audio, video, and experiential enhancements.
Sympathy for the Drummer
The book tries to clarify the ineffable: what is the essence of Charlie Watts?
Linda Pitmon
Her main dictate is to rock consistently, creatively, sometimes on a moment’s notice, and always like her life depends on it.
A Modern Class Act
“I always liked the dynamic contrast between focused and open tones.
“Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover”
In this lesson, we’re going to take a look at some ways to incorporate Ralph MacDonald’s tambourine part into that same groove.
NickyMoon Cymbals
Meticulously hammered and lathed by hand in Margarite’s New Jersey shop, these “1” series cymbals represent the best of what the company offers.
New Releases from Jonathan Blake, Matt Slocum, Barrett Martin Group, and More!
Johnathan Blake continues to demonstrate his abilities as an exciting, creative drummer on his third album as a leader.
Every Drummer’s a Snowflake
No, not that kind of snowflake—you’ll have to find me at the bar if you want to talk politics.
Security Project's Jerry Marotta The Rhythm and the Heat
Recreating the sounds and grooves he conceived with Peter Gabriel — and reminding us just how shockingly satisfying they were.
What’s Your Favorite Danny Carey Track?
I’d say “Ticks and Leeches.” He incorporates ghost notes into the main groove, which you don’t really hear too often in Tool’s music. Also, the intro is a beast, and the song’s vibe is highly distinguishable from all of the…
Memphis Drum Shop, Memphis, Tennessee
Gongs are another area where Memphis Drum Shop stands out, with the by-appointment-only Memphis Gong Chamber and My Gong video series.
Brian Chippendale on Lightning Bolt's Sonic Citadel
Throughout the album Gibson’s signature buzz-saw tone, Chippendale’s familiar crackling vocals, and the drummer’s slashing snare shred.