(Available digitally January 29, 2016; in print February 2, 2016)

On the Cover

Barry Kerch

“The ‘Cut the Cord’ video is us in a live setting.If you put the four of us in a room with an aggressive song, that’s us. That’s who we are.”

Shinedown’s drummer on the art and craft of making rooms shake. – by Ben Meyer

 

FEATURES

Catching Up With…
Jazz Is Dead’s ROD MORGENSTEIN
and the Aquarium Rescue Unit’s JEFF SIPE.

RASHID WILLIAMS

Rashid Williams splits his time between John Legend, Jill Scott, and any number of other high-level gigs. Whoever’s stage he’s on, though, he’s on— 100 percent. – by Ken Micallef

JIMMY KEEGAN

Jimmy Keegan worked his way up the ladder with prog flame-keepers Spock’s Beard, from touring drummer to full-time band member—even taking the mic at critical times. The great tradition of the singing progressive-rock drummer is safe and sound. – by Will Romano

REMEMBERING VIC FIRTH

Few musicians approach the artistic heights he scaled. And not many businessmen can say they’ve been as successful behind a desk. No, they don’t make them like that anymore. – by Rick Mattingly Advertisement

BUYING VINTAGE DRUMS ONLINE

Before you click that “buy now” button, read these 10 tips to be sure you’re making the right purchase. – by Ned Ingberman

ENCORE: JELLYFISH’S SPILT MILK

Andy Sturmer—writer, singer, and stand-up drummer of rare talent—absolutely knocked it out of the park with this L.A. band’s sophomore album. – by Patrick Berkery

EDUCATION

Basics: The Tap Nine

Embellishing Backbeats With a Modified 9-Stroke Roll – by Rich Redmond (click here for supplemental video content)

Strictly Technique – One-Sided Hairtas, Grandmas, and Grandpas

3 Hybrid Rudiments to Expand Your Vocabulary – by Bill Bachman (click here for supplemental video content)

Rock ’n’ Jazz Clinic – Hidden Rhythms

Part 2: Odd Groupings – by Mike Johnston (click here for supplemental video content)

Jazz Drummer’s Workshop – Timetable Warm-Up

Modulating Swing Patterns – by Steve Fidyk (click here for supplemental video content)

Rock Perspectives – Progressive Drumming Essentials

Part 8: Advanced Beat Displacement – by Aaron Edgar (click here for supplemental video content)

Concepts – The Business of Gigging

6 Rules for Creating the Best Show Possible – by Russ Miller

EQUIPMENT

Product Close-Up
• Natal Arcadia Series Drums click here for supplemental video content)
• Sabian HH Remastered Cymbals (click here for supplemental video content)
• Van Kleef 6×14 Titanium,7×13 Stainless Steel, and 8×14 Aluminum Snare Drums (click here for supplemental video content)
• Zildjian A391 and Paiste PST7
Cymbal Packs (click here for supplemental video content)

Shop Talk – Craviotto 10th Anniversary Drums Commemorating 10 Years With Two Very Special Snares – by Bob Campbell

Gearing Up Jazz Great Jeff “Tain” Watts

New and Notable

DEPARTMENTS

AN EDITOR’S OVERVIEW

by Billy Amendola

Readers’ Platform

News

It’s Questionable

Snare Drum Rescue

Showcase

Featuring Drum Market

Critique

Backbeats

2015 Hollywood Custom & Vintage Drum Show

Kit of the Month

1960 Ludwig Downbeat

and more!