Features
Modern Drummer is the world’s most widely read drum magazine, is dedicated entirely to the art of drumming and caters to the needs of amateur, semi-pro, and professional drummers.
Josh Groban’s Kaz Rodriguez
Take a perusal of London-based drummer Kaz Rodriguez’s social media videos, and it quickly becomes evident that he cannot be easily pigeonholed.
Ani DiFranco’s Terence Higgins
Terence Higgins somehow manages to balance projects with Ani DiFranco, Don Was, George Porter & Ivan Neville, John Medeski’s Mad Skillet, and Tab Benoit
Drum Wisdom: Bruce Becker
Bruce Becker is an L.A.-based teacher regarded as a guru of the mechanics of drumming. His colleagues refer to him as “Yoda,” “the Master,” “the Technique Guy.”
The Moody Blue's Graem Edge
The Moodies were (and still are) technologically advanced for the times—any times—and because of that, in those early days, their music was sometimes construed as pretentious.
Blues Drummers: Part 2
Blues legends S.P. Leary and Fred Below, Stevie Ray Vaughn's Chris Layton, Jimmy Johnson's Fred Grady, and Robert Cray's David Olson.
Joe Smyth — The Big Break
Through talent, fate, or whatever, he's now playing drums with one of the most popular country/rock bands performing today, Sawyer Brown.
Panama Francis
In a career that has spanned half a century, Panama Francis has made his mark as both a big band and a rock 'n' roll drummer.
Smash Palace’s Harry Lewis
His movements were overemphasized, and his sound cut through like a cannon. Also, although his concentration was intense, he offered direct eye contact with the audience.
Modern Jazz Quartet's Connie Kay
Lyrical, intelligent, compositionally balanced, and swinging as well, MJQ's music crossed over to audiences other than just jazz fans.
Jerry Kroon - Nashville Studio
This interview should be required reading for anyone contemplating moving to Nashville to attempt to break into the studio scene.
Barrett Deems—World's Fastest Drummer
Inside Randolph Square, Barrett Deems did indeed propel a quartet of Chicago musicians with a clean, swinging performance—effortlessly.
Paris_Monster's Josh Dion
New York-based multi-instrumentalist Josh Dion has been honing his own unique slant on the concept with Paris_Monster to push the envelope.
Amanda Shires’ Jerry Pentecost
When Modern Drummer reached out to catch up with Jerry Pentecost, the drummer filled us in on his impressive performing schedule and concluded, “I’m really just a dude looking for donuts.”