Drummers
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.
“Master Blaster (Jammin’)??? by Stevie Wonder
This cut, originally released on Stevie Wonder’s 1980 album, Hotter Than July, is a tribute to Bob Marley. Stevie himself played drums on the original track; check out this live version from the 2009 DVD Live at Last featuring Stanley Randolph at…
Jamaican Crossover Hits
Jamaican rhythms have found a home on the rock and pop charts for decades. The ’70s and ’80s were especially good to ska, rocksteady, reggae, and associated rhythms, with American superstars such as Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder turning them…
In the Studio: Jamaican Drum Sounds
Jamaican Drum Sounds Quick Tips to Achieve Authentic Reggae-Style Tones by Michael Dawson and Gil Sharone The drum sounds employed in each subgenre of reggae are just as important to the overall vibe of the music as the distinctive grooves…
Rock & Jazz Clinic: Funky Threes
Funky Threes Breaking the Mold With Broken Stickings by Jeff Salem In this article, we’re going to look at a very simple three-note sticking pattern (LLR) and apply it on the drumkit in a way that you may not have…
Zach Danziger With Mr. Barrington, Live at Shapeshifter Lab
Zach Danziger has been working on some new triggering concepts, examples of which can be seen in the clip from a June 12 Mr. Barrington performance at Shapeshifter Lab in Park Slope, Brooklyn. “I’m triggering all of the music…
Matt Thompson of Legacy of Disorder
Some LOD history: In 2008 I received a call from Sterling Winfield to play drums on a CD for LOD, who had come to Texas to record their debut at Nomad Studios in Dallas. They were nice folks, and after…
IZZ Crush of Night
CD It always seems unfair when progressive-rock haters toss out the word pretentious as a catchall way to denounce the genre. Fact is, prog only works when the listener is utterly convinced of the sincerity of the players’ devotion…
Rico Rodriguez of PK
The folks at Modern Drummer gave me the freedom to write about whatever I want on this here blog. I fought the temptation to write about my desire for the creation of a sequel to the movie Nacho Libre, my…
Mathias Künzli
Hi, dear MD readers! My name is Mathias Künzli, and this, my first blog, will be my introduction to many of you. I am an NYC-based freelance drummer/percussionist currently playing with Regina Spektor, Tall Tall Trees, Nina Violet, and Rashanim,…
Bruce Cox of Fred Wesley and the New JBs
Spring is here, and with it the reawakening of the greenery. The music scene is coming back to life as well. This past winter has been a bit slow but productive. I’ve taken advantage of the calm pace to finally…
Seth Faulk of the Nightmare River Band
What’s up, MD readers and travelers of the interweb?! Seth Faulk here. I recently got back from the Hear Me Now Tour with Sami.The.Great, and I’m getting ready for the release of the new record by the Nightmare River Band.…
Gil Sharone Ska Beat Demonstration (Video)
August’s Modern Drummer magazine is a special theme issue dedicated to Jamaican rhythms, specifically the classic styles of ska, rocksteady, and reggae. Check out this excerpt from MD Pro Panelist Gil Sharone’s groundbreaking Hudson DVD, Wicked Beats, in which…
LeeAnet Noble
Hey, MD readers. I’m LeeAnet, and I am a percussionist/performing artist in NYC. I began drumming with my feet—my grandmother Dr. Loncie Malloy taught me how to tap dance when I was two years old. My grandmother passed away when…
Steve Smith Solo Dedicated to Vic Firth (Video)
Check out this recent solo by drumming great Steve Smith. “This solo is dedicated to Vic Firth, a master musician and an inspiration to me,” says Steve. “I started with my timpani mallets, using motivic development, and I continued…
