The Greats
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.
Remembering Jim Chapin
Photo by Rick Mattingly The venerable drum teacher passed away this July 4, leaving behind thousands of acolytes–and a million great stories. In this companion to the In Memoriam in the October issue of MD, we hear from some of…
Mick Fleetwood
by Patrick Berkery Mick Fleetwood is held in high regard as a drummer for outfitting his band’s songs with hypnotic grooves in various forms. Think of the hollowed-out verses of “The Chain,” the delicate brushwork of “Sara,” and the steady…
Earl Palmer Remembered
by Mark Griffith In drumming, the terms legendary and innovator are thrown around far too often. Yet Earl Palmer deserves both of these titles. Drumming legends have grooves that are instantly associated with them. True innovators come up with (or…
Steve Reid: Flow Master
(February 2009 Issue) Steve Reid has performed and recorded with more artists than most drummers have shed sticks. From James Brown and Miles Davis to Jackie McLean, Four Tet, Fela Ransome Kuti, Chaka Khan, and the Barnam & Bailey Circus, Reid…
Max Roach
by Ken Micallef Simply put, Max Roach brought jazz drumming into the modern age. Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Bud Powell revolutionized jazz with new melodies and concepts; Max matched these musical geniuses with startling rhythms and reactive, action-packed drumming…
Jeff Porcaro: A Tribute
Ten years after his passing, the drumming and music community still feels the loss of the studio giant. I consider myself among the fortunate people whose life Jeff Porcaro touched - and there are a lot of us. If Jeff…
Louie Bellson A Lifetime Of Greatness
"Young drummers should learn the history of the instrument. You have to know where you came from in order to know where you're going." When one of the greatest drummers of all time turns eighty, the celebrations continue all over…
