Feature Stories
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.
Brian Frasier-Moore Switches to Pearl Drums
Editors note: The March 2013 issue of Modern Drummer features a Gearing Up article on Brian Frasier-Moore about the DrumCraft setup he used with Madonna during her 2012 tour. After that issue went to press, Frasier-Moore switched to Pearl drums.…
The PSM’s Paiste Factory Tour Video
Check out this unique factory-tour video created by Paiste endorser Pauli “the PSM” Stanley-McKenzie of Gorillaz Sound System. Stanley-McKenzie, a voracious and creative video chronicler, continues to find music in unexpected places—and unexpected music in predictable settings. To learn…
NAMM 2013 in Photos
It’s that time of year again, when the makers of dreams—or at least the equipment that helps them come true—show off the latest and greatest gear that will be available in the upcoming months. What’s the catch? Not everyone is…
Jason Bonham Celebration Day Transcription
by Eric Fischer Late in 2012, Led Zeppelin released Celebration Day, a CD/DVD that documents the band’s 2007 reunion concert at the O2 arena in London. The opening number was “Good Times Bad Times”—a song that Zeppelin rarely performed live.…
MD Education Team Weighs In On: Learning Jazz
Do you feel it is important for your students to study jazz drumming? And if so, what methods do you employ to get your students—especially younger ones—interested in this style of music? We asked the members of the MD Education…
Mark Egan On... The star bassist reflects on 15 world-class drummers
The February 2013 issue of Modern Drummer magazine features renowned bassist Mark Egan sharing some of the lessons he’s learned from working with drumming royalty. Here he focuses the discussion on the unique qualities and skills each of these players…
MD Pro Panelist Gerald Heyward on Vinnie Colaiuta
Hi MD! I’m excited about the latest issue and I want to let you know that Vinnie Colaiuta is one of my top-five favorite drummers! I started listening to him and watching him closely after the Zildjian Day video. He…
Ed Cassidy of Spirit Passes Away at 89
Ed Cassidy, a founding member of the Los Angeles–based rock group Spirit, passed away on December 6 at age eighty-nine, in San Jose, California. Cassidy was born on May 4, 1923, and was around two decades older than his Spirit…
Dave King of the Bad Plus: Web-Exclusive Interview
by Michael Parillo To read the Dave King cover story from the October 2012 issue of Modern Drummer, pick up a back issue or order a copy from the App Store. “I’ve always been attracted to the mystery…
Steve Shelton: 5 Key Performances
by Hank Shteamer During our interview for the December 2012 issue of Modern Drummer, Steve Shelton frequently voiced his desire to pull the rug out from under the listener. Since 1987, when he joined the Raleigh, North Carolina, doom-metal band…
The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra’s John Riley
by Paul Wells In addition to the cover story on big band star Buddy Rich, the December 2012 issue of Modern Drummer magazine features a fascinating conversation between the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra’s John Riley and VJO drum sub Paul Wells.…
Randy Ciarlante Levon Helm’s Latter-Day Right-Hand Man
by Bob Girouard Randy Ciarlante occupied the second drum chair throughout the Band’s decade-long resurgence in the 1990s, touring with the group and playing on the critically acclaimed albums Jericho, High on the Hog, and Jubilation. Ciarlante was an…
CCR’s Doug Clifford
Discipline and Feel by Jeff Potter Doug “Cosmo” Clifford stamped his signature groove on the roots-rock/country/R&B mix of Creedence Clearwater Revival, one of the biggest hit makers of the late ’60s and early ’70s. Along with original bassist Stu Cook…
Improve Your Bottom Line, Part 3: Bass Drum Comping in 5/4
November 2012 Jazz Drummer’s Workshop Improve Your Bottom Line Part 3: Bass Drum Comping in 5/4 by Steve Fidyk Welcome to the third and final installment in this series on bass drum comping. This time we’ll be working in 5/4.…
