News
Keep up to date with the drum world via news items, interviews, lists, and more
Pioneering Drummer Viola Smith Passes
Drummer Viola Smith, one of the first female drummers of note, has passed away. She was an astounding 107 years old. Modern Drummer profiled Smith in the April 2003 issue; we’re sharing that piece in honor of her remarkable career.…
Rajiv Jayaweera Draws From Sri Lankan Heritage on Debut Album, Pistils
It’s atypical for a drummer-led debut to open with a contemplative, rubato tune shaded by hushed, minimal brushwork. But jazz drummer/composer Rajiv Jayaweera favors attention to sound and ensemble voice over bluster. On Pistils (Outside in Music), Jayaweera’s superb touch…
Epica’s Ariën van Weesenbeek “Abyss of Time” Drum Playthrough
In advance of Epica’s upcoming album, Omega, which will be released next February 26, we’re presenting an exclusive drum playthrough of drummer Ariën van Weesenbeek performing the single “Abyss of Time.” Omega is the Dutch symphonic metal band’s eighth full-length,…
Influential Funk Drummer Harold Sargent Passes
Modern Drummer was saddened to hear of the passing of Harold Sargent. Sargent’s name might not be immediately recognizable to drum fans, but his influence was widely felt nonetheless, as a player, producer, mentor, and organizer of talent. As one…
Drummers on Record: Vinnie Colaiuta, Jimmy Chamberlin, Phil Rudd
Brian Bromberg Bromberg Plays Hendrix (Vinnie Colaiuta) Jazz bassist Brian Bromberg’s Bromberg Plays Hendrix is a remixed and remastered tribute album in honor of the great guitarist Jimi Hendrix. The album, which was originally released in 2012, was reissued digitally…
Gretsch Heritage Live-Stream Show Now on Drum Network
Gretsch Drums is launching a brand-new live stream show called Gretsch Heritage, bringing to life the brand’s rich history. Every other Wednesday, each episode will feature special guests who continue to play important roles in the ongoing story of Gretsch…
The Immediate Family, Featuring Drumming Icon Russ Kunkel, to Perform on StageIt.com
The Immediate Family, a rock ’n’ roll band composed of Russ Kunkel (drums), Danny Kortchmar (guitar and vocals), Waddy Wachtel (guitar and vocals), Leland Sklar (bass), and Steve Postell (guitar and vocals), will be performing live on the web platform…
Time OutTakes: Newly Discovered Tracks from Dave Brubeck Classic to Feature Unreleased Joe Morello Performances
Brubeck Editions has announced the December 4, 2020, release of Time OutTakes, the label’s inaugural release, timed to celebrate Dave Brubeck’s centennial. The release features recently discovered outtakes from the historic 1959 Time Out sessions by the Dave Brubeck Quartet,…
Rock ’N’ Roll Original W.S. Holland Passes
W.S. Holland with Carl Perkins Modern Drummer was saddened to hear of the passing of W.S. Holland on September 23, at the age of eighty-five. Holland was one of the architects of rock ’n’ roll, first with Carl Perkins, and…
Upcoming Oz Noy Album, Snapdragon, Will Feature Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Dennis Chambers: Video
Guitarist Oz Noy’s upcoming album, Snapdragon, which comes out on November 6, will feature three of the greatest fusion drummers of all time: Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Dennis Chambers. A slew of other recognizable names also appear: bassists John…
Triple Percussion Team of Chad Taylor, Mikel Patrick Avery, and John Herndon Power Rob Mazurek’s Dimensional Stardust
Rob Mazurek’s upcoming album with Exploding Star Orchestra, Dimensional Stardust, which is due November 20 on International Anthem/Nonesuch Records, is bolstered by a rhythm section featuring a trio of cutting-edge drummers: Chad Taylor, Mikel Patrick Avery, and John Herndon. All three drummers are heavy…
Nasheet Waits Joins New England Conservatory Jazz Studies Faculty
New England Conservatory’s Jazz Studies Department has hired renowned drummer, composer, and educator Nasheet Waits to join the jazz faculty beginning in the 2020-21 academic year. In addition to his work as a leader, Waits is widely known for his…
Exclusive: “My Father’s Eyes” Lyric Video by Pedrito Martinez Featuring Eric Clapton
We are happy to premiere the lyric video for “My Father’s Eyes” performed by Pedrito Martinez with Eric Clapton. In July of 2018, Martinez entered a small studio in a beautiful neighborhood in London to record vocals and guitar with Eric Clapton on…
Tabla Master Zakir Hussain Joins Julian Lage and Charles Lloyd for Healdsburg Jazz Live Stream
On Saturday, September 26, Healdsburg Jazz presents the world premiere of Charles Lloyd, Zakir Hussain, and Julian Lage playing together as a trio, to be streamed live around the world. Each musician will be driving to the intimate wine country…
