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December 2018 Issue – Volume 42 • Number 12

This month, as we dove into the drumming of both Pete Townshend on the Who’s demo tracks and Keith Moon on the band’s final output, we checked in with our readers and social media followers to see which “Moon the Loon” performances were among their favorites. “Sparks” from the Tommy set on the deluxe edition of Live at Leeds. Each part of the song has its own distinct drum part, which is very musical and even melodic at times. It starts with kind of a jam vibe with lots of fills, and then tightens up for that sick bass part before Moon quiets down with only his kick drum and cymbal swells. Throughout the song Keith creates memorable drum parts that are as important and catchy as the guitar and bass parts. The way he brings the dynamic down at the end and plays those repeating fills between the guitar […]
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Articles in December 2018

In the Studio with Travis McNabb

When not touring with top modern country acts Sugarland and Frankie Ballard, this Tennessee transplant tracks drums for artists around the globe out of his home setup.

Story and photos by Sayre Berman
Oct 30, 2018

Aaron Sterling’s Sound of Sterloid, Volume II

“I do almost everything at my place now,” says top L.A.-based session drummer Aaron Sterling. In addition to recording about fifteen songs per week for artists and producers around the world, Sterling has created five online master classes that focus on…

Interview by Michael Dawson
Oct 30, 2018

On Relaxation - An In-Depth Study to Develop Consistency

When executing individual stroke types, it’s important that our approach remains consistent no matter what type of stroke is played. It’s very easy for drummers to be more aggressive when playing a downstroke, or rapidly pull away from the drum…

by Josh Jones
Oct 30, 2018

Clint Schnase on Cursive’s Vitriola

The original drummer for the biting Nebraska indie group rejoins them in the studio for a raucous homecoming.

Article by Willie Rose | Photo by Hiro Tanaka
Oct 30, 2018

Drums: The Secret to Happiness

Last summer my family and I decided to move out of the house we’d been living in for thirteen years, and into a new one. Among other things, the old place didn’t have a basement, and the jazz-size drumkit we…

Article by Adam Budofsky | Photo by Jim Esposito
Oct 30, 2018
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Roy Haynes’ Phrasing

Modern Interpretations and Variations

by Mike Alfieri
Oct 30, 2018

Polyrhythmic Rudiment Applications

Using Standard Stickings to Tackle Odd Groupings

by Aaron Edgar
Oct 30, 2018

Mo Drumsticks - Magnetic Beater System

A unique product to help boost your bass drum chops.

by Christopher Kozar
Oct 30, 2018

Roland - TD-17KVX V-Drums

A game changing mid-level kit with increased expressivity, improved pads, and highly effective practice tools.

by Michael Dawson
Oct 30, 2018

OffSet - Eclipse Double Pedal

A symmetrical design for more ergonomic setups.

Christopher Kozar
Oct 30, 2018

Quicksand’s Alan Cage

Quicksand drummer Alan Cage isn’t overly particular about his gear. “I’m not too attached,” he says. “But I don’t like deep drums, at least on the rack toms. I always play a 16" floor tom, but I don’t mind it…

Interview by John Martinez | Photos by Alex Solca
Oct 30, 2018

Questlove's latest book and more

RECORDINGS Skyharbor Sunshine Dust Indian progressive metal titans release a gripping new album on the heels of successful tours with Babymetal, the Contortionist, and Deftones. Equal parts ethereal atmospherics, thick and chugging grooves, and soaring vocals, Skyharbor offer some of their…

Modern Drummer
Oct 30, 2018
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Scott Seiver with Tenacious D

Tracing the path that the prolific drummer, composer, and producer paved on his way to playing with the hilarious and hard-rocking act.

Article by Willie Rose | Photo by Rosalie Sage
Oct 30, 2018

Samba Rhythms - Part 1: The Importance of the Tamborim

Hello, and welcome to a new series on Brazilian samba drumming! It’s a great pleasure to be discussing Brazilian rhythms and my approach to this style on the drumset. Generally, I feel that Brazilian rhythms can be divided into three…

by Kiko Freitas
Oct 30, 2018

Keith Moon: An Examination

“In an egotistical way I always prefer my demos to what the Who does.” —Pete Townshend Rolling Stone interview with Jonathan Cott, May 14, 1970

By John Colpitts
Oct 30, 2018

Paiste - Masters Extra Thin and Dark Additions

Soft and sophisticated crashes and splashes for supreme expressivity.

Michael Dawson
Oct 30, 2018

The Modern Drummer Guide to Reading Rhythms - Part 1

Part 1: Fundamental Elements of Music Notation

by Miguel Monroy
Oct 30, 2018

Mark Walker

The Berklee professor and well-traveled performer has made a career out of adapting ethnic rhythms to the drumset—and offering valuable advice on how to do that accurately and authentically.

Story by Ken Micallef | Photos by Alex Solca
Oct 30, 2018
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An Enduring Kit and an Unforgettable Time

This vintage 1963 Ludwig Hollywood set in an Oyster Black Pearl wrap comes to us from drummer Nelson Hawkins, who ordered it after paging through a Ludwig catalog in the early ’60s. The kit came with two 8x12 mounted toms,…

Modern Drummer
Oct 30, 2018

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