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December 2018 Issue – Volume 42 • Number 12

Learning to read rhythms can open a whole new world of musical opportunities. It can facilitate growth as you learn from the countless educational resources that are available today. And it can equip you with more options as a working player, no matter what your level. Imagine being in a rehearsal and coming up with a perfect groove or fill for a song, and wanting to remember it for your next rehearsal. While capturing it on a portable recorder is one option, what if you didn’t have one with you? Being able to write the part down in detail on any available sheet of paper would be a powerful skill to have in that moment. Or imagine being called to sub for a gig with only six hours’ notice. Having the skill to quickly jot down crucial parts—or sight-read a provided chart at the gig—could alleviate having to quickly absorb so much musical content by ear. These are merely two examples of the many advantages gained from being able to read music.
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Articles in December 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

Roy Haynes’ Phrasing

Modern Interpretations and Variations

by Mike Alfieri
Oct 30, 2018

Mo Drumsticks - Magnetic Beater System

A unique product to help boost your bass drum chops.

by Christopher Kozar
Oct 30, 2018

Manu Delago

“Rudi”

Article by Ilya Stemkovsky
Oct 30, 2018

Polyrhythmic Rudiment Applications

Using Standard Stickings to Tackle Odd Groupings

by Aaron Edgar
Oct 30, 2018
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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

Drumset Ergonomics - Part 6: Positioning Secondary Suspended Instruments

In this final installment of this series, we’re going to address how to position the instruments that we only play five to thirty percent of the time, such as splashes, Chinas, cowbells, electric pads, additional rack toms, and auxiliary crashes.…

by Brandon Green
Oct 30, 2018

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

The 2018 Chicago Drum Show

The perennial percussion event once again serves vintage and modern drum lovers alike.

Story and photos by Robert Campbell
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

Paiste - Masters Extra Thin and Dark Additions

Soft and sophisticated crashes and splashes for supreme expressivity.

Michael Dawson
Oct 30, 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
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Session Great Nir Z

When it comes to gear, Jerusalem-born/Nashville-based session drummer Nir Zidkyahu, whose ultra-precise, intense pocket can be heard on hit records by pop/rock great John Mayer, alt-rock legend Chris Cornell, and modern country superstar Blake Shelton, isn’t too particular, as long…

Interview by Michael Dawson
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

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
Article by Robin Tolleson | Photo by Attis Clopton
Oct 30, 2018

OffSet - Eclipse Double Pedal

A symmetrical design for more ergonomic setups.

Christopher Kozar
Oct 30, 2018
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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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