May 2018 Issue – Volume 42 • Number 5
Articles in May 2018
Belle and Sebastian’s Richard Colburn
For a touring band, life can imitate This Is Spinal Tap in any number of ways, from getting lost backstage to prop and gear malfunctions to, of course, drummers spontaneously combusting. And then there are predicaments that not even the…
Ray Lucas and Frank Capp Remembered
Ray Lucas: 1939-2017 The loyal NYC drummer had the music in him. Ray Lucas was an unsung hero of the dynamic New York City R&B/soul scene of the ’60s and ’70s, recording with Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, George Benson, and…
Santiago “Jimmy” Vela III on the Sword’s Used Future
Monstrous grooves underlie heavy riffs and Black Sabbath–inspired melodies on the group’s latest release.
Travis Orbin on Silly String II
Exploring the Session Guru’s Latest Chop-Infused Labyrinth
Tune-Bot - Studio Digital Tuner
A more accurate, user-friendly, and feature-laden version of the groundbreaking digital drum tuner.
Zildjian - K Sweet Series Cymbals
Larger, darker, and thinner cymbals with just enough transparency and brightness to sit comfortably in any mix.
Bopworks - Drumsticks and Brushes
Faithful reproductions of classic models as well as contemporary designs with a vintage twist.
Rod Morgenstein with the Dixie Dregs
The prog-rock flag bearers reunite their classic 1970s Free Fall lineup for a spring U.S. tour.
Yamaha - Tour Custom Drumset
An aptly named series designed to bring full, versatile tones to any stage and at an economical price.
The 42nd Annual Percussive Arts Society International Convention and Cascio Music Drummerfest 2017
The 42nd Annual Percussive Arts Society International Convention Clinics and performances abound as the industry’s biggest names gather for drumming’s largest event This past November 8–11, thousands of drummers and percussionists of all levels gathered at the Indiana Convention Center in…
Smashing Pumpkins’ Jimmy Chamberlin
For the second incarnation of the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex, as heard on its new album, The Parable, the mighty drummer, who came to prominence in the ’90s with the Smashing Pumpkins, gathered players from East and West Coasts to create…
Finding a Balance
Drummers often grapple with certain questions or problems that could be answered by simply finding the right balance between two choices. For example, a popular debate among drummers is the choice between using traditional or matched grip. Or some players…
What’s Your Favorite 1980s Metal or Hard Rock Drumming Album?
This month we dive into the third installment of our series on great ’80s drumming performances with a focus on metal and hard rock tracks. As usual we asked MD readers and social media followers for their take on the…
Paramore’s Zac Farro
Spending your teenage years making records and touring the world on a rocket ship to stardom is every young musician’s fantasy. Choosing to jump off that rocket while it’s still on a steady ascent may seem like madness. For this…