November 2017 Issue – Volume 41 • Number 11
Articles in November 2017
Mickey Roker
Jazz drumming great Mickey Roker died this past May 22 in Philadelphia, at the age of eighty-four. Known for his propelling swing, Roker performed with top jazz artists throughout a career spanning six decades. A drummer sprung from swing and…
Josh Manuel With Issues
The drummer crushes a rising group’s live set thanks to a background heavily steeped in gospel, rudimental, and hardcore influences.
Jess Gowrie on Chelsea Wolfe’s Hiss Spun
Drummer and singer reunite on one of the more highly anticipated albums of the year.
Quintuplet Madness - Superimposing Odd Groupings
In this article we’ll play quintuplets within the space of three 16th notes. This concept can create some unique rhythmic statements, such as subtle hi-hat embellishments or twisted double-bass grooves. https://vimeo.com/235035256 Exercise 1 sets up a framework that places the…
Jack DeJohnette, Jimmy Cobb, Art Taylor, Dale Crover, Nate Wood and More!
RECORDINGS Dig These Dug-Ups Three discs of previously unreleased sessions capture jazz giants swung by drumming greats. It’s not uncommon for “unearthed” recordings issued long after an artist’s passing to be shoddy affairs. But three recent jazz releases take the…
The National’s Bryan Devendorf
Bryan Devendorf’s drumming is deceptively simple. A brilliant accompanist to the National’s diverse, moody, and propulsive oeuvre, Devendorf provides vital rhythmic hooks to some of the group’s best-known songs. If you seek out a live performance of “Bloodbuzz Ohio” or…
Cuban Rhythms for Percussion and Drumset: The Essentials by Aldo Mazza
Aldo Mazza is best known through his work as a clinician and founder of the KoSA workshops, and as a longtime member of the Canadian ensemble Répercussion. Born in Italy and raised in Canada, Mazza has called Montreal home for…
Jon Cross - 6.5x14 Macassar/Gaboon Ebony Snare
A powerhouse segment-shell drum with more musicality than most.
Make Every Second Count
How’s everyone doing? Hopefully life isn’t being too hard on you. Spending time on social media, as so many of us do these days, we become more and more aware of what’s happening in people’s lives—and we communicate the general…
A Lot Like Birds’ Joseph Arrington
That place where wild improvisation meets super-refined composition? It’s a very sweet spot indeed, and this drummer is at his best when he’s smack-dab in the middle of it.
John Dentz, Giovanni Hidalgo, DW Drums and more!
John Dentz Passes This past May 9, Los Angeles–based drummer John Dentz passed away. “I loved the way John played,” says the iconic studio and stage drummer Jim Keltner, who was friends with Dentz since the mid-’60s, and who in…
Agner - Number, Name, and Signature Series Drumsticks
Durable, balanced, and great-sounding models made from hickory, maple, and the little-known hornbeam wood.
LP - Uptown Sculpted Ash Congas and Valje Bongos
A textured veneer finish for the industry standard and the reintroduction of a legendary name in percussion.
Green Day’s Tré Cool
His multicolored pompadour in outrageous full effect, his powerful punch-to-the-gut drumming a testament to his long-term success and ongoing love of life and music, Tré Cool is the world’s eternal punk rock poster boy. Green Day has released twelve albums…
JP Bouvet
Written on the wall of the ancient Egyptian temple of Luxor is the proverb Know thyself, and you will know the gods. Whether or not he’s come across that bit of wisdom during his travels, this drummer certainly gets the…
Drum Design Knowledge, Part 1: Hoops
I get many emails about equipment issues. Some are related to what gear to choose for different gigs, some are about why I use certain pieces, and some concern tuning. I’ve been involved in the design of gear for more…