November 2017 Issue – Volume 41 • Number 11
Articles in November 2017
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
Steve Maxwell Vintage and Custom Drum Shop
Glendale Heights, Illinois; New York, New York
Yamaha Drums at 50
After a decade spent laying the groundwork, the Japanese manufacturer captured the imaginations of drummers who obsessed over its top-level endorsers, including the drum heroes Rick Marotta, Andy Newmark, and Steve Gadd. Today players like the Dave Matthews Band’s Carter…
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.
The Invasion
To bring more authenticity to his British Invasion tribute band’s live show, Howell, Michigan, drummer Donn Deniston plays this pristine 1960s Ludwig sparkling blue pearl drumset. Deniston explains that because the group specializes in ’60s-era music, each member strives to…
Jon Cross - 6.5x14 Macassar/Gaboon Ebony Snare
A powerhouse segment-shell drum with more musicality than most.
Agner - Number, Name, and Signature Series Drumsticks
Durable, balanced, and great-sounding models made from hickory, maple, and the little-known hornbeam wood.
Collective Soul’s Johnny Rabb
Whether he’s developing new drumsticks, cymbal combinations, or electronic instruments, Johnny Rabb, who’s currently playing with the platinum-selling rock band Collective Soul, likes to remain on the cutting edge of innovation. “I had just graduated from Berklee and moved to…
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…
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…
New Gear from Sabian, Canopus, Promark, Attack, Tama and more!
Sabian XSR Cymbals New models added to Sabian’s XSR line include 17" and 19" Fast crashes, which feature enhanced profiles designed to provide a quick, explosive attack with penetrating definition and power. The 22" ride offers a balance of stick…
Dunnett - Res-O-Tone and Res-O-Two Drumheads
Hazy timpani-style film for a warmer tone with fast attack and quick response.