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October 2017 Issue – Volume 41 • Number 10

RECORDINGS Taking the Reins Ignacio Berroa Trio Straight Ahead From Havana Berroa blends the best of both worlds. A key architect in the fusion of Afro-Cuban and modern jazz styles for the drumset, Ignacio Berroa takes a different tack from his previous discs here, offering jazz takes on classic Cuban popular songs. On some tunes, the straight-ahead element is literal in its 4/4 swing. On others that are framed by Cuban rhythms, the straight-ahead is implied by Berroa’s looser, open jazz sensibility. The entire session sizzles. Berroa’s young sidemen, pianist Martin Bejerano and bassist Josh Allen, are keenly attuned to his concepts. Rubén Blades (a former employer) cameos on the humorous swinger “Negro de Sociedad,” while guest conguero CONRADO “COKY” GARCIA is a fiercely grooving partner with Berroa on “Los Tres Golpes.” It’s an overdue pleasure to have the fiery, grooving drummer back in the leader’s seat, as this is […]
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Articles in October 2017

New gear from Yamaha, SlapKlatz, Vater, British Drum Co., Overtone Labs and Tama!

Yamaha Tour Custom Maple Drumset Suitable for recording and live playing, Tour Custom Maple drumsets are constructed with 6-ply maple shells using the company’s proprietary staggered, diagonal-seam shell construction. Additional features include 2.3mm inverted Dyna Hoops that help focus the…

Modern Drummer
Aug 30, 2017

“Walkin’”

Tony Williams’ Technique, Language, and Innovations

by Ruben Bellavia
Aug 30, 2017

The 2017 Chicago Drum Show

A weekend of rhythmic bliss replete with vintage and modern gear, enlightening workshops, and brilliant performances.

Story and photos by Robert Campbell
Aug 30, 2017

What’s Your Favorite Jazz Drumming Album?

When we recently asked our social media followers for their favorite jazz drumming record, enthusiastic responses quickly flooded in. We tallied up the drummers that appeared on each pick and made a top-five list. The late pioneer Elvin Jones played…

Modern Drummer
Aug 30, 2017

Paiste - Masters Thin Series

Broad, rich tones with a sparkling, silvery attack.

by Michael Dawson
Aug 30, 2017
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2Box - DrumIt Five Module and TrigIt Triggers

A plug-and-play trigger system with 4 GB of flash memory for uploading original sounds.

by Michael Dawson
Aug 30, 2017

50 Crucial Jazz Drumming Recordings

A hundred years. It’s a wonder to think that’s how long people have holed themselves away with their Victrolas, hi-fis, iPods, and Google Homes, listening intently to the wondrous music that four generations’ worth of jazz drummers have gifted humankind.…

Modern Drummer
Aug 30, 2017

Visualize

Get Set Up for Success Before You Hit the Stage

by Mark Schulman
Aug 30, 2017

Tammy Glover of Thorcraft Cobra

Changing up my gear keeps me inspired. That said, I’ve been using my dad’s vintage 1953 Gretsch red sparkle on recordings since the ’90s. Initially it was a three-piece kit with a 16x22 kick, a 6x14 snare, a 10x13 rack…

Modern Drummer
Aug 30, 2017

Charlie Hall on the War on Drugs’ A Deeper Understanding

While several drummers pave an unwavering groove foundation on the popular indie group’s new release, its main kit man contributes on multiple levels.

by Willie Rose
Aug 30, 2017

HeadHunters - Crossovers Hybrid Rods

Blending the response and feel of regular drumsticks with the controlled, articulate sound of rods.

by Brian Hill
Aug 30, 2017
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John Blackwell Jr., Kim Plainfield, Sweetwater Gearfest, Vic Firth and more!

Dweezil Zappa performs at the close of day one in the Sweetwater pavilion. Sweetwater GearFest 2017 Draws Record Crowds and Sales The 2017 edition of music retailer Sweetwater’s GearFest trade show and festival was held this past June at the…

Modern Drummer
Aug 30, 2017

Hybrid Rudimental Ritual

Variations on a Classic Method

by Mike Alfieri
Aug 30, 2017

Tony Williams’ Concepts

Developing Tension and Release

by Matt Fisher
Aug 30, 2017

Fishbone’s Philip “Fish” Fisher

Philip “Fish” Fisher recently returned to legendary ska/funk/punk band Fishbone after a sixteen-year hiatus, during which time the drummer played with Justin Timberlake, House of Pain, Lady Antebellum, and Christina Aguilera. Fish stepped back into the band for a tour…

Interview by Dave Previ | Photos by Heather Courtney
Aug 30, 2017

38 Special’s Gary Moffatt

For the past nineteen years he’s held the throne for one of rock’s most enduring organizations. It hasn’t always been easy, but rock ’n’ roll eventually rewards its true survivors.

Story by Rick Long | Photos by Carl Dunn
Aug 30, 2017

Tucker Rule

The seasoned basher reunites with Thursday, backs a British boy band, drives the bus for Yellowcard, and releases a solid new sample library.

Story by Ben Meyer | Photos By John Fell
Aug 30, 2017

A New Perspective

Displacing Four-Over-Three Polyrhythms

by Aaron Edgar
Aug 30, 2017
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Custom-Shop Chops

This one-of-a-kind kit comes to us from New York City–based drummer Adam Romanowski, who commissioned a budding drum builder for the set in 2003. “My friend Ilya Hamovic started making drums after a short stint working at Manny’s Music in…

Modern Drummer
Aug 30, 2017

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