October 2019 Issue – Volume 43 • Number 10
Articles in October 2019
Talking About Our Generations
A teaser of the momentous drumming from 1969 that our October issue explores—and a chat with the Flaming Lips' Steven Drozd about some of his favorite music from the era.
Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters’ John Blease: Fearless with Intention
He’s played with likes of Seal, Ben Folds, the BBC Big Band, Sheryl Crow, and Ellie Goulding. But landing a gig with rock ’n’ roll legend Robert Plant nearly says it all.
Mastodon’s Brann Dailor on the Band’s Heavenly “Stairway to Nick John”
The drummer recently talked to MD to discuss the band’s heartfelt tribute to their longtime friend and manager.
A Restored Gretsch Steal
This beautifully restored vintage project was from older Gretsch shells to create a road-worn-looking vintage kit that has that oft-referred-to “Great Gretsch Sound.”
Theme for an “Imaginary” Drummer
To most, Corky Laing’s drumming is synonymous with the great heavy-rock band Mountain, and vice versa.
New Gear From 64 Audio, LP, Schagerl Drums, Tama, and More!
New Product Releases from 64 Audio, LP, Schagerl Drums, Tama, Air Throne, and Canopus
Advanced Techniques for Jazz Soloing
For four years I’d been studying intensely with Dom Famularo, who suddenly said during one of my lessons, “Steph, you’re now ready for Jim.”
Inverted Paradiddle-Diddles
Rudiments can essentially be described as groupings of single and double strokes in different configurations and rhythms.
Ringo Starr's Maple Ludwig Hollywood Drumkit
As an iconic piece of rock ’n’ roll history, this kit has since been archived, documented, and refurbished, and it currently resides in custom road cases.
What's Your Favorite Hal Blaine Track?
Readers weigh on their favorite Hal Blaine tracks.
Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin II was released on October 22, 1969. Although initially panned by some critics, the album became the band’s first number-one album.
1969: The Shock of the New
As artists developed increasingly ambitious musical concepts, the challenges for instrument designers, engineers, composers, and instrumentalists increased as well.
Paiste 2002
Paiste’s 2002 series was introduced as a solution for heavy-hitting drummers on the burgeoning hard rock scene who demanded sturdier instruments with more powerful tones.
The Starr Festival Snare
Over the years, Gary Astridge has meticulously researched Ringo’s drumkits and assembled exact replicas of the ones used with the Beatles.
JD Beck
Mentored by Dallas-area drummers like Robert “Sput” Searight, Mike Mitchell, and Cleon Edwards, JD Beck has crafted a style of crooked beats and patterns mixed with over-the-barline fluidity.
Woodland Percussion
Woodland Percussion originated as a summer project for company founder and mechanical engineer Allan Fausnaught. The goal was to build a snare entirely from scratch.
Zimbabwean “Tuku” Music
Combining the traditional Jit, Tsotsa, and other rhythms of Zimbabwe, the late Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi’s style could only be defined as distinctly his own.
The 5/4 Half-Time Shuffle
For those of you who’ve never heard the coveted half-time shuffle, which is also commonly referred to as the Purdie shuffle,...
George Way Drums
Ronn Dunnett acquired the rights to the brand and set out to revive the company by building and expanding upon the innovations that Way created many years ago.