October 2019 Issue – Volume 43 • Number 10
Articles in October 2019
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.
Remembering Hal Blaine
He helped pave the way for every great studio musician who came out of L.A., and his influence extends to this very day.
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.
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.
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.
What's Your Favorite Hal Blaine Track?
Readers weigh on their favorite Hal Blaine tracks.
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.
New Releases by Santana, Oz Noy, Grupo Fantasma, and More!
New Releases From Santana, Oz Noy, Betty Carter, Grupo Fantasma and more.
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.
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Doug Clifford
Given the breakneck pace at which CCR operated in 1969, it’s a wonder Clifford and Cook are still out on the road fifty years later.
Theme for an “Imaginary” Drummer
To most, Corky Laing’s drumming is synonymous with the great heavy-rock band Mountain, and vice versa.
Tony Williams at a Jazz Crossroads
During his years with Miles Davis, beginning in 1963 at age seventeen, Tony Williams radically changed jazz drumming.
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As an iconic piece of rock ’n’ roll history, this kit has since been archived, documented, and refurbished, and it currently resides in custom road cases.
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,...
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.
Sam Durkes on Ezra Furman’s Twelve Nudes
Throughout the album drummer Sam Durkes drives Ezra Furman’s distorted up-tempo fervor with a surprising avoidance of cymbals.
Septuplet Linear Patterns
The most fun thing about linear concepts is that almost any pattern you play can be modified in multiple ways.
Bruce Rowland
Bruce Rowland racked up numerous recording and touring credits through his extensive work in the pop, folk, blues-rock, and rock worlds.
Rancid's Branden Steineckert
“I tend to like my snares to be visually fun,” says Steineckert, “but I don’t want it to compromise my sound at all.