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October 2019 Issue – Volume 43 • Number 10

Analyzing Iconic Guitarist Oliver Mtukudzi’s Drummer, James Austin Manyungwa 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. And beyond being an ideal showcase for his unique music, his legendary early-’90s release Shoko features James Austin Manyungwa on drumset laying down tight and fascinating African/soul grooves throughout. The three-against-two hemiolas felt in many of the 12/8 rhythms of Shoko help to push the music along, keeping it danceable yet elusive. And the 4/4 examples apply subtle beat displacement ideas that every funk drummer should stow away in their bag of tricks. Let’s dive in.   “Bvongodza Muto” On this track, which is listed in the liner notes as having a sped-up Jiti-Tsotsa rhythm, Manyungwa anticipates the snare drum and mixes in a nice hi-hat syncopation over a solid four-on-the-floor bass drum pattern. (0:06) This great […]
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Articles in October 2019

Theme for an “Imaginary” Drummer

To most, Corky Laing’s drumming is synonymous with the great heavy-rock band Mountain, and vice versa.

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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.

Modern Drummer
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The Bailey Method

The Bailey Method is longtime touring and session drummer Dan Bailey’s first opus in the world of online education.

by Michael Dawson
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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.

by David Ciauro
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Tony Williams at a Jazz Crossroads

During his years with Miles Davis, beginning in 1963 at age seventeen, Tony Williams radically changed jazz drumming.

by Jeff Potter
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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.

Modern Drummer
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Sheridan Riley with Alvvays

For nearly two decades, drummer Sheridan Riley has worked with the intention to lead a life fulfilled as a proactive musician.

by Lia Braswell
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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.

by Michael Dawson
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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.

by Willie Rose
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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.

by Adam Budofsky
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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

Modern Drummer
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Inverted Paradiddle-Diddles

Rudiments can essentially be described as groupings of single and double strokes in different configurations and rhythms.

by Kristen Gleeson-Prata
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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.

Modern Drummer
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Septuplet Linear Patterns

The most fun thing about linear concepts is that almost any pattern you play can be modified in multiple ways.

by Aaron Edgar
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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.”

Modern Drummer
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Bruce Rowland

Bruce Rowland racked up numerous recording and touring credits through his extensive work in the pop, folk, blues-rock, and rock worlds.

by Will Romano
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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.

by Michael Dawson
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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.

by Gary Astridge
Aug 26, 2019
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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.

by David Ciauro
Aug 26, 2019

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