Latest Drum News
Chris Johnson is the feature artist in the January issue of Modern Drummer in an article by Mark Griffith titled “From Gospel To Gaga”. Chris talks extensively about his long career that started playing in church and progressed to playing with Patti Labelle, Rihanna, Stevie Wonder, Seal, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, and Lady Gaga.
Kit of the Month:
Ludwig Classic Maple, classic indeed!
Every Modern Drummer Kit of the Month doesn’t have to be a huge monster kit. Sometimes there’s nothing cooler than a classic four-piece kit. This …
An Editor’s Overview:
Under The Radar
We have all seen the lists on the internet: Underappreciated Drummers, Underrated Drummers, Unsung Drumming Heroes, Drumming Talents Deserving Wider Recognition… Why do so many …
New and Notable:
GRETSCH ENERGY SERIES: JUMP INTO A DRUMMING ADVENTURE
You’ll never forget your first drum kit. Experiencing your own look, your own sound, your own instrument for the first time means taking care of all …
JAZZ INSIGHTS:
My Cup Runneth Over…
By Peter Erskine
It’s been a good month. More precisely, it’s been one heck of a week. First, my wife returned home from being nanny and granny to …
New and Notable:
ROLAND REIMAGINES FIVE CLASSIC RHYTHM MACHINES IN NEW DRUM MACHINE COLLECTION
Roland, a leading manufacturer and distributor of electronic musical instruments and software products, introduces its Drum Machine Collection, which includes five of the brand’s most …
New and Notable:
EPLEX7 ANNOUNCES THE NEW CARDIAM D-142k VACUUM TUBE PASSIVE EQUALIZER PLUGIN VST
The Cardiam D-142k is an boutique vst plugin equalizer inspired by classic American coil and vacuum tube equalizers from the 50s and 60s. It is …
Product Close-Up:
Samsun Cymbals Dre Energy Signature “Remix” Line
By Brian Hill
A full line of artist inspired Turkish Cymbals Tradition In Progress: Not just a catchy tag-line, but more of a statement of fact. Mustafa Diril, …
Product Close-Up:
Roland VAD507
By Jason Mehler
Is it just me or are more drummers warming up to the idea of using electronic drums as their primary kit for use on stage, …
Industry Happenings:
The 2022 Music City Drum Show
Story and photos by Bob Campbell
It was another difficult year with COVID-19 in our midst, but with vaccinations and boosters, people have started to venture out, live life, and enjoy …
On the Cover:
Chris Johnson
By Mark Griffith
From Gospel to Gaga… and Everything In-Between! On the heels of another huge Lady Gaga tour, and a newborn son, drummer Chris Johnson has a …
Industry Happenings:
Drum Workshop’s Don Lombardi and John Good and Roland’s Masahiro Minowa: A New Team for 50 More Years of Innovation
By Alex Kluft
Upon the news of the purchase of Drum Workshop by Roland, and in celebration of Drum Workshop’s 50th Anniversary, Modern Drummer is excited to sit …
Features:
Myles and Layne Ulrich of Taipei Houston
By Bob Girouard
Being the sons of a Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame drummer (Metallica’s Lars Ulrich,) comes with its own set of challenges and ever-evolving history. …
Features:
Jamie Wollam
By Daniel “Ziggy” Laverde
The Inner Workings of Tears For Fears Everyone wants to be a “rockstar.” The fame, the lights, the constant validation…while this lifestyle is appealing for …
Features:
Polyrhythm Books, Professor, Distinguished Drummer: Pete Magadini
By Mark Griffith
Drumming history has a wonderful lineage of fantastic and illustrious teachers: George Stone, Gene Krupa, Jim Chapin, Alan Dawson, Joe Morello, Gary Chester, Joe Porcaro, …
Basics:
How To Practice When You Have No Time: The 3 Minute Rule
By Chris Lesso
“Don’t break the chain. Your only job is to not to break the chain!” These are not the words of a drummer, but of comedian …
Rock ‘n’ Jazz Clinic:
Joe Franco Double Bass Drumming, Double Bass Fills
In this part of Joe Franco’s book Double Bass Drumming patterns are broken up systematically between both hands and both feet. These patterns can be …
Rock Perspectives:
The Encyclopedia of Double Bass Drumming
By Bobby Rondinelli and Michael Lauren
This month we are starting to introduce a book by Bobby Rondinelli and Michael Lauren called The Encyclopedia of Double Bass Drumming. It takes a …
FUNK FUNDAMENTALS:
Three-Against-Four Polyrhythm:
By Jonathan Joseph and Steve Rucker
Exercises in African-American Funk This month we will address is the three-against-four polyrhythm, which is crucial to many African rhythms. It’s necessary for you to …
Jazz Drummer’s Workshop:
Master Studies:
by Joe Morello
In Modern Drummer’s ongoing salute to Joe Morello’s legendary book Master Studies and his teachings, this month we present Joe Morello’s Table of Time, and …
TEACHER’S FORUM:
“Duet 9”
By Ron Spagnardi
As an ongoing tribute to Ron Spagnardi who founded Modern Drummer Publications in 1977 and was an excellent drum teacher and author in his own …
Collector’s Corner:
1930 Ludwig Peacock Pearl Drum Outfit with original painted Millstream Scene Bass Drum head
By Tim Northup
The Northup Drums Museum specializes in early jazz drum kits with rare finishes and-or painted heads in near mint original condition. This 1930 Ludwig Peacock …
CREATIVE PERCUSSION CONTROLLERS:
Hybrid Drumming with Alternate Mode:
By Tony Verderosa
This month let’s take a closer look at hybrid drumming that uses several advanced triggering concepts. We will also be focusing on “randomizing” sound selection. …
Out Now:
Drumsville! The Evolution of the New Orleans Beat
By Robert H. Cataliotti / Interview by Mark Griffith
In Modern Drummer’s “Out Now” column, we usually spotlight several different CD’s, DVD’s, or books that have been recently released that feature notable drummers or …
EYE CANDY:
Tama’s Dream Theater Custom Logo kit
The kit shown here is from Dream Theater’s 2002-04 tour. It was created by Tama drums to meet Mike’s imaginative specifications and was dubbed “The …
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