Modern Drummer Magazine Almost as soon as the pandemic hit this past spring, Sean J. Kennedy had the idea of recording some rudimental classics with a bunch of friends, virtually. The initial group was composed of brass players and percussionists, which Kennedy called the Rolling Buzzards Brigade as an homage to the musicians who served … Continue reading Top Drummers Join Rolling Buzzards Brigade to Pay Tribute Revolutionary War Soldiers →

Drummer’s Review Here’s our review of a set of a pair of Gretsch Grand Prix Snare Drums, featuring… 1.2mm, seamless rolled aluminium shells, 14″ x 5″ & 14″ x 6.5″ models available, 45-degree bearing edges top and bottom, 3mm double flanged steel hoops, Gretsch Lightning snare throw off mechanism, 20-strand snare wires, Remo Controlled Sound batter head … Continue reading Gretsch Grand Prix Snare Drums – Drummer’s Review →

Modern Drummer Magazine Drummer Viola Smith, one of the first female drummers of note, has passed away. She was an astounding 107 years old. Modern Drummer profiled Smith in the April 2003 issue; we’re sharing that piece in honor of her remarkable career. It’s well known that during the Second World War, when America’s young … Continue reading Pioneering Drummer Viola Smith Passes →

Modern Drummer Magazine It’s atypical for a drummer-led debut to open with a contemplative, rubato tune shaded by hushed, minimal brushwork. But jazz drummer/composer Rajiv Jayaweera favors attention to sound and ensemble voice over bluster. On Pistils (Outside in Music), Jayaweera’s superb touch yields dancing interplay and dramatic dynamics, calling to mind Paul Motian and … Continue reading Jazz Drummer Rajiv Jayaweera Draws From His Sri Lankan Heritage on His Brilliant Debut Album, Pistils →

Modern Drummer Magazine Episode 4: Andy Newmark, Jack Douglas, John Lennon’s Final Album, Rob Silverman’s Drumology release, Shop Talk – ddrum Dominion Birch. In this episode, MD CEO|Publisher David Frangioni & Editor at Large Billy Amendola talk with session and touring legend Andy Newmark about his career & records. Producer Jack Douglas, surprise crashes the … Continue reading The Modern Drummer Podcast Episode 4: David Frangioni & Billy Amendola with Andy Newmark →

Modern Drummer Magazine In advance of Epica’s upcoming album, Omega, which will be released next February 26, we’re presenting an exclusive drum playthrough of drummer Ariën van Weesenbeekperforming the single “Abyss of Time.” Omega is the Dutch symphonic metal band’s eighth full-length, and their first collection of all-new material in five years. “My biggest challenge … Continue reading Epica’s Ariën van Weesenbeek “Abyss of Time” Drum Playthrough →

Modern Drummer Magazine Modern Drummer was saddened to hear of the passing of Harold Sargent. Sargent’s name might not be immediately recognizable to drum fans, but his influence was widely felt nonetheless, as a player, producer, mentor, and organizer of talent. As one of the the drummers on the debut album by funk group the … Continue reading Influential Funk Drummer Harold Sargent Passes →

Drummer’s Review Here’s our review of a set of a Sonor Vintage Series shell pack, featuring… 22″ x 14″ bass drum, 13″ x 8″ rack tom, 16″ x 14″ floor tom, 14″ x 5.75″ matching snare drum, California Blue finish, T-Rod bass drum claws, Teardrop-style lugs, 6mm, 9ply cross laminated German Beech Shells, rounded bearing edges, Remo heads … Continue reading Sonor Vintage Series Shell Pack – Drummer’s Review →

Modern Drummer Magazine The Modern Drummer Podcast – Narada Michael Walden’s UPBEAT: Will Calhoun, Big Fat Snare Drum product review and more. In this episode Narada chats with Living Colour drummer Will Calhoun to talk about his drumming, influences, and life leading up to 2020 and more. The UPBEAT interview concludes with a percussion performance … Continue reading Narada Michael Walden’s UPBEAT Segment with Will Calhoun – Thu 10/15 →