Back at Berklee College of Music in 1973, I had become friends with Steve Smith. Of course, we came to a common denominator – Tony. Steve and I talked about muscle cars. Steve was driving a 1968 Camaro back then. He asked me to meet him in front of the 150 Massachusetts Avenue building around 7:00 pm or so. I got into his car and immediately felt like I was at home - a muscle car, 12 pack of beer, and Tony playing on Steve’s car stereo!
Read moreSkip Hadden: Remembering Tony Williams
Several years later I had the opportunity to work at the same club as the Tony Williams Lifetime when they were touring and playing the music that was on the “The OLD Bum’s Rush,” recording. He already had the big yellow Gretsch kit by this time with the 24” bass drum and multiple toms. Each night over the course of the week the band gelled better and on the final night it was truly amazing. The entire night was smoking; one tune would have been worth waiting the week to hear, let alone the whole night.
Read moreMike Clark: Words of Wisdom - Chapter 23
“I was just thinking about all the great jazz artists that didn't get a break -- and are still bringin' it and growing. They are heroes in my book. I was lucky to get a bit of love that has lasted me a lifetime”.
Read moreJoe Corsello: Remembering Tony Williams
In September of 1964, I was admitted to the Berklee School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts where I began my musical studies with some amazing teachers, one being Alan Dawson.
Read moreMike Clark: Words of Wisdom - chapter 22
“I went to a Steve Gadd clinic at The Drum Hang the other day and found him to be a very open and nice cat… Not defiled like yours truly - but hey, I'm workin' on it!”
Read moreTerry Silverlight: Remembering Tony Williams
When I was fourteen years old, I played drums on my first recording led by my brother Barry Miles that included Pat Martino, John Abercrombie, Lew Tabackin, Victor Gaskin and Warren Smith. The music Barry had written was different than anything I had heard until that point, so there was no choice but for me to figure out what and how to play something that would be the right fit, in my own voice. Knowing that Tony Williams had done that being so young, it inspired me to try and make that happen for myself.
Read moreMike Clark - The Post Bop Drum Book
Legendary jazz-funk drummer Mike Clark presents his latest Hudson Music initiative - ‘The Post-Bop Drum Book’. Numerous topics include be-bop and post-bop drumming, advanced independence, developing the ride beat, phrasing, using the hi-hat as a fourth voice, and triplet variations are explained. Mike provides a totally complete overview of contemporary jazz drumming with performance concepts… Coupled with the impeccably written transcriptions of Towner Galaher… This is a must-have book for all serious drummers.
Read moreJazz Legend Jimmy Cobb, Drummer For Miles Davis, Passes Away At 91
“One of the most influential drummers of all time has passed. Jimmy Cobb, I have listened to you on ‘Kind Of Blue’ so many times when my head needed calming down and straightening out and uplifting”.
– George Lawrence
Read moreMike Clark: Remembering Tony Williams
Not So Modern Drummer celebrates the life and music of Legendary Drummer Tony Williams in our new ongoing series. Chapter Two features Mike Clark’s personal recollections and commentary.
Read moreNick D’Virgilio to Release New Solo Album Invisible Featuring Members of Dream Theater, King Crimson, Supertramp, Cheap Trick, The Flower Kings & Others!
With the recording process split between the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London (including full string and brass sections) and the world class Sweetwater Studios in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Invisible boasts star turns from luminaries such as guitarists Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big), Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick) and Carl Verheyen (Supertramp), bassists Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel) and Jonas Reingold (The Flower Kings, Steve Hackett), plus keyboard players Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) and Jem Godfrey (Frost*).
Read moreNew book by TERRY SILVERLIGHT and MORRIS ‘Arnie’ LANG - "A NEW CONCEPTION"
Legendary classical percussionist and educator Morris “Arnie” Lang together with jazz/pop/fusion drummer Terry Silverlight present a unique concept of changing meters over four bars (sixteen beats) in 4/4 time.
Read morePaul Wertico: The Sound Painter
In the international press, Paul has been called “an inspired madman,” and “a restless innovator.” The same could be said of painter Jackson Pollock. There is a direct rhythmic connection between what Paul composes on the drums and what Pollock visually composed on canvas. Each deliberately using an organized rhythmic pattern while communicating their inconsistencies, anomalies and imperfections. Both speaking different languages of which only they can understand and interpret. Critics may never be able to fully describe the true motivations and complete originality of Paul Wertico and Jackson Pollock since both were creating in the moment.
Read moreGordy Knudtson - The Pompatus of Drums
I had the opportunity once again to spend a couple of hours with Gordy before a recent show. He broke down the Open/Close technique showing how it has evolved over the years.
Read moreMax Roach and His Legacy - Honorary Events at U Mass
On October 23 & 24, 2019 - Legendary jazz drummer Max Roach will be honored in a series of symposiums and events at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst. Roach who passed away in 2007, was a faculty member at UMass from 1972 to 2004. Professor Roach joined the W.E.B. Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies, and was one of the founders of the Jazz in July Program along with Billy Taylor and Frederick Tillis.
Read moreBilly Arnold - Young At Heart by David Barsalou
Seventy year old drummer Billy Arnold is presently touring the world with The Young @ Heart Chorus. Those who have seen the award winning Twentieth Century Fox documentary soon realize that age is a state of mind. This amazing group performs a wide range of eclectic rock and soul. All members of the chorus range in age from 73 to 95. To see them perform is a revelation. They truly are, young in heart, mind, and spirit.
Read moreReview - 2019 Chicago Drum Show
Now celebrating its 29th year, the Chicago Drum Show is the world’s largest and longest running drumming event in the world. It features over 30,000 square feet of new and used custom drums and cymbals of all makes and models.
From above the arena, it appeared to be a football field covered in all things percussion.
Read moreTim Smith - The POCO Years
Tim never had to audition for Poco… Rusty Young hired him on Rich Neville’s recommendation, and it changed everything. “I’ll forever be grateful…and stepping into George Grantham’s shoes to replace him was an honor in itself.”
Read moreNew Bill Bruford Earthworks Collection
London - A Summerfold Records reissue, Bill Bruford’s ‘Earthworks Complete’ is a spectacular 20CD/4DVD box set of the entire back catalogue across Earthworks' 20-year career. Includes previously unreleased and little known material.
Read moreMartin Barre Drummer Dave Schoepke To Release Innovative Solo Drum Album “Drums On Low”
Drummer Dave Schoepke will be releasing his first solo drum album titled “Drums On Low” on July 15, 2019. Schoepke is an accomplished North American drummer, who has had the pleasure of working with the legendary Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre. Dave toured with Martin's band in 2017 and in 2018 for the “Cruise To The Edge” Tour.
Read moreReview of the 2019 Connecticut Vintage and Custom Drum Show
On Sunday, April 22, 2018, Rick Smith presented another memorable vintage and custom drum show at The Sphinx Shriners Center in Newington, Connecticut. Featured clinicians this year were long-time Journey drummer, Steve Smith, and Paul Francis - Director of Research & Design /Quality at the Avedis Zildjian Company. Both Paul and Steve entertained large audiences, giving them some truly inspirational performances. Also in attendance were several well-known drummers including – Gary Asher - Joe Corsello – Arti Dixson - Daniel Glass – Andrew Klein - Dave Mattacks – Adam Nussbaum and Bobby T Torello.
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