November 1988
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Cover Photo by Neil Zlozower FEATURES JEFF 18 PORCARO Splitting his time between Toto and studio work, Jeff Porcaro has experienced the pros and cons of both working for himself and for others. He discusses the reasons behind his decreasing use of electronics, and shares a particularly bad experience he once had on a studio session with a well-known artist. by Robyn Flans RAYFORD 24 GRIFFIN Best known for his seven years with fusion violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, Rayford Griffin has also worked with such artists as Stanley Clarke, Patrice Rushen, and Photo by Jaeger Kotos Cameo. He discusses his background, and explains why he feels that a lot of music that's labeled "fusion" isn't true fusion. by William F. Miller RIKKI 28 ROCKETT Drumming with the band Poison demands a com- bination of musicianship and visual excitement. Rikki Rockett describes his role in the group, and reveals the process by which he comes up with his drum parts for the group's songs. by Mary Ann Bachemin and Mark Konrad DRUMS ON 32 CAMPUS It wasn't that long ago that drumset was not considered a valid instrument in college music programs. But thanks to schools such as the University of Miami, the Photo by Sharon Sipple Berklee College of Music, and the University of North Texas, students can now pursue music degrees with a drumset major. MD visited these schools for a look at three different approaches to music education. by William F. Miller, Rick Van Horn, and Lauren Vogel COLUMNS VOLUME 12, NUMBER 11 EDUCATION ROCK 'N' JAZZ ROCK EQUIPMENT CLINIC PERSPECTIVES PRODUCT What's In A Note: Warming Up: Part 2 NEWS Part 1 by Kenny Aronoff CLOSE-UP UPDATE by Rod Morgenstein 80 Ludwig Super Classic 8 40 Kit & Black Beauty DRIVER'S SEAT Snare THE MACHINE Mastering The Fill by Rick Van Horn SHOP by Gil Graham 62 DEPARTMENTS 100 Building Blocks Of EDITOR'S Rock ELECTRONIC by Clive Brooks CONCEPTS REVIEW OVERVIEW 42 Visual Learning Casio DZ-1 MIDI 4 by Roy Burns Drum Translator DRUM SOLOIST 102 by Jim Fiore READERS' Solo Intros: Harvey 98 PLATFORM Mason, Vinnie ELECTRONIC 6 Colaiuta, and Gerry INSIGHTS NEW & NOTABLE Brown Studio Sounds Summer NAMM 1988 ASK A PRO by Bobby Cleall On A Budget by Rick Mattingly 12 50 by Jon Bergeron 116 104 IT'S IN THE STUDIO QUESTIONABLE The Headphone Mix PROFILES 14 by Craig Krampf MASTER CLASS PORTRAITS 52 Portraits In Rhythm: Mousey Alexander: DRUM MARKET Etude #15 126 THE JOBBING Profile In Courage by Anthony J. Cirone by Russ Lewellen DRUMMER 106 46 Subbing: A Musical Approach by Mark Hurley CLUB SCENE 74 Out Of The Dark by Rick Van Horn 114 Modern Drummer has never ignored the signifi- counter, whether they be in the concert arena or cance of electronics and its application to drum- on the local club bandstand. Publishing informa- ming, and we've done our best to bring you the tion that will aid you in attaining your goals as a latest information on the subject. I've commented player is what we do. Much to our satisfaction, on the importance of keeping abreast of technol- the overwhelming majority of MD readers seem ogy on more than one occasion in this column. to be in agreement with that editorial premise. We've actually been covering the electronic The point is, technology in and of itself won't scene since the days of Star and Syndrum in necessarily make you a better player if you haven't 1979. In 1983 we were the first major publica- devoted the time and effort needed to become tion to present a full report on drum machines. one. There's certainly nothing wrong with explor- And we've continued to cover the new technol- ing new areas. But keep in mind that most of the ogy through departments like Electronic Review, artists who've broken new ground with electron- The Machine Shop, Electronic Insights, and MIDI ics did so only after proving themselves as ex- Comer, each created to help you deal with im- tremely competent players first. Bill Bruford, Dave portant aspects of this complex area. Weckl, Terry Bozzio, Chad Wackerman, and Peter All of this is well and good. However, I believe Erskine are a few who immediately come to mind, a danger exists when a special-interest music and who clearly demonstrate the point. The tech- Maintaining magazine gives the impression that technology nology was the icing on the cake for these skilled should take precedence over the goal of becom- players—the upper floor after the foundation was Perspective ing the best player you can be. We've tried to firmly set. Again, it's simply a matter of keeping keep our priorities in perspective over the years, things in proper perspective. and have deliberately avoided putting too great Unfortunately, it's pretty easy to have one's pri- an emphasis on technology, over and above mu- orities distorted, in light of today's hi-tech envi- sicianship. ronment. Over-emphasizing the technological Our primary purpose is to help you play the in- aspect tends to make us lose sight of the reasons strument to the best of your ability. We accom- we got involved with drums in the first place— plish that by presenting the concepts of the lead- which was to play music, and to play it to the best ing artists of the day—artists who willingly share of our ability. That's what Modern Drummer is all their ideas with you. We also help by supplying about. And in the final analysis, isn't that what all insight on important techniques, and by offering this is really about? practical solutions to problems all drummers en- EDITOR/PUBLISHER ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ronald Spagnardi Tracy Kearney Susan Alexander, Robyn Flans, Simon Goodwin, Karen Ervin Pershing, Jeff Potter, Teri Saccone, Robert Santelli, Bob Saydlow- ski, Jr., Robin Tolleson, Lauren Vogel, T. Bruce Wittet. ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Isabel Spagnardi Joan C. Stickel MODERN DRUMMER Magazine (ISSN 0194-4533) is pub- lished monthly with an additional issue in July by MODERN SENIOR EDITOR ADVERTISING DIRECTOR DRUMMER Publications, Inc., 870 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Rick Mattingly Kevin W. Kearns Grove, NJ 07009. Second-Class Postage paid at Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 and at additional mailing offices. Copyright 1988 by Modern Drummer Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Repro- MANAGING EDITOR DEALER SERVICE MANAGER duction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. Rick Van Horn Crystal W. Van Horn EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING/ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES: Mod- ern Drummer Publications, 870 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, ASSOCIATE EDITORS CUSTOMER SERVICE NJ 07009. William F. Miller Donna S. Fiore MANUSCRIPTS: Modern Drummer welcomes manuscripts, Adam Budofsky however, cannot assume responsibility for them. Manuscripts MAIL ROOM SUPERVISOR must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. MUSIC DEALERS: Modern Drummer is available for resale at EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Leo Spagnardi bulk rates. Direct correspondence to Modern Drummer, Dealer Cynthia Huang Service, 870 Pompton Ave., Cedar Grove, NJ 07009. Tel: 800- CONSULTANT TO THE PUBLISHER 522-DRUM or 201-239-4140. ART DIRECTOR Arnold E. Abramson SUBSCRIPTIONS: $24.95 per year; $44.95, two years. Single Terry Kennedy copies $2.95. MODERN DRUMMER ADVISORY BOARD SUBSCRIPTION CORRESPONDENCE: Modern Drummer, PO A Member Of: Henry Adler, Kenny Aronoff, Louie Bellson, Bill Box 480, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0480. Change of address: Al- Bruford, Roy Burns, Jim Chapin, Alan Dawson, Dennis low at least six weeks for a change. Please provide both old and DeLucia, Les DeMerle, Len DiMuzio, Charlie Don- new address. Toll Free Phone: 1-800-435-0715. nelly, Peter Erskine, Vic Firth, Danny Gottlieb, Sonny POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Modern Drummer, P.O. Igoe, Jim Keltner, Mel Lewis, Larrie Londin, Peter Box 480, Mt. Morris, IL 61054. Magadini, George Marsh, Joe Morello, Andy New- mark, Neil Peart, Charlie Perry, Dave Samuels, John Santos, Ed Shaughnessy, Steve Smith, Ed Thigpen. ISSUE DATE: November 1988 JOEY KRAMER Soviet Union) with Billy Joel. The chart VIKTOR MIKHALIN AND MORE Thanks for giving a cover to an excellent section, entitled "Liberty: Off The Record," I am writing to express my heartfelt thanks drummer and wonderful person: Joey Kra- was great to have. I only wish every cover to MD for doing such a marvelous job of mer [August '88 MD]. He is a man who drummer's interview included a similar supplying the drumming community with has proved to us all that you can overcome section. a wealth of knowledge month after month, anything if you try. Joey has both excellent Even more, I enjoyed the superb inter- year after year. I read the interview with technique and a wonderful visual side, and view with Carlos Vega. His classic "rags to Russian drummer Viktor Mikhalin [August displays both on stage with Aerosmith. riches" story from banging on frying pans '88 MD] and was moved to tears by his You not only gave readers Joey Kramer, with spoons to performing for 50,000 genuine enthusiasm for American musi- but also a wonderful insight into the world people with James Taylor should be an in- cians. Yes, music is a universal language, of drum corps. If it were not for college, I spiration to us all. I see Carlos as a very and drummers are at the core of it. would join many a friend on the field. Once inspiring, up-and-coming musician whom I also want to thank you for acknowledg- again, thank you for such a wonderful is- I'm sure we'll soon hear more and more ing drummers, like myself, who are incar- sue.