iDrum magazine: Never miss a beat 125 February 2014 Back Issue

Often the word ‘legend’ is bandied around all too easily when it comes to drumming heroes, but there’s no denying that the moniker can, and indeed should, be used when introducing our cover star. Dave Weckl has been at the forefront of our art form since he came to prominence thanks to his high profile gigs with artists such as Chick Corea, Simon & Garfunkel and Michel Camilo. Over the last three decades, Dave has inspired a generation of players due to his enviable technique, mastery of time and tastefulness behind the kit. He is also one of the main pioneers when it comes to passing on information to the next generation of drummers through his numerous educational packages and tuition DVDs. With a new studio mega-project currently underway, as well as a packed schedule of masterclasses and events to honour his long tenure with Yamaha drums, we thought it was time we caught up with the incredible Mr Weckl to hear from the master himself.

Elsewhere we spend time with a raft of UK players – talking studio time with Neal Wilkinson, jazz with Ollie Howell and pop royalty with Cherisse Osei. We also speak to Michèle Drees, a player with a long and varied career who’s currently providing exciting and enlightening shows courtesy of her Jazz Tap Project.

We also introduce a new series this issue going in-depth into recording and studio techniques. All too often when this subject is looked at there seems to be a real emphasis on the past, but with so many musicians setting up home studios we thought it would be a good time to bring things bang up to date.

As usual, we also have all of our regular features and top-tips from our tutors and it’s well worth checking out the news section this month for a big announcement regarding the London Drum Show 2014, along with some sneak-peeks at just a small selection of the freshest, mouth-watering unveiled at this year’s NAMM show.