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Roland Unveils New TD-30 at NAMM

As if the TD20 didn't bring enough to the digital drumming table, Roland has announced the new TD-30, boasting all-new pads, sounds and trigger technology.

The new kit is entirely USB-ready and can be connected to a computer with ease, while the brain unit holds all the features previously found in Roland's top-end models with added functionality on the sound-editing side.

The TD-30K is priced at $4499, while the larger and more robust TD-30KV is a less modest $7699. For more info, check Roland's website.

Is the TD-30 worth the price tag? Let us know in the comments section!

Gerald Heyward Shows Off the New Remo Vintage Emperor

Gerald Heyward, currently on tour with R&B superstar Chris Brown, can now be seen on Remo's website demoing the new Vintage Emperor.

The new skin is a double ply 7.5 mil mylar and sounds warm and rounded but still has plenty of attack. Oh, and you can probably play it with a pair of lump hammers without fear of breakage.

For more info, click here. And don't forget to let us know what you think of the new head (and Gerald's superb playing) in the comments section below.

Benny Greb Releases 'Language of Drumming' DVD Companion Book

Benny Greb's instructional DVD 'The Language of Drumming' was a big hit with drummers all over the world, and now the top player and clinician brings us a companion book, which 'rounds up the groundbreaking DVD of the same name perfectly'.

Benny's website contains more news and the book is available from Amazon now.





 

Let us know what you think of 'The Language of Drumming Book' in the comments section!

Keith Carlock Switches to Gretsch & Vic Firth

And he looks happy about it!

Keith Carlock, current stick-slinger with music legends Steely Dan and long-time endorser of Yamaha and Regal Tip, has jumped camps to Gretsch and Vic Firth. Keith has announced that there is a new signature stick on the way and he will be touring the new drums throughout the year. For more news and info, check keithcarlock.com.

Chris 'Daddy' Dave & Pino Palladino Drive D'Angelo's Comeback

D'Angelo with Pino (left) and Chris Dave (back)

D'Angelo fans will know by now that he is halfway through a small tour of Europe, which started in Stockholm, Sweden last week. The 'Father of Neo-Soul' then moved on to Amsterdam, but canceled the first show due to injury- apparently suffered while falling off stage in excitement! Reliable sources confirm that D was back for the 2nd Amsterdam gig in high spirits, using the other, healthy foot to practically stomp holes in the stage.

And D'Angelo came with backup.
Chris 'Daddy' Dave (left) is most
everyone's first call for hip-hop
grooves and general 'what just
happened?' While Pino Palladino
(below) laid down a large portion
of the bass tracks on D's legendary
2000 album Voodoo, and joined
him afterward on the Voodoo Tour.

D'Angelo comes to London, UK this weekend to greet more fans who have been eagerly waiting his return.

To see the new show kicking off, check these links:
Chicken Grease
Sugar Daddy
Untitled (How Does It Feel?)

Let us know what you think in the comments section.

... Welcome back D!

4 New Cymbals Voted Into Sabian's 2012 Lineup

3 months ago, Sabian launched their 'Players Choice' campaign to allow us, the players, to choose four cymbals to be added to the company's 2012 lineup. Of an original 12 prototypes, the selection has finally been whittled down to the four winners: from top to bottom, the AAX Aero Crash, the AAX Stadium Ride, the HHX Click Hats and the HHX Zen China.

 Top players the likes of Dave Weckl, Neil Peart, Mike Portnoy and Dave Elitch shot videos with Sabian to show off the new bronze, which can be found, along with more info on the pieces, at cymbalvote.com.

New Jojo Mayer Artist Spotlight Video @ vicfirth.com

As if the drumming wasn't enough, Jojo is now also nailing facial hair.

Jojo Mayer has been endorsing Vic Firth drumsticks for quite some time now, and for the honour they've kindly filmed a new video for us, showcasing Jojo's unique talent on a variety of grooves. The Sonor kit is sounding lovely, and Jojo's new Sabian's will leave most of you dribbling too. Let us know what you think in the comments section!

Bernard Purdie Drum Clinic in Philadelphia

Purdie 'splains his famous shuffle and more

Saturday February 11th is one for the diary! Bernard 'Pretty' Purdie, drummer with such greats as Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Steely Dan, will be in clinic at the 'Twisted Tail' on South 2nd Street (full address on flyer below) with an evening performance scheduled too, when Bernard will be joined by Jon Pruitt (piano/vox) and Andy Lalasis (bass). $35 will get you into the clinic and show, while tickets for just the evening are a modest $5!

Win Gavin Harrison's Signature Vic Firth Drumsticks!

 

The Gavin Harrison Vic Firth Signature Drumstick is not even on shelves yet, but the kind folks over at mikedolbear.com are giving away 21 pairs for lucky winners of their current competition!

Simply click the link above and answer a question we all ought to know about Gavin to be in with a chance. Good luck!