It has always irked me that drummers and percussionists who play Broadway shows receive so little attention in the drum-world press. Now, thanks to seasoned Broadway drummer, Clayton Craddock, these players are expressing themselves and educating those of us who play (or would like to play) shows.

This is a fascinating article on Ludwig Drums from the arts and literary magazine, Oxford American. The magazine, founded in 1992, publishes a quarterly sophisticated blend of fiction, poetry, memoir, and other topics honoring the American South’s cultural influence in food, literature, music, and visual arts.

If you’re like me, it can be frustrating to hear drumming that is predictable and monotonous. This is the case with much of popular music. Here, however, I want to showcase Roger Hawkins playing “anything but typical” on this iconic recording. Let’s jump in.