YAMAHA SIGNS ADAM TOPOL

—Jack Johnson Percussionist Performs on Yamaha Drums—

BUENA PARK, CA (January 10, 2003)—A good percussionist embodies eclectic styles of drumming, tempo and rhythm. This multi-cultural blend couldn’t be more evident—or prevalent—in the work of Adam Topol, drummer for the critically-acclaimed group trio Jack Johnson (named after the surfer-turned-filmmaker-turned-musician lead singer/songwriter). Discovered by Ben Harper producer J.P. Plunier, the trio offers candid blues bars from bass player Merlo Podlewski, lazy acoustic guitar riffs and vocals provided by Johnson and tribal-style percussion by Topol. The group's debut album, Brushfire Fairytales, was released in August 2002. Topol recently signed on as an official Yamaha Artist and plays the Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute.

Jack Johnson drummer Adam Topol

Topol spent three years on full-time study of drums, percussion, theory and arranging at Berklee College of Music in Boston (MA). "I had an amazing live music education in Boston as a Berklee student," he recalls. "My drumming buddy from school, Ben Krames, forced me to go see the Los Munequitos de Matanzas when they were in Boston. From there on out, I was hooked—so I went there and studied. All those guys gave me so much knowledge and inspiration."

Topol engaged in private studies with the percussionists from Los Munequitos de Matanzas, part of the living legend of African music in Cuba. His studies involved a six-month residency in Havana and Matanzas where he studied folkloric conga, bata rhythms, traditional songs and dance, also taking part in Rumberos dancing in the clubs and houses in and around Havana and Matanzas.

In addition, Topol has toured over two years around the U.S. with Jack Johnson and shared the stage with bands like Ben Harper, G. Love & Special Sauce and Innocent Criminals. He has also performed with Joey Santiago (The Pixies), recording and touring for a year with his band, The Martinis. Other credits include Raul Pacheco-He (singer for Ozomatli) James Gray of Spearhead, Trulio Disgracious and Weapon of Choice.

Topol performs instrumental jams in Johnson’s surf film September Sessions, and on the trio’s upcoming release due in May 2003. The group also performs on the soundtrack to the 2002 ESPN Action Sports Video of the Year Winner, Hallowed Ground, a film about skating. Topol is also in the process of recording an Afro-Cuban Folkloric record that will feature Cuban heavyweights Juanito Florez and Teresita Dome-Perez (Afro-Cuba de Matanzas), David Leach Brandoli, Luca, Dixie "Cookiemonster" Ipina, Mike Ellison and Miles Perlich. "Jack and Merlo will be forced at gunpoint to add to the groove," jokes Topol.

For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Drum Products, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com or www.yamaha.com/drum.htm.