UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: DRUM CLINICS FEATURE AKIRA JIMBO

Timing is everything: Akira Jimbo demonstrates his signature drumming technique at a stop on his recent clinic tour.

International drumming sensation Akira Jimbo recently completed an eight-date clinic tour, making stops at the following Sam Ash Music store locations: Orlando, FL; Columbus and Lyndhurst, OH; Philadelphia, PA; New Haven, CT; Burbank, IL; Ontario and Westminster, CA. The appearances were made possible by Yamaha Drums, Zildjian Cymbals and Sam Ash Music.

Participants got an "up close and personal" audience with the drumming legend, who displayed his dynamic playing style and signature technique, playing to triggered "accompaniment" and fielding questions from the audience on topics ranging from musical influences to equipment choices.

"My best advice to drummers, beginners or veterans, is to always remember the basics," Jimbo stressed in the Q&A session. "When you practice, pay attention to your timing, especially the quarter-note feel. From that, everything else will follow."

Jimbo signs everything from drum heads to photos at the post-clinic autograph session.

Gary Fulton, general manager of Sam Ash Music in New Haven, CT, stated, "We feel honored to host an artist of this caliber. Akira is respected in both the U.S. and in Japan, and our customers were stoked when they found out he’d be here." Drum manager Eric Wagnblas added, "We had an all-ages audience of over 130. This is one our best clinics in recent memory."

Joe Testa, artist relations manager, Drum products, Yamaha Corporation of America, stated, "Yamaha is proud to sponsor such an event–it’s both educational and entertaining. Clinics bring artists like Akira Jimbo to the public, and let them share their knowledge."

Akira started playing drums at the age of 18 at Keio University in Japan, where he became a member of the school’s Light Music Society Big Band. In 1980 he joined the group Casiopea, releasing over a dozen albums and touring internationally. As a solo artist, he has released over 10 albums and four acclaimed instructional videos: Pulse, Metamorphosis, Independence and the latest, Evolution (DCI Music Video/Warner Brothers). His setup includes Yamaha Beech Custom and Signature Snare Drum, the Yamaha DTX Drum Trigger System, Zildjian Cymbals, Remo Drum heads, and Vic Firth Sticks.

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