Akira Jimbo

Akira Jimbo, also seen as Akira Jinbo (神保 彰, Jinbo Akira, born February 27, 1959), is a Japanese musician who combines electronic drum technology and acoustic drums. Aside from his solo work, he is the drummer for the Japanese jazz fusion band Casiopea and has participated in side projects with Keiko Matsui, Shambara, and Brian Bromberg. He is the main product presenter of Yamaha Drums Japan.

Background

Akira Jimbo began drumming at the age of 15 when he joined the Keio University Light Music Society Big Band. He became famous through his playing with Casiopea during the years 1979–1989. He returned to record with Casiopea in 1997. During his solo career he formed Jimsaku-duo with Casiopea's bassist Tetsuo Sakurai in 1989. He has also worked with Hiroyuki Noritake from T-Square in the drum-duo Synchronized DNA.

Jimbo has a drumming style which is best demonstrated in his drum videos and at his drum clinics. By using the DTX drum triggering system, he is able to play a full band sound without a backing track. Jimbo has assisted in the design of K Custom Hybrid Series of cymbals by Zildjian. His drum hero is Steve Gadd.

In 1999, he won second place in the British drum magazine RHYTHM for most popular drummer. In June 2000, he became the first Asian drummer to be featured on the cover of Modern Drummer magazine. He appeared in the Modern Drummers Festival in 2000.

Drum setup

One aspect of Jimbo's drumming is the setup of his drums. Using Yamaha drums and Zildjian cymbals with Yamaha electronic drum triggers, Jimbo is able to create an array of different sounds. He points out that his mounted toms are aligned perfectly so that no one drum is lower or higher than the other, a method he applies to the floor toms as well.

Discography

References