New Additions to the Family Tree

Yamaha Drums recently bolstered its varied artist roster with the signings of a number of new endorsees, including legends Freddie Gruber and Eddie Bayers.

Considered a top teacher and guru in the drumming world, Gruber has been a mentor to Dave Weckl, Peter Erskine, Anton Fig, Neil Peart (Rush), Greg Bissonette and Steve Smith (Journey), and has played with such notables as Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, Buddy DeFranco and Philly Joe Jones to name a few. Gruber now plays an Absolute Maple Nouveau kit.

"Even though I have high regards for the many drum makers of the world, I think Yamaha Drums are the best made and sounding drums today," said Gruber.

Eddie Bayers, who now plays an Absolute Birch Noveau kit, has been the backbeat for some of the top names in country music, sharing credits with Alan Jackson, Wynonna Judd, Reba McEntire, Alabama, Kenny Chesney, George Jones and Kenny Rogers. The Nashville session powerhouse has won the Academy of Country Music Drummer of the year 12 consecutive years, and he was nominated for the CMA Musician 5 years.

Bayers began his musical career as a classical pianist, settling in Nashville as a keyboard player. Later, as a session drummer at Audio Media Studios, he played on records by Tanya Tucker, John Denver, Ricky Skaggs and George Strait. Bayers holds a number of production credits, and has appeared on numerous film soundtracks.

"After putting Yamaha Drums to the test in recording and live environments, I found there was no choice but to endorse them if I wanted to be true to my musicality," noted Bayers. "I've been making a living recording for over 30 years, and in that time have worked with some of the greatest engineers in the world. When they heard I made the switch to Yamaha, they all raved. It means as much to them, because when the drums sound great naturally, it makes their job easier."

Other recent additions to Yamaha Drums' talent roster include Marcus Randolph (Robert Randolph & The  Family  Band),  Mark Baker  (Ministry), Ralph

Rolle (Live at the Apollo), Calvin Rodgers (Fred Hammond), Rob Jenkins (Drop Box), Rich Mercurio (Jonatha Brooke) and Charles Collins (Philadelphia Sound).