Yamaha Drummers Complete Round Of Successful Clinics

BUENA PARK, CA (December 16, 2005) — Yamaha drum artists Akira Jimbo, Russ Miller and Sonny Emory recently held a series of well-received solo drum clinics at music stores across the country.

“These drummers are a huge draw, in name and in talent,” said Dave Jewell, marketing manager, Yamaha Drums. “It’s a rare opportunity to not only watch them display their techniques, but to be able to share one-on-one.”

International drumming sensation Akira Jimbo completed an eight-date clinic tour, making stops at Sam Ash Music store locations in Orlando, Fla.; Columbus and Lyndhurst, Ohio; Philadelphia, Pa.; New Haven, Conn.; Burbank, Ill.; Ontario and Westminster, Calif..

He began 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).

Russ Miller presented clinics at Dayton, Ohio and South Bend, Ind., which featured performances, demos, an autograph session and product giveaways.

Miller is one of the top touring and session drummers in the industry today. As a multi-platinum, GRAMMY® Award-winning recording artist, his musical versatility has led him to work with an incredible list of artists including legends Ray Charles, The Fifth Dimension, Cher, Tina Turner and Bobby Caldwell, through today’s artists like Babyface, Hilary Duff, Nelly Furtado, Daniel Bedingfield and Meredith Brooks. He has performed on more than 250 albums and a number of film soundtracks. Along with his many album credits, he has authored two books: “The Drum Set Crash Course” and “Transitions,” along with his video/DVD, The Drum Set Crash Course.

Sonny Emory held standing-room only clinics at Macon, Ga., Daytona Beach, Fla. and Naples, Fla.. See video of Emory at the Georgia Music Clinic.

Receiving his first drum set at age 4, Emory has always had an on-going commitment to balancing academics and entertainment. The former Earth, Wind & Fire drummer co-wrote “Cruising,” which can be heard on the score to Spike Lee's 1998 motion picture Get On the Bus. He also worked on the Lethal Weapon II soundtrack with Eric Clapton and David Sanborn. Emory has recorded, and/or performed with a virtual “who's who” in pop and jazz music, including Stanley Clarke, David Sanborn, Bette Midler, Al Jarreau, Paula Abdul, Jean-Luc Ponty and Boz Scaggs.

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; or e-mail infostation@yamaha.com.