What's new - Yamaha Drums -

Yamaha Drums is very proud to welcome Jeff Beck's Veronica Bellino to our family of Acoustic Drum Artists. Veronica is an amazing talent who also performs in L.A's own Street Drum Corps!

Yamaha Drums and Guitar Center are very happy to announce a very special series of west coast Clinics/Workshops featurning Mr. Paul Bostaph! These FREE Workshops will give you a chance to see one of trash/metal drumming's greatest up close and personal plus learn more about Yamaha Drums and participate in a Q & A with Paul.

MON. JUNE 4TH @ GUITAR CENTER EMERYVILLE, CA. 7PM
WED. JUNE 6TH @ GUITAR CENTER LAS VEGAS, NV. 7PM
THURS. JUNE 7TH @ GUITAR CENTER SAN MARCOS, CA. 7PM
FRI. JUNE 8TH @ GUITAR CENTER LAKE FOREST, CA. 7PM
SAT. JUNE 9TH @ GUITAR CENTER WEST LOS ANGELES, CA. 1PM

More info coming soon! Make your plans now to attend!

Sergio Mendes brought some stunning music to Japan again this year, after receiving an enthusiastic response at last year’s Tokyo Jazz Festival. And once again the drummer accompanying Sergio was the talented Mike Shapiro! We caught the show at Billboard-LIVE Tokyo.

Mike was playing a PHX kit with a BAS1460 snare in Blue Ice Sparkle. For footwork he used an FP9315 foot pedal (out of production) and an HS1200 hi-hat stand.

Those distinctive samba rhythms flowed effortlessly from Mike’s sticks … but the underlying rhythmic feel is not simple, and it is most definitely not just a series of 16th notes. The soul is in the variations, and Mike’s playing matched the timing of percussionist Gibi perfectly for a seriously feel-good vibe.

Sergio Mendes played a Yamaha Motif XS8 (out of production).

Another artist who made a huge impression on this tour was Scott Mayo, exhibiting amazing versatility on sax, keyboards, and vocals! Scott played a Yamaha Motif ES8 (out of production), and Yamaha saxes: a YAS82Z alto and a YSS62R soprano (also out of production). He played a Yamaha flute too … but we forgot to ask the model number (oops).

The show was a series of familiar hits, but “The Girl From Ipanema” and Milton Nasciment’s “Travessia” struck a particularly emotional chord with the ecstatic audience. The last tunes were “Mas Que Nada” and “Tristeza,” providing the perfect ending for the perfect night.

Mike was pushing the energy level to the limit by the end of the show!

It was a truly emotional and satisfying performance. Great show!!

David Garibaldi is the drummer with the "Tower of Power" one of musics finest funk & soul acts to date.
David is known as an innovator in funk drumming and is a major influence to many top drummers worldwide. From early days of his career, David has been playing Yamaha Drums & hardware.
We sat down with David to talk about his successful career, his love for Yamaha Recording Custom drums and received valuable hints on how David achieves his reknowned snare sound.

Find out more on the Tower of Power here: http://www.towerofpower.com/

Find out more on Yamaha Drums & hardware: http://europe.yamaha.com/

Yamaha Drums stands for top quality Drums + smart, massive hardware components + innovative electronic solutions.
In this video Yamaha Artist Merlin Ettore introduces us to his world of hybrid drumming.
(performed with Yamaha Oak Custom shells on a Hexrack, 14" x 6.5" Yamaha copper snare and DTXM12 multipad for sampling).

We're at the Akasaka Blitz. Eric Valentine is back in Japan for the first time in four years, with Steve Lukather’s solo project.with Steve Lukather's solo project.

First a couple of photos …

A Yamaha guitar case!
Luke was using a nylon-stringed NTX1200 during last year's TOTO tour, but for this tour he's playing an LJX26CP featuring Yamaha's innovative SRT system.

And there it is! The LJX26CP on stage!
Luke used the guitar for the TOTO tune "Out of Love," which he played and sang with real feeling.

And here's Luke's drummer of many years, Eric Valentine.

PHX and HEXRACK II!!Pedals and hardware include a DFP9500C double bass drum pedal, HS1200D hi-hat stand, and SS950 snare stand. Eric’s main snare is an SD456APL (discontinued), and his side snare is an SD2255.
 

Eric did so much stick twirling while playing and during his solo that we were wondering when a stick or two would escape him. What a scene! Just as I was thinking how great it would be to be able to show our readers as well, these photos arrived. Total havoc! You can almost hear Luke saying "how far are you trying to throw that thing?" Thanks Eric!!

Canadian-born jazz singer and pianist Laila Biali appeared at Tokyo’s Cotton Club with fellow Canadians Larnell Lewis (drums) and George Koller (bass) from March 21 through 23.

Larnell is a big guy! Just guesstimating we’d have to say he’s about two meters tall! The night we met at the Cotton Club was his 28th birthday.

Larnell was playing a Maple Custom Absolute kit with a Blue Ice Sparkle finish.

His snare is an MSD1465 in Antique Sunburst, and pedals/stands include an HS1200 hi-hat stand, an SS950 snare stand, and an FP8500C foot pedal. Larnell usually uses a Hexrack system with a massive setup, but since this is basically a jazz gig he chose to use the more subdued setup shown in the photo.

We were delighted to hear almost unbelievably delicate, musical tone coming from a player that physically large. Then as the night progressed and the excitement mounted Larnell turned up the heat with fatter, solid sound that took the audience on an unforgettable musical journey.

Some video footage of the Cotton Club performance is available here:
http://www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp/jp/sp/120321_laila/

Pulse Percussion of the Indoor Drum Corp using the HEXRACK II,Oak Custom and the DTX Multi12.

CHECK IT OUT the Pulse Percussion official Website!!

http://www.pulsepercussion.org/index.html

In late March we made one of our frequent pilgrimages to Tokyo's Blue Note, this time to see and hear French soul man Ben L'oncle Soul and his drummer Loic Gerard.

Sweet looking guy!

Loic's kit was a Cub Custom in Swirl Black.

Loic is a true left-hander, and his kit is set up as a completely reversed mirror image of what us "righties" consider normal. His snare is a Roy Haynes signature SD655ARH.

And for footwork...

Being a leftie Loic uses the left-footed DFP9500CL twin pedal. And his HS1200D hi-hat stand has a right-foot pedal mounted on the outside. This lets him use the twin pedal without having to change the position of the hi-hat stand. There are actually quite a few drummers who set things up this way.

As for the performance...the musicians and audience were definitely all on the same page, and it was hot! Everyone gathered at the Blue Note was infused with the spirit of soul! The standing ovation was clearly heartfelt. Great show!

CHECK IT OUT !!

Musikmesse is one of the world’s largest musical instrument  trade shows. This year a number of notable new Yamaha drum product releases made it an event to remember!

This year’s “I Play Yamaha” slogan formed an appropriate backdrop for a series of important product releases, including the big eye-catcher at the Yamaha booth: an ingeniously configured hybrid kit using the new HEXRACK II system that was first introduced at NAMM 2012. This unique setup effectively demonstrates the HEXRACK II system’s remarkable combination of light weight and holding power.

YouTube: (EN) Yamaha HEXRACK II / Musikmesse 2012

Check out the HEXRACK II advantages at the following URL, and imagine how they might transform your own setup!
http://www.yamaha.com/hex2

The Recording Custom series is a long-running favorite that has become a standard in the music business, and this year there were two distinctive new colors on display! The Antique Sunburst kit featured a 26” x 14” bass drum that’s capable of delivering some seriously solid kick tone and power, and the Deep Blue kit showed a variety of subtle variations as the light changed during the day. The Deep Blue finish is sure to respond to stage lighting in many fascinating ways.

YouTube: (EN) Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Set

The Stage Custom series was also shown in two new colors: Matte Black and Honey Amber. The Stage Custom drums inherit the Yamaha birch sound from the Recording Custom series, and these two new colors effectively enhance their high-class image. Visitors were clearly impressed by these exquisite finishes.

YouTube: (EN) New Yamaha Stage Custom and Recording Custom Drum Sets / Musikmesse

The “European Special” highlight for this year was undoubtedly the signature snare drums created in cooperation with some of Europe’s leading artists.

From left to right in the photo: Christian Meyer (Italy), Ton Dijkman (Netherlands), Soren Frost (Denmark), Pedro Barcelona (Spain), and Erik Smith (Norway).

The final specifications of each model were carefully determined and optimized through close cooperation with the respective artist, resulting in drums that deliver both distinctive sound and appearance. This is just one more example of Yamaha working with the world’s top performers to raise the bar as high as possible!

Other products on display were the popular Club Custom drums in Swirl Orange, an Absolute series setup in White Grape Sparkle, a flagship PHX kit in Turquoise Fade, and of course innovative Yamaha system hardware.

Check out the URL below for info about why Yamaha system hardware is some of the most popular and relied on in the business.

http://www.yamaha.com/drumhw/

The artist autograph even held on the final day of the show brought together some of the most esteemed drummers from Europe as well as rising young stars from around Germany, and turned out to be a crowning moment of the entire show.


The artists included: Ralf Gustke (Germany), Billy Cobham (US), Wolfgang Haffner (Germany), Gulli Briem (Iceland), Erik Smith (Norway), Paul Tetzlaff (Germany / "Clueso"), Der Onkel (Germany / "Ohrbooten"), Carl-Michael Grabinger (Germany / "Jazzanova"), Zacky Tsoukas (Germany / "Errorhead"), Prof. Michael Küttner (Germany), Thomas Holtgreve (Germany / "Frida Gold") Jakob Sinn (Germany / "Revolverheld").

Yamaha has been a leading manufacturer of top-quality drums and drum hardware since 1967. That’s 45 years of significant history. In the impressive new product lineup introduced at this year’s Musikmesse, as well as the level and number of artists who gathered to sign autographs and show their support, it is clear that Yamaha will continue to be a major force in defining the future of music worldwide.

Al Jarreau, who was in Japan last year for the Tokyo Jazz Festival, is back again this year with The George Duke Trio. Drummer Gorden Campbell is supplying the rhythmic foundations. Although Gorden usually moves in R&B circles, for this tour he’s really stretching out and covering an impressive range of musical styles.

Gorden's setup is shown below. He's using the HEXRACK II hardware introduced at the NAMM show earlier this year, with PHX series drums.

His pedals are an FP9500C for the kick, and an HS1200D hi-hat stand. His main snare is an SD455APL/RMGW, and his sub is an NSD1365M. Above the NSD1365M there' s a DTX-MULTI 2 electronic percussion pad unit.

The show was a visual and musical delight. The audience's attention was riveted on the impressive stage setup as well as the sound. Al was pleased too, and gave us his "wow, looks great!" seal of approval.

Gorden's solo punctuated the show with a jaw-dropping explosion of energy. Absolutely amazing! Gorden is currently working on a self-produced DVD that we can't wait to see and hear!

We're at Tokyo's Cotton Club again, where Grammy award winning jazz vocalist Diane Schuur is performing with her band, featuring Yamaha drummer Tony Moore.

The drum setup is a matte black PHX kit.

Tony's main snare is a Roy Haynes signature SD655ARH, and his spare is a Steve Gadd signature BSD14ASG, so he certainly has some drumming legends on his side!

At the front of the set is a Chinese gong that he bought in China before arriving in Japan for the tour. The gong got quite a bit of use during his solo.

As expected, the performance was absolutely fantastic! The audience did not hold back their appreciation, and Diane responded with a show that increaserd in intensity and passion as the night went on. The band followed Diane's lead, delivering a tight, powerful performance. It was quite an emotional evening.

Tony played a drum solo that also elicited unrestrained appreciation from the crowd. He made full use of the projection and volume of the PHX drums to support the band with some brilliant drumming.

Called on to perform with artists such as Rufus and George Benson, Tony Moore is a young drummer with a very bright future.

Drummer Oscar Kraal was touring Japan with saxophonist Candy Dulfer, so we caught up with them at the Tokyo Blue Note jazz club.

Other members of the lineup for this tour are Ulco Bed on  guitar, Chance Howard on keyboards and vocals, Arjen Mooijer on keyboards, Jan Van Duikeren on trumpet, and Ricardo “Phatt” Burgrust on main vocal. The special guest artist was Printz Board.

Oscar with Vocalist Ricardo

Most of the tunes for this tour were new, and some of the necessary sound was supplied by DTX900 electronic drums with an XP120SD snare pad and KP65 kick trigger.

A mix of acoustic and electronic drum sounds were used for some of the compositions, producing an intricate and varied rhythmic backdrop for the music. Pedal hardware included an HS1200 hi-hat stand, and two FP9500C foot pedals (one for the KP65). The snare was an MSD1465.

After the rehearsal Candy’s PA manager and Oscar were found discussing how great the PHX kit sounded! They particularly loved the sound of the kick drum.

Keyboardist Chance Howard played a Motif XS7, while Arjen Mooijer played a CP5 and Motif XF6. Arjen was also in charge of a DTX-MULTI 12 that was used for slap sounds.

The show was high-energy right from the first note! The entire audience was on their feet in no time and rocking with the band. Of course Candy’s signature “Sax-a-Go-Go” was the closing tune.

Yamaha drummer Terri Lyne Carrington’s “The Mosaic Project” has received a Grammy award in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category!

The Mosaic Project is an all-female group that includes some seriously talented and versatile artists. In addition to main vocalist Esperanza Spalding, prominent jazz vocalists such as Dianne Reeves, Cassandra Wilson, Dee Dee Bridgewater and others take turns at the microphone as well. Pianists Geri Allen and Patrice Rushen supply some stunning keyboard accompaniment, while Tineke Postma sits in on sax. Shiela E works with Terri Lyne on the rhythm. The list of musical luminaries is too long to include here … so we recommend that you check out the album!

On why she chose the all-female format of the band, drummer and producer Terri Lyne Carrington says: "If I had tried to do something like this in the past - like when I started playing 25 years ago - I might have felt limited by the pool of available musicians. But now there are so many talented women whom I've been playing with anyway - not just because they're women but because I love the way they play. So it has become easier to do a special project that celebrates the artistry and the musicality of these women."

The songs on the album cover a wide variety of musical genres, including fusion, funk, R&B, Latin, African, and more. Each and every song is delivered with an outstanding blend of artistic passion and musical technique. This is a must-hear!

Check out the details at Terri Lyne’s website:
http://www.terrilynecarrington.com/mosaic/

Russ’ second solo album “Arrival” was a massive undertaking, with over 30 international music stars on the production. One of the biggest challenges facing Russ and the band, was how to execute the huge production pieces on the "Arrival" record, live on stage. For this new trio format, one of the “Arrival” rhythm sections, Rick Krive and Jerry Watts were chosen. Russ details this, "Jerry and I work together quite a bit and I have known Rick for twenty years! Also, Rick brings a very strong vocal element to the show”. The trio went to RMI studios and literally played through every piece in Russ' catalog over a few days. They decided which pieces could even work in a trio format, then they went to the Yamaha Artist facility in North Hollywood. Arrangements, some preproduction staging, lighting and video were rehearsed. Russ ads, "We came up with a solid direction and set list for the show." As a bonus, Russ and the band has agreed to release some of the rehearsal audio and even video clips of these closed rehearsals exclusively to RussMiller.com! The band went back and rehearsed the show at RMI. After those rehearsals, the full tour production rig was set-up on a soundstage in North Hollywood, CA. To an ecstatic audience, the trio played the full 75-minute headlining show, while filming in Full 1080 Hi-Definition video! Russ continues, "We came up with an extremely cool show concept, of syncing original session footage of guest artists to us live on stage. So, the choir in Rhythm World, Steve Gadd, George Shelby, and even Steve Smith and Pete Lockett's incredible performances are all a part of the show via HD video on an 84" Hi-Definition screen!" The very special night is now released as a double disc DVD and live CD.

Russ is using the Maple Custom Absolute on this CD & DVD.

CHECK IT OUT on iTune!!

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/arrival-live-feat.-russ-miller/id489654059

Kendrick Scott is a young drummer who’s making a significant impact on the New York jazz scene. We caught up with him at the Musashino Swing Hall, where he was performing with a trio featuring another pair of musical luminaries from New York: bassist Vicente Archer and jazz pianist Frank LoCrasto.

Kendrick’s prodigious talent was obvious even while he was a student. While at the Berklee College of Music he had opportunities to play with musical greats such as Pat Metheny, Gary Burton, and Kenny Garrett, and then when he graduated was immediately offered gigs with Joe Sample and Terence Blanchard.

For this show he played a Maple Custom (discontinued) kit.Foot pedal and hi-hat stand were an FP8500B and HS740A, respectively.

Bassist Vicente Archer mentioned that he loves the Yamaha electric bass he plays in another band: a John Pattituci model TRBJP2. “It’s super easy to play!”

The Musashino Swing Hall was jam packed. Apparently all tickets had sold out almost as soon as they went on sale. The one and a half hour performance flew by in a storm of applause all too quickly. With young players like these setting the pace, the future of New York jazz is promising indeed!

Last year David T. Walker appeared at Tokyo Jazz 2011 with Al Jarreau, Ndugu Chancler, and a lineup of other great artists to provide a little "Love for Japan".

This year David and Ndugu were back, with Clarence McDonald on keyboards and Byron Miller on bass, at the Billboard Live venues in Tokyo and Osaka.

For this tour Ndugu played a chic matte black PHX kit.

Of course he was using his signature steel-bodied SD255ANC snare, and an FP9500C foot pedal and HS1200T hi-hat stand. Ndugu is very happy with the HS1200T: "although it's a two-leg stand there's no wobble at all, and the pedal feel is super smooth!"

Ndugu's cymbal setup is distinctive. The red circle at the left of the photo indicates a CSBW cymbal stand boom weight that he uses for extra stability. At first the setup appears as though it would be difficult to play, but when you sit in the player's seat everything is actually within easy reach! It's easy to reach out and mute the cymbals too. If fact, the overall setup reduces unnecessary movement and is therefore surprisingly efficient. This might be worth a try if you're looking for ways to improve your setup.

Keyboard player Clarence McDonald was also playing Yamaha: an S90ES and MOTIF XS8.

When Ndugu Chacler plays, his facial expressions are as rich and as varied as the music he produces. His dynamic range is extremely wide, and that communicates directly to the audience, who find it almost impossible not to move their bodies in time.

Check out these expressions!

Here's a bit of history for you: it was Ndugu who played drums on Michael Jackson's "Billy Jean" The man has an incredible sense of time and groove and, along with David T. Walker and the band, put on a show that lifted the spirits of the entire crowd. Great performances! "Loving You" and "What's Going On" were personal favorites of this reporter!

This year marks Yamaha’s 45th anniversary as a drum manufacturer (we’ve been building ‘em since 1967), and we’re still wowing the crowd at the NAMM show.

One of the highlights of this year’s display is the Dragon Hybrid Kit located right at the booth entrance.

This impressive setup demonstrates the flexibility, strength, and safety of our remarkable new HEXRACK II hardware, featuring all aluminum piping that is the lightest in the business! Drummers can create virtually any type of setup their imagination can conceive, to support their individual drumming style. All innovative drummers should definitely check out HEXRACK II!

More information on HEXRACK II can be found here:
http://www.yamaha.com/hex2/
Don’t miss the HEXRACK Gallery while you’re there!

You might have also noticed that the shells used in this kit are Recording Custom reissue shells with an Antique Sunburst finish, one of the two new colors that Yamaha added to this year’s Recording Custom lineup: Antique Sunburst and Deep Blue.

Since it’s release in 1977, the long-selling Recording Custom series has become a standard in studios and on stages around the world, and the distinctive “birch sound” it delivers is still popular with demanding drummers in all genres. The two new colors are not flashy, but they have a deep, sexy, and somewhat mysterious appeal. The depth and dimensionality of these finishes could only be achieved through industry-leading Yamaha finishing technology.

The e-Book catalog is available here:
http://www.yamaha.co.jp/english/product/drums/recording_custom/index.html

Even the more economical Stage Custom Birch series boasts two beautiful new colors: Matte Black and Honey Amber. These gorgeous, sophisticated finishes give the affordable Stage Birch Custom drums top-line visual appeal.

The e-Book catalog for the Stage Custom series is here:
http://www.yamaha.co.jp/english/product/drums/stage_custom/index.html

Some great news for Yamaha came in during the show: the Club Custom series introduced last year was selected by Music & Sound Retailer as “Best Drums of the Year”! Check out the announcement at around 31:45 in the movie at the link:http://www.msretailer.com/msr/?p=440

These innovative drums were inspired by Steve Jordan, and are constructed of 100% Kapur for outstanding tone. They also feature a beautiful swirl finish that adds visual appeal to their stunning sound. We’re honored that a distinguished publication like Music & Sound Retailer has evaluated them so highly, and hope that you’ll try them out for yourself!

http://www.yamaha.co.jp/english/product/drums/cc/

The artist autograph and photo session that took place at the Yamaha booth was probably the highlight event of the entire NAMM show this year. Check out the list of distinguished artists who turned up to show their support for Yamaha! The event began at 11 AM, and even at 1:30 PM the line for autographs and photos was as long as when it started! So many great players in one place at the same time … a very rare opportunity.

The artists were:
David Garibaldi, Tommy Igoe, Gorden Campbell, Donald Barrett, Ralph Humphrey, Steve Jordan, Sonny Emory, Tommy Aldridge, Tom Hunting, Paul Bostaph, Jerry Marotta, Russ Miller, Russ Kunkel, Gerry Brown, Phil Ehart, Prairie Prince, Teddy Campbell, Dave Weckl, Bobby Blotzer, Ndugu Chancler

The Yamaha drums and hardware that these discerning players choose to support their careers is designed and created with the same type of passion that they apply in their drumming. We’re very serious about what we do. We take our “family’s” needs and demands into consideration right from the initial design stage, and that is a significant part of the secret behind the sound, playability, and reliability of Yamaha drums.

It’s our 45th year! As exemplified by our Recording Custom series and System Hardware, our ability to consistently stay at the forefront of the music and technology is our pride. The experience we acquire today goes toward defining the drums of the future. This year begins with the revolutionary HEXRACK II hardware, providing all-new potential for innovative drum settings.

If you’re in the Glendale (Ca.) area and are in the mood for some great jazz as well as great food and wine, we heartily recommend Palate Food + Wine.

Palate Food + Wine
933 Sound Brand Boulevard
Glendale, Ca. 91204

http://palatefoodwine.com/

Mike Shapiro(drummer of Sergio Mendes) and his band appear every Tuesday with some very fine jazz indeed. Mike plays a compact Yamaha Hipgig kit (Rick Marotta signature model) that fits comfortably in the limited space available while offering the tone and response he needs to deliver dynamic, exciting jazz.

Check it out!!Go behind the scenes with legendary drummer Mike Shapiro during his Yamaha photo shoot for All Access magazine.

When the name ”Manu Katché” is mentioned, many people think of the sublime drumming on Peter Gabriel’s album “So.” In fact, Manu has provided rhythmic propulsion both in the studio and on stage for a number of big-name artists, including Al DiMeola, Dire Straits, Joe Satriani, Sting, and many more.

This time Manu is touring Japan with his own band from France.

"Good job!" Manu likes the DK15 Tuning Key with contoured handle.

Let’s start with the bass. Here’s Bassist Laurent Vernerey.

Laurent plays a Yamaha BB2024 bass with a vintage sunburst finish, using some very tricky muting to produce well-defined notes and a fat tone that solidly supports the band.

And now on to the drums. The kit is a PHX series in matte black. Pedal hardware includes an FP9500C foot pedal for the kick drum and an HS1200 hi-hat stand.

Manu Katché’s impressive use of the splash cymbal is part of his signature sound, and you can see that he has the splash cymbal set up in an easily accessible spot. Although we don’t have a picture to prove this (sorry about that), his drum throne is set surprisingly low, and the floor toms are set very low to match.

In the dressing room Manu was telling us how much he loved the PHX drums, an opinion that was fully supported by the incredibly wide dynamic range and fluent musical tones he elicited from the PHX kit during the performance.

We were all so entranced by the show that it was over too soon. But then came a brilliant encore that began with a drum solo! Although Manu was punishing the drums and cymbals with some very powerful full shots, he was always totally in control of the sound, creating some truly wonderful, inimitable music. What a player!

Check it  out!!