The Score Magazine - Archive July 2016 issue! | Page 27

AMOGH RAO
AKIRA JIMBO
"I PLAY YAMAHA"
Akira Jimbo isn't a name that needs introduction in the world of percussion. Yamaha's world famous endorsee
and brilliantly gifted drummer sat down with us for an insightful conversation into his musical lifestyle.
What made you choose drums?
What are your views on technicality vs feel?
I started playing drums 40 years ago, and back then there was no
information on drums. I had to learn everything by ear. Steve Gadd
was the guy who inspired me to play. Once I heard him play, I knew
instantly that I wanted to play drums. First I tried to copy his style,
then I started listening to other drummers and I learnt everything they
played by ear. Feel is the most important of course. Technique is a tool, like a nice
computer or smartphone, but feel is the most essential cause drummers
need to lay the ground for any music. There are a lot of ‘choppers’ and
I love that, but at the same time it’s necessary to remember to keep a
good groove.
Could you name 5 musicians that influenced your drumming
style? Indian movies are famous across the world. We watch them everywhere.
And India has a long history with a very rich musical culture, like the
percussive rhythmical concepts that are very hard to understand for
us. But Indians have a great base for music, and so I think it’s great to
mix this culture with pop and western music.
Steve Gadd is my biggest influence. HarvyMason from West Coast,
David Garibaldi from Tower Power, Vinnie Colaiuta and Dave Weckl
are also great drummers.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a hybrid
setup?
I think there’s no disadvantage. I got into hybrid drumming in the
last 25 years. I’d just sample my voice, “Jimbo” and put it on the
kick drum. People loved that. It’s quite unique for a drummer to play
melodic things. So I started to play simple stuff and gradually the more
complicated music. And now I can play Star Wars (laughs).
What was the best advice you received in your drumming
career?
It’s good to play all music styles. Not just pop, or jazz. We should keep
our eyes wide open and understand the different styles of music. Start
by copying a style and then add your originality to it.
What do you think about India?
Are there any Indian artists that you love playing with?
I’ve toured with TrilokGurtu. The ‘carpet drummer’ (laughs). He’s a
very funny guy. We’re both Zildjian artists, so we’ve played together
a lot.
What is it about drumming that makes you want to go back to
it every day?
Drums make me happy. As long as I’m playing drums, I’m happy. I
don’t know, maybe I was just born that way, but I’ve been very lucky
to find this instrument. I also love watching people enjoy my music.
Do you have any message for the readers of Score magazine?
I’d just say, listen to all the different kinds of music out there and have
fun when you play. Enjoying what you play is the most important.