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Akira Jimbo
Background information
Born	(1959-02-27) February 27, 1959 (age 65) Tokyo, Japan
Genres	Jazz fusion, electronic
Occupation	Drummer
Years active	1979–present
Website	akira-jimbo.uh-oh.jp

Akira Jimbo, also transliterated as Akira Jinbo (神保 彰, Jinbo Akira, born February 27, 1959), is a Japanese jazz fusion drummer who combines electronic drum technology and acoustic drums. Aside from his solo work, he was the drummer for the Japanese jazz fusion band Casiopea in 3 separate stints (1980-1989, 1997-2006 and 2012-2022) and had participated in side projects with Keiko Matsui, Shambara, and Brian Bromberg.

Background

Akira Jimbo began drumming at the age of 18 when he joined the Keio University Light Music Society Big Band. He became a member of Casiopea in 1980. 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 unique aspect of Jimbo's drumming is the setup of his drums. Using acoustic drums together with Yamaha electronic drum triggers, Jimbo is able to create a live performance with an array of different sounds. Apart from endorsing Yamaha drums and Zildjian cymbals, he also endorses Vic Firth drumsticks.

MIDI Drum Trigger System

He claims every sound is triggered as a live performance by himself, which is true in the past as the limitation of the trigger system during that time. As his career progress, in fact, now he did use many sequencing programs during some portions such as in intense drum solo part or some difficult arrangements.

Main Drum Kit Setup

Acoustic Drums

• Yamaha WSD13AJ (13"×7") Beech Custom Akira Jimbo Signature Snare Drum
• Yamaha YD9000AJ (8",10",12",14",16",22") Recording Custom Akira Jimbo debut 30th Anniversary Kit

Cymbals

• Zildjian K Custom Hybrid Series
  • 13.25" Hi-Hat
  • 17" Crash
  • 19" Trash Smash
  • 19" China
  • 21" Ride
  • 9" Splash
  • 13" Trash Splash/15" Trash Crash (stack)

Electronic Drum Trigger

• Yamaha DTX900

Past Equipment

Drum Sets

• 1980 – YD9000R
• 1990 – Yamaha Rock Tour Custom
• 1992 – Maple Custom
• 1995 – Yamaha Rock Tour Custom
• 1997 – Beech Custom
• 2001 – Beech Custom Absolute
• 2004 – Oak Custom Absolute
• 2005 – Oak Custom Akira Jimbo 25th anniversary
• 2010 – YD9000AJ Akira Jimbo 30th anniversary

Signature Snare Drums

• 1992 – MSD13AJ Maple 7ply Power Hoop (Limited)
• 1997 – WSD13AJ Beech 8ply Wood Hoop
• 2004 – NSD13AJ Oak 6ply Wood Hoop (Limited)
• 2012 – BSD1450AJ Old Birch 6ply Steel Hoop (Limited)

Discography

Studio Albums - Solo

Covers Albums

Collaborations

Compilations

Unit albums

Drums Lesson Series

References

1. "Akira Jimbo". www.drummerworld.com. Retrieved 4 December 2018.

External links

• Official site in Japanese
• Akira Jimbo Interview NAMM Oral History Library (2008)

• 1959 births
• Living people
• Japanese drummers
• Japanese jazz musicians
• Optimism Records artists
• Casiopea members