Akira Jimbo
Akira Jimbo, also transliterated as Akira Jinbo (神保 彰, Jinbo Akira, born February 27, 1959), is a Japanese jazz fusion drummer, best known as the drummer for the Japanese jazz fusion band Casiopea in 3 separate stints (1980-1989, 1997-2006 and 2012-2022). Aside from his work with Casiopea, Jimbo has also participated in side projects with Keiko Matsui, Shambara, and Brian Bromberg.
Akira Jimbo | |
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| Background information | |
| Born | February 27, 1959 Tokyo, Japan |
| Genres | Jazz fusion, electronic |
| Occupation(s) | Drummer |
| Years active | 1979–present |
| Website | akira-jimbo |
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.[1] During his solo career, he formed Jimsaku, a duo consisting of himself and Casiopea's bassist Tetsuo Sakurai in 1989. He has also worked with Hiroyuki Noritake from T-Square in the drum duo Synchronized DNA.
Jimbo uses a hybrid drumming style, combining elements of acoustic and electronic percussion, 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 fully orchestrated songs 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
Jimbo has claimed that every sound is triggered by himself as part of a live performance, which was true in the past, due to the limitations of the trigger system technology. As his career has progressed, however, he now uses various sequencing programs during some portions of his performances, such as during intense drum solos or particularly 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
| Year | Albums |
|---|---|
| 1986 | Cotton |
| 1989 | Palette |
| 1990 | Jimbo |
| 1991 | Slow Boat |
| 1992 | Penguin Parasol |
| 1993 | Lime Pie |
| 1994 | Panama Man |
| 1995 | Rooms by the Sea |
| 1996 | Flower |
| 1997 | Stone Butterfly |
| 2007 | Four Colors |
| 2008 | Get Up! |
| 2009-09-02 | Jimbomba |
| 2010-02-10 | Jimbo Gumbo |
| 2011-01-12 | Jimbo Jamboree |
| 2012-01-17 | Smile Smile |
| 2013-01-09 | Mind Scope |
| 2014-01-08 | Crossover the World |
| 2014-01-14 | Groove of Life |
| 2016-01-01 | Munity |
| 2017-01-13 | 21 |
| 2018-01-01 | 22 South Bound |
| 2018-01-01 | 23 West Bound |
| 2019 | 24th Street NY Duo |
| 2019 | 25th Avenue LA Trio |
| 2019 | 26th Street NY Duo |
| 2020 | 27th Avenue LA Trio |
Covers Albums
| Year | Albums |
|---|---|
| 2012-01-14 | Jimbo de Cover |
| 2013-01-09 | Jimbo de Cover 2 |
| 2014-01-08 | Jimbo de Cover 3 |
| 2015-01-07 | Jimbo de CTI |
| 2016-01-01 | Jimbo de Jimbo 80's |
Collaborations
| Year | Albums |
|---|---|
| 1994 | Navel - as Jimsaku, with Tetsuo Sakurai |
| 2000 | Intelligent Jazz #1 - with Kay Nakayama |
Compilations
| Year | Albums |
|---|---|
| 1994-06-25 | Beach Picnics Vol.1 Instrumental |
| 2010-02-10 | Jimbest |
Unit albums
| Year | Albums | |||
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| CASIOPEA | ||||
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| Shambara | ||||
| 1989 |
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| Jimsaku | ||||
| 1990 |
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| 1991 |
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| 1992 |
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| Casiopea | Nettai Tropical Jazz Big Band | |||
| 1997 |
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| 1998 |
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| 1999 |
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| Intelligent JAZZ | ||||
| 2000 |
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| 2001 |
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| ヒダじんぼ | ||||
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| JB Project | ||||
| 2003 |
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| Synchronized DNA (DVDs) | ||||
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| Pyramid | ||||
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Drums Lesson Series
| Year | Title | Media |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Metamorphosis | VHS |
| 1995 | Pulse | VHS |
| 1997 | Independence | VHS |
| 1999 | Evolution | VHS |
| 2003 | Wasabi | DVD |
| 2003 | Fujiyama | DVD |
| 2004 | Solo Drum Performance ~One Man Orchestra~ | DVD |
| 2005 | Solo Drum Performance 2 ~One Man Orchestra~ | DVD |
| 2006 | Solo Drum Performance 3 ~One Man Orchestra~ | DVD |
| 2007 | Solo Drum Performance 4 ~神保彰の作り方~ | DVD |
| 2008 | Solo Drum Performance 5 ~Circuit Exercises~ | DVD |
| 2009 | Solo Drum Performance 6 ~Offset Exercises~ | DVD |
| 2010 | Solo Drum Performance 7 ~Shadow Exercises~ | DVD |
| 2011 | Solo Drum Performance 8 ~Dotted Exercises~ | DVD |
References
- "Akira Jimbo". www.drummerworld.com. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
External links
- Official site in Japanese
- Akira Jimbo Interview NAMM Oral History Library (2008)