Akira Jimbo

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Akira Jimbo
Background information
Born	(1959-02-27) February 27, 1959 (age 62) Tokyo, Japan
Genres	Jazz Fusion, Electronic
Occupation(s)	Musician, Songwriter, Record Producer
Instruments	Drum set
Years active	1979–present
Associated acts	Casiopea, Jimsaku, Pyramid

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 is the drummer for the Japanese jazz fusion band Casiopea and has 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.^[1] 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 of Akira Jimbo's many Yamaha drumsets, with his 2nd signature 13"x7" beech snare drum

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") Birch Custom Akira Jimbo debut 30th Anniversary Kit

Cymbals

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

Electronic Drum Trigger

• Yamaha DTX900

Past Equipments[]

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[]

2019

" 24th Street NY Duo"
 2019
"26th Street NY Duo"

 2019
"25th Avenue LA Trio"
 2020
"27th Avenue LA Trio"

Covers Albums[]

Collaborations[]

Compilations[]

Unit albums[]

Drums Lesson Series[]

References[]

External links[]

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