HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (Sept. 14, 2006) – In the past year Yamaha Drums has added several outstanding
drummers to its already impressive roster of talented and accomplished musicians. New additions include Mike Shapiro with Sergio Mendes,
Chris Johnson with
Natalie Cole and Stevie Wonder,
Xavier Muriel with Buckcherry and many more.
"Our objective at Yamaha Drums is to answer the call of those drummers who are truly serious about their music. Our artists feel their music is important enough to only play what they feel are the best instruments. It's an honor for us that they consider Yamaha Drums those instruments. Longevity is a good confirmation that a company makes quality instruments, and Yamaha certainly has that with some drum artists going as far back as the early 70's. This past year we brought some new artists on board, and we are privileged to have them join our family. It is our wish that in 40 years they too will still be with our family," comments Joe Testa, international artist relations manager for Yamaha Drums.
Mike Shapiro is probably best known for his work as drummer and music director for Latin superstar Sergio Mendes. He has also worked with Airto and Flora Purim, Al Jarreau, Andy Summers of The Police, Bobby Caldwell and his big band, Earth, Wind and Fire guitarist Al McKay, Macy Gray, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Simpson. In addition to recording and touring, Mike is the Dean of Students at the Los Angeles Music Academy.
Chris Johnson is a young drummer who is recently making waves in the industry. He is currently playing with Natalie Cole but also doing spot dates with the legendary Stevie Wonder.
New Yamaha artist Xavier Muriel is the drummer for the rock band Buckcherry. The band's current album,
Fifteen, is in stores now and features their biggest mainstream hit to-date. Muriel and Buckcherry are currently on the road in Europe with some dates in the U.S. later this fall.
Yamaha Drums is proud to have signed many more talented drummers who are making an impact on today's music scene. A complete list of new Yamaha drummers also includes:
Alex Alexander (Dido)
Donald Barrett (Jesse McCartney)
Doug Belote (Jerry Douglas)
Dave Brogan (Animal Liberation Orchestra)
Glendon Crain (Godhead)
Tony Escapa (Ricky Martin)
Jeremy Furstenfeld (Blue October) – one of the founding members of the alternative rock band Blue October, whose aching rock anthem "Hate Me," from their current CD
Foiled, is climbing up the charts.
Joey Hana (Brandi Carlile)
Chaun Horton (Macy Gray)
Mike Jost (Helmet)
Allen Maier (Dropping Daylight)
Scott Mercado (Candlebox)
Darren Pujalet (Particle)
Brian Viglione (The Dresden Dolls) – half of the noteworthy duo, along with Amanda Palmer, that comprises The Dresden Dolls; the band's self-described unorthodox style, labeled "Brechtian punk cabaret," has led them to play at this year's South by Southwest, Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza festivals.
Chris Vrenna (Gnarls Barkley) – currently supporting the hot group Gnarls Barkley aka producer Danger Mouse and singer Cee-Lo; the group's infectious single "Crazy" from the album
St. Elsewhere is nearing the top of the charts.
Brian Wolff (Otep)
