In our earlier article on the new Yamaha Stage Custom Hip kit we included some fragments of the improv-session Antonio Sánchez and Thana Alexa showcasing the new Yamaha drumset. Here is their full January 18-performance during the 2020 NAMM days. And, as you are used to from us, we share some short backgrounds on both Antonio and Thana.

Some quick bio's

Antonio Sánchez is one of the most creative and authentic drummers on the planet. He won a Grammy for his drums-only music score for the movie 'Birdman'. His track record in music varies so much, that writing a proper bio would take months and would probably result in a book.
Thirteen years after his debut solo release 'Migration,' it still feels he is just getting started on exploring the art and creativity of the drums in his realm of musical ideas.

Antonio has been playing with Pat Metheny for almost two decades now, releasing their latest album 'From This Place' just a few weeks ago. He has also collaborated with artists like Chick Corea, John Patituci and Avishai Cohen.

Our YouTube generation readers getting this far might have seen Antonio on Rick Beato's YouTube channel recently, talking about 'Birdman' and much more valuable insights. This interview is added below as well.

Thana Alexa is as just as a creative musician as Antonio Sánchez is. We know her from her work with Antonio on several of his records and accompanying him on his world tours. She can be heard on three albums of the Grammy winning drummer: 'New Life' (2013), 'The Meridian Suite' (2015) and 'Lines in the Sand' (2018).

Her 2015 debut solo album 'Ode to Heroes' features Antonio Sánchez and saxophonist Donny McCaslin. Two days after this publication, Thana released her second solo album 'Ona'. [updated March, 27]

During this improv-demo for the new Yamaha Stage Custom Kit, Thana also showcased her Telefunken M80, BOSS RC-505 and TC Helicon VoiceLive Touch2.

Antonio Sánchez & Thana Alexa demo the Yamaha Live Stage Custom Hip kit


Rick Beato interview: Antonio Sánchez - From Pat Metheny Drummer to Film Composer (Birdman)

More Yamaha news

Yamaha revamped their Stage Custom birch shells into a smaller Stage Custom Hip kit. A stunning result that you have to check out!
Yamaha Stage Custom Hip rundown with Antonio Sanchez live at NAMM 2020
Plus, new lightweight hardware for easy travel

Two years after its launch in 2018, the Yamaha EAD10 acoustic drum module has gotten some major upgrades that makes it better on many fronts.
Yamaha EAD10 brings next level in hybrid drumming with streaming talkback function
V2.0 upgrade includes triggering of new sampled kits

Antonio Sánchez plays

• Yamaha drums
  
• Zildjian cymbals
  
• Zildjian signature drumsticks
  
• Remo drumheads
  
• Latin Percussion (LP)