Tower of Power - What is Hip? / Drum Covered by YOYOKA

[@strongrelaxed9202]

Ok. Let's be real folks. Forget about this being a girl. Forget that she is Japanese. Forget that she is technically proficient. Hell, forget how young she is (and her videos go back a few years!) All good, all true. But Yoyoka's ability to so smoothly lock into a complex groove is ridiculous. Her ability to make it look so freaking easy is otherworldly, Her ability to competently change styles (Rush, Zeppelin, Tower of Power, Steely Dan, etc.) is also amazing. But above all of that, I have never seen a drummer who seems to enjoy what they're doing this much. Her love of music is infectious. Even when she shows off here and there, it never comes off as arrogant or showboating. What a beautiful way to spend a Sunday morning. Music transcends everything.

[@The-Dutch-Laura_V]

I could not agree more! Every time i'm amazed! Special her control and perfection of her feet. Look, it's almost unreal!

[@kenneth7197]

A girl?

[@Book-bz8ns]

​@@kenneth7197yep. She's amazing

[@glenkelley6799]

What is hip? Yoyoka is hip.

[@robertdowler3347]

She Came To Play...

[@8088I]

Definitely!! .. She iss! . . :-) 💕👍✌️🖖🎶

[@martins5476]

AGREED!!!! 10000%

[@Kinger1625]

Hipper than hip! ❤

[@Diogenes425]

She was born with it!

[@GMan269]

I've waited all my 71 years to play with a drummer like that. Funk me!

[@curvball12]

I taught public school music for 32 years and I have witnessed a few students that exhibited astounding innate talent, but this performer has captivated my attention to the point that I simply have no words to describe the joy I felt while watching her seemingly effortless ability. Thank you for sharing.

[@Rob-Yule]

Well said sir! YOYOKA transcends just drumming.

[@peterk8909]

Words can't do your drumming justice.

[@simondalzell6108]

Wow just wow.

[@808TheDuck]

Effortlessly performing!

[@martins5476]

I too am in AWE! There are way easier songs to master than Mr. David Garibaldi a master of the drums! WOW!

[@Xformat01]

This is just shocking. Having first began playing drums forty years ago, I am simply stunned by this seemingly simple performance. It's as if she was the originator of this drum track. Incredible.

[@GetZappéd1974]

....as if she was the originator..... 💯 🎯 ✔️ That is absolutely the core. That's why she is so special.

[@semprini77]

That is one solid blast of positive energy. Stay Funky Yoyoka!!!❤

[@greggr1591]

So tight and crisp, with groove to spare, driving it to the finish. Would love to see you do Soul Vaccination. PS -- I've rewatched this a dozen times since yesterday; each time I see something new!

[@thomascleveland8121]

U got the skills, U got the rhythm, U got the beat, U got a long and successful career ahead of you. Been watching you for a long time. You deserve your success.

[@jimmorrisonisamaidiac]

YOYOKA... getting down with the funky jazz! That was hip right there...

[@koma-1122]

Hello Jim Morrison . she met David Garibaldi . she information

[@sliverhi]

The 70’s called and want Yoyoka! This the beat I have been looking for!!!!!

[@geraldpribula4911]

Yoyoka, you are such a badass, and one of the most adorable people on this planet! "What is Hip" was absolute perfection, and a joy to watch! So cool, confident and passionate! You are such a treasure🤗. Well done Yoyoka!!?

[@elizabethfreedman2953]

Yoyoka is HIP!! Sooo good!❤

[@jooei2810]

I simultaneously laugh and cry when witnessing this phenomenal performance.

[@Rob-Yule]

I hear you!

[@PiwaiGee]

glad I'm not the only one

[@gustafsone]

I'm really glad you made this comment because I was about to make a similar one sure to be downvoted with same sentiment. I was going to say something like "With all due respect, I simultaneously love and hate this. I'm probably almost 4x her age and I will NEVER be this good. It's just not fair!".

[@robburgess4556]

When the band speeds up or slows down she's right there! It's more like she's playing ON the recording rather than playing along to it. Phenomenal!

[@richardcarlos1234]

Wow the young kid can play! TOP is my favorite band, and he is the best at drums I’ve seen, WOW AMAZING

[@andrewplumb6544]

Surprised noone has pointed out that she is a young woman

[@jas8815]

OMG, you have no idea how happy you just made me with this video. I whooped so loud I scared my dog! I saw Tower of Power do this song back in the early 70s, one of the best performances by any band I've ever seen. They were so much FUN! And now you're in Oakland, steeped in funk and I'm sure you must know that Modern Drummer magazine voted Tower of Power's 1974 album, "Back to Oakland" one of the most important recordings for drummers to listen to. Have you met Dave Garibaldi? I hope this means that we can expect more funk from you in the days to come. Thank you for this! OK, I'm going back to listen to it again. (And again.) ♥♥♥

[@santiagoabalos7564]

Confidence and Excellence! The look on her face says a lot as she enjoys the TOP funk and groove. David Garibaldi would be proud!

[@deanvassos1394]

Maturity shows in the tone of the snare. Big fan for several years. Still wave my imaginary sticks at the beggining and end.

[@KansaSCaymanS]

I never cease to be amazed by how effortlessly she covers almost any genre. 🤯👍😎

[@mrmusic248]

KansaSCaymanS: You are so right. Have you seen the Carpenters cover yet ???

[@franco28stl]

Wow! Feel, groove, time, energy, technicality…everything. I’ve been drumming pretty seriously (semi pro) for about 40 years and have seen and heard some seriously talented musicians ….Yoyoka’s talent is exceptional. Always a delight.

[@williamwallace5924]

Top tier professional drummer in my opinion. She does it all so well. Age doesn't even matter at this point, Yoyoka is an excellent drummer.

[@lyncboy]

Her focus is insane

[@phantomoracle5629]

Yoyoka is the Great Modern Musician! I am glad to see her and hear her! Thank you!

[@sandrisjansons1515]

Yoyoka's brain computer is enormous. How she remembers all those complicated kicks ? Been following her since the first videos back when Yoyoka was just 6 - 7 yo . Amazing progress and she's truly a genius drummer. Great work ! Way to go !

[@GetZappéd1974]

Personally, I hope she N E V E R gets tired of drums. A musician does not have to be a multi instrumentalist. I'm just sad, that I will not be able to see what will become of her in her later years, because by then I will be dead.

[@rkk578]

I don't think she memorised them as kicks as such. More of remembering the entire groove/fill pattern, the feel and the sound.

[@garyreams8123]

She's good enough (or better ) to play with anyone or band right now. Better than a lot of so called famous drummers right now.

[@davidpetrie3793]

Playing live, with other players, is different from playing along with a track. Here, there is one time sense: the track. In a band, you have to meld three or four other time senses to create one sound. On the flip side, being able to hang with a track with that much precision is difficult, also. Outstanding!

[@gregorytrotter6657]

@@davidpetrie3793 Yoyoka has proven in numerous live performances that she isn't a closet phenomenon.

[@txv611]

​@@gregorytrotter6657exactly. David is ignorant

[@ELPsteel]

@@davidpetrie3793 bro. go watch literally any video of her playing live. She's a session and freelance drummer on the west coast and plays in cover bands with dudes 4 times her age, and she carries all of them

[@garyreams8123]

Absolutely. Better than so many. Just amazing. Mature beyond her years..

[@kelanahalim3226]

What I love so much about Yoyoka is that she simply plays really really really good…no overplaying, no unnecessary chops. Just very very good grooves. I hope one day u will play on one of my projects.

[@accendlearning2757]

AGREED! Just the opposite of Neil Peart! She allows the groove to BREATHE!! 😮‍💨 😈

[@darrelbina784]

Awesome! Yoyoka you have always played funk so effortlessly and such a great song! I love this!!❤

[@garyberg8072]

Seems like yesterday we were all saying what a great drummer she is for her age. Now? Just a phenomenal drummer. Period.

[@ThePallidor]

That started around age 9

[@fattyhamster]

Amen! Downright phenomenal.

[@BostonBrian324]

The last several videos, especially, have really shown off her skills. Seems like she has settled into Oakland pretty well and is really excelling. Just awesome!!

[@chrisegbertky]

​@LGHRat that's what I see too!

[@DeeEllEff]

That’s what I was thinking, too!

[@fredzeppelin3969]

Who else is watching the wing-nut on the ride cymbal slowly back out?

[@koma-1122]

dancing

[@accendlearning2757]

I’ve seen it, & so the padded yellow cymbal bell & steel washer holds it all into place! 🫣 🤔 But do ya think she even notices?! NAH. She just grooves thru! 🫠 🤷🏻

[@arkady714]

There probably isn't a single band in all of Japan that hasn't offered this brilliant girl a job. They must be breaking down her door.

[@AmbassadorJenks7086]

You are sooooooo good!! I've been playing since I was 6 and I'm 69 now. Been touring for the last45 years. . Still am and I've seen many many drummers come and go and you young lady are a gift from God to the music world!! Im honored to be part of your membership family. Thank you.

[@johnanderson8096]

Good OnYou DJ!!!....

[@GetZappéd1974]

A gift from Akifumi and Rie not from your invisible agent.

[@zeantunes7361]

I love watching Yoyoka play😊

[@P.G.1966]

One of the most Epic..Iconic songs..By one of the most Magical..Mythical band... by one of the most Legendary drummers of this century!!!! What is Hip??? YOYO IS HIP!!! HAPPY..HAPPY..HAPPY.

[@noworriesimfijian]

👊👍😎🤙Respect the funk……the force is strong with this one……grooving like a Master

[@johnf.rivera8046]

Not only can she play it, she feels it!!!!!!👍🏾

[@brooksto]

Wow! Perfection Yoyoka! Plus it looks like you enjoy the 'hip' beat of that song! Bravo! 👏❣

[@TheLightedSky2112]

Her syncopation skills are other-worldly. Such a tremendous talent, the Mighty Yoyoka strikes again!

[@SomeBass4U]

Have seen Yoyoka in many videos with a great display of technical ability that is both powerful and in-the-pocket groovy, but this cover of David Garibaldi's work (ghost snare notes and all) shows a versatility that has NO limits. KUDOS!!!

[@岡崎竜也-m5u]

Best ghost note of the day. Arms-rolling.

[@Kozouakomachan9079]

I've watched this so many time.blown away by how awesom this drum track is.💐

[@廣川佐紀]

年齢も性別も、、国境の何も無いところに連れて行ってくれて有難うございます。最初の動画からファンですが、ココに来てのタワーオブパワーにもやられております💕 そして、 ドライもウェットも何もかもを手に入れられて、funkyまで手に入れられたのですね✨素敵です。 40代です、いつもいつも元気もらっています🎉　これからもどうかずっとこのままで.. 応援しています❗️

[@jeffendicott8754]

Phenomenal young drummer. Always in the pocket. If I watch this when I'm having a bad day, never fails to cheer me up.

[@junkandcrapamen]

You could just slot this in place of Garibaldi's track and few would notice. Fantastic!

[@accendlearning2757]

@junkandcrapamen, I THINK when they met those were some of his sentiments as well. Maybe?

[@thelowprofile9767]

Thank you so much Yoyoka...Hope to see you play live.

[@alexmiller7721]

Yoyoka just gets better and better.

[@cn-lo3dn]

ive compared so many others playing this drum part. and I have to say that your are right on top really nice c.noel canada

[@ThePallidor]

Getting into my favorite kind of music!

[@barrydlive4602]

So glad YOYOKA is HIP to Tower of Power!! And of course David Garibaldi, what's hip indeed

[@ChurchOfTheHolyMho]

Without researching, I had asked myself why someone would move to Oakland to study music. And I think my question was just answered with an exclamation point. David Garibaldi is a phenomenal drummer and was an influence of one of my other favorite drummers, Adam Deitch. I have a suspicion that Yoyoka is going to master the Oakland Stroke in just a few days. Excellent take Yoyoka! Great job! Awesome choice of music as well.

[@ptrlxc]

Another great performance. I still smile big whenever I see her play, so good.

[@marikok-g5k]

日本語で失礼します。 小さいころから見ていたのでおばあちゃんのような気持ちで見ています。 極めたら北海道にまた戻ってきてくれたら嬉しいです。

[@calnative4904]

It’s hard to comprehend the coordination Yoyoka has plus the memory it takes to play these songs… mind blown 💥🐰🥁🐰🥁🐰

[@Blayze1017]

We are watching a star evolve right in front of us.

[@trevorliddle9251]

@@Blayze1017 She's already a star in my mind.😊

[@jcamp348]

Let me tell ya...... this drummer has some nice chops. I'm 62 and have been playing since I'm 9. I can certainly tell feel. This person has a great future. Good job.

[@ericnelson8422]

Yes! Yes! YES! Now that Yoyoka's in the East Bay she's rocking the Tower! YOU GO GIRL!!!!

[@solazoth6661]

Great camera angles add to the amazing dynamics. Very hip. 🎉

[@accendlearning2757]

Yeah, & the idea of placing a 2nd (3rd?) [camera] down low so as to see her AMAZING foot talent as well!! Who thotta THAT?!

[@corenliussulla8677]

This is so.... sooooo FANTASTIC.... again!!!

[@theresamorris6206]

OMG girl you're so grown-up what do you 13 now WoW !!! Kids grow so fast 🤔 you're not a kid no more, here almost all the way grown up & you sure are beautiful young lady & very talented. I just love seeing & hearing you you are so good at the drums. 😺👉💯🕯️

[@jaykaneshige6251]

Right on, Young Dude! Dave Garabaldi would be proud! East Bay greassssy....

[@JohnCregoWorldMusic]

Love the pull up the sleeve maneuver at 1:52. It's all in the timing.😊

[@Rob-Yule]

And the simultaneous drum kick!

[@richtraube2241]

Yup.

[@mediawolf1]

0:28 I've listened to dozens of drum covers of this song, listening for whether they can make this and-of-four pickup in the middle of the first verse sound right. (Probably why your video came up in my feed.) If they nail that and it's in the pocket, everything else they do sounds good too. I'm not a drummer but I do have an ear. And I grew up in Oakland, listening to funk of this era. And I notice that every drummer who gets it right, does it the same way you did, going to the high hat with your left hand to pick up that upbeat. If they do it any other way it ends up wonky. Bravo, really solid work, and keep it up! Show the elders how it's done.

[@fluidaudiogroup]

Not a drummer but not wrong either.

[@TenMinuteDrumSolo]

That little frill really is incredible and quite impressive! I'm not a drummer either, but I believe you're exactly right about the left hand on the hi-hat. It's a thing that (the masterful) Ringo talks about, how his being left handed smooths out otherwise "wonky" transitions.

[@josephcasile6314]

You applied your signature power with no loss in funk! As astounding as your "Burn" performance. Just fantastic.

[@ThePallidor]

4:44 soooo clean!!

[@aquafishes]

😮 Yes 😊

[@osusa]

i have just realised THE ANSWER : YOYOKA IS HIP !!!

[@koma-1122]

懐かしい ! 若い頃聴いていた Hip Hop だ　Yoyoka さんも人生二回目だから思い出しながら楽しそうにやってるね

[@tomokohara7165]

😄

[@koma-1122]

ライドシンバルのナットも楽しくて踊ってる

[@GetZappéd1974]

The Google Translator obviously can't handle regular Japanese, sir. Almost every time it understands Yoyoka as a male. Can't you please very carefully choose your words to not let the Translator get on the wrong track? (I tried the same with the Translator but in two different languages. If I chose short and no tricky sentences the computer got it right.)

[@marvincohen7332]

Endless joy! Seriously, one of the top drummers in the world. Yoyoka's covers are always spot on. Looking forward to seeing Yoyoka on the bigger stage.

[@Adam-cl9xr]

That girl should be a top session player now!

[@thecarlob_007]

I think she’s now studying in Oakland School of Music and Arts

[@oohkumar]

She’s on her way

[@tonygourdine512]

She's way in the pocket !!! Superb !!!!

[@ThatGuyInVegas]

Wow, you're rocking David Garibaldi's chops! Well done girl! Well done!

[@Rob-Yule]

Oh yes! Funkified YOYOKA!

[@semprini77]

Google tells me that “Funkified YOYOKA!” translates as “Funkified LISTEN!” This AI is getting scary!!!

[@thomcalhoun6341]

I remember when you were just a little girl... Time flys. You've become a world-class drummer! Well done!

[@jowsmith1904]

me too, i adore this kid.

[@dEadERest]

a genius groovologist, displaying complete and total mastery of the instrument, in the inimitable idiom of East Bay Grease😎

[@williambeck6364]

That sleeve pull just before the bridge kills me!!!!!!!

[@jamesadams893]

Check out Kalonica Nicx, she will certainly put a smile on your face

[@accendlearning2757]

Yeah, she pulled it up so subtly one wouldn’t even notice but, it was as casual as her playing!!! Continue with your AWESOMENESS GIRRRRRL!!! Yoyoka RULES! 😵‍💫

[@Aclimade]

She even pulls up her sleeve in rhythm!

[@Neil-Aspinall]

The best female drummer living on the Earth today.

[@accendlearning2757]

Only the EARTH?! Let’s not leave out the Gazzillions of Galaxies as well!!! You KNOW she rules out there too!! 😉

[@mooninjune69]

いやー、ほんとかっこいい！一番好きなタイプのドラミング。オリジナルよりもロックっぽくて無茶苦茶いいです！全編スネアをオープンリムっぽく叩いてるのがまたいい！

[@uwesenft9304]

du bist fantastisch gut😊

[@ta_ma_tu4722]

渡米してレパートリーが広がっていますね💢Tower of Power🎺🎸はyoyokaちゃんが渡米前にRock fesでゲスト出演した東京スカパラダイスオーケストラ🎷🎸とスタイルが似ていて、それを思い出します。音の粒子がピカピカに磨きがかかり、仕上げ段階ですね。気持ちがよくてハッピーになれました

[@nickefgen9219]

Yoyoka you’re so talented, again another great video

[@Nicdangershouse.]

Always makes me cry when I witness your genius....

[@hurricane1951]

I'm absolutely speechless after hearing this. I've played it over and over. I'm surprised the neighbors haven't complained yet!

[@ConradSpoke]

Yoyoka is definitely hip.

[@JB-rr1or]

TIGHT AS A DRUM!

[@LiamGWilickMusic]

SHE IS LIKE THE BRUCE LEE OF DRUMS HER FOCUS IS INHUMAN, SHE'S SPECIAL, HER PARENTS MUST BE SO PROUD!

[@michaelirons5662]

my sentiments exactly she has become water,

[@taka_n6370]

聴いてるだけでHAPPYになれる🎶😊 広角で寄ったアングルも新鮮で良いですね😆👍️✨

[@eddierayvanlynch6133]

Is it just me, or does her smile seem to level up along with her drumming? What is hip? Yoyoka is hip. 🤘😎

[@eddierayvanlynch6133]

And, two hours in, and she's nearly at a quarter million views? 🤯

[@robertdowler3347]

She certainly knows What Hipness is,and breaks it down concisely,too.

[@snekmeseht]

Ask me how many drummers have captivated me so much that I watch all the videos! Brilliant as usual. I really enjoyed this one.

[@homie1kenobi95]

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nailed it!

[@janbleeker]

Even the camera swings along.

[@俊-o6o]

YOYOKAさんは、ものすごく（とんでもなく）耳がいいのだと思います。うらやましい！！

[@jungleer3209]

Bloody excellent... !

[@moonwork742]

Love this song! Yoyoka 🎶🎶 😁🥁👏🎬🎥

[@Scott-l1q]

No words can describe how good she is!! 😊

[@brianko9022]

Whatever "it" is. You got it. A lot of it. I can feel your hits in my soul. Bravo

[@4endorphin]

よよかちゃんが叩くとドラムが良い音する👍👍👍 鳴りっぷりがイイ😍

[@jamestickle3070]

One of my favorite bands. Your snare sound is perfect. I like the way you pop the rim shots

[@obionekenobi5783]

Superior, un set impresionante. 🙆🙆🙆🙏🙏🙏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@richardharrold9736]

Ever since that "Smoky" video six or seven years ago, we've known you're a monster funk drummer... but, as good as that was, you've got so much better and tighter since then!

[@rszred6088]

やったー！ナイス！！オークランドはTOPの地元ですね。Dガリバルディ先生が見てくれるといいね！

[@winstonschwarz1636]

Anytime time Dave Garibaldi needs a break Emilio knows who to call.