Yamaha | Sonny Emory Drum Solo | Live Custom Hybrid Oak

Enjoy this live drum solo performance from legendary Yamaha artist Sonny Emory.
While touring Tokyo in Spring 2023 with Eric Clapton, Sonny dropped into Yamaha Ginza Studio to record this interview and exclusive performances.
Watch more of this exclusive content, including a collaborative performance with iconic musician Nathan East: • Sonny Emory & Nathan East
Sonny first entered the international spotlight as a member of the legendary funk group Earth, Wind & Fire in 1987. Since then, he has collaborated with a virtual "who's who" in pop and jazz music, including Stanley Clarke, David Sanborn, Bette Midler, Al Jarreau, Paula Abdul, Jean-Luc Ponty, Boz Scaggs and more.
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[@martinooo29]

This is why you practice your technique and rudiments, so you can use them effortlessly and creatively on the kit without even thinking about it. Such a joy to watch and listem to the master !!!

[@craigwilliams501]

If ever I get bored practicing on the pad, I watch a Sonny Emory solo. It all makes sense again and I return to the pad with passion.

[@JanPatrickLucas]

For reasons unknown to me, I don't feel Sonny gets the recognition he should. Underrrated? Heck ya, that he most certainly is! Love his finesse and technical prowess. I was introduced to him through Bruce Hornsby. When i watched him play with that band, I was immediately taken a back by his ultra cool and yet commanding presence. Everytime I see him play I'm humbled and appreciative of the fine man and player he is. So glad he got the gig with Eric. That definitely says a lot. I mean Eric can get anybody he wants right?...Good choice!

[@Joshstix95]

Definitely underated. I see tony royster gets a lot of inspiration from sonny

[@JanPatrickLucas]

Sounds like you're mad.@@ShrinkRaptor

[@JanPatrickLucas]

Cool. I never realized that Josh. Now that you mention it I can definitely see that, given their styles.@@Joshstix95

[@JanPatrickLucas]

I 'm not mad about the situation , but I grant you, that a lot of what you offer is true and understand your point.@@ShrinkRaptor

[@benmorris6831]

@@ShrinkRaptor there's always an angry, a$$hole in every crowd. Life is much sweeter when you live it happy. You should try it.

[@hermanmelville3871]

I really enjoy the sense of form in his playing. It’s not just a hodgepodge or random chops. There’s a real musical idea at work.

[@martinbrandt3907]

My fav drum master. Been watching him ever since his early career with Earth Wind & Fire - one of the greatest bands of all-time.

[@Drumsholic]

Full congrats to the sound engineer!!!The sound is amazing!!!!!

[@robertdore9592]

He's about 12% of this performance. I have the distinct feeling that this man would sound just as good on my set or yours. I first saw Sonny Emory live with Earth Wind & Fire at Birmingham's NEC decades ago and on that night, he played completely for the music, but this is 'other worldly'.

[@gianniciprietti8640]

Il tecnico del suono è sicuramente bravo ma il 90% del lavoro dipende dalla bravura del batterista! . Sonny Emory potrebbe utilizzare il tuo lavoro di batterista al posto della carta igienica, che usa quando va a defecare.

[@marimbakis]

incredible, but notice that the smaller tom doesn't t sound too much

[@Drumsholic]

@@marimbakis i think that is ok cause i listen it with a pair of my inear headphones.. maybe with some not too good headphones will find some not sounded content but for me is a total perfection!!

[@ErikTeichmannDrums]

The cleanliness on this is unmatched. Sonny has obviously never left the shed for a minute... Dude keeps getting exponentially more incredible. I need to go hit the shed now.

[@saintjabroni]

Sir, it is unmatched.

[@lawrenceyolles9541]

still so gifted and to have this level of physical prowess post 60 years of age a rare and impressive feat

[@richandglorious]

One of the greatest drummers of all time and it so great, that he is getting better and better!

[@jamesyistheman]

I see so much influence from Steve Gadd in his playing. Incredible!

[@davealaya]

Yea he definitely played the Gadd cowbell lick, which is a classic

[@jamesyistheman]

I totally agree with the comparison, but totally disagree with "no influence". The only way to avoid ever having no influences would be to never hear any other drummer play, ever in your life. Its inevitable whether its a conscious or subconscious decision. @@bryanmcghee1437

[@k2outdoor806]

And Tonny Royster Junior)))))

[@albertopoggioli2776]

I see so much influence from Terry Bozzio in his playing.

[@saintjabroni]

@@bryanmcghee1437😂

[@sonap8620]

This is drum and rhythm mastery at its glory, every minute he plays something that takes years to develop and perform at that level, its amazing and inspiring to watch

[@scottyg5403]

I got the chance to see Sonny play with Earth Wind and Fire! Sounded excellent! One of the greats for sure!

[@kevinharrah2260]

Ill bet THAT was a truly awesome show! Lucky You!!!

[@leonardrippee2279]

Smooth operator 😊

[@dwdrum11]

One of the finest working drummers out there, I never tire of listening to Sonny. Also whoever is responsible for the kit sound also deserves a medal. 11 mins of pure bliss. Thanks for such a top class video.

[@philippediot88]

This drummer is awesome ! One of my favourite with jeff porcaro , carlos vega and john jr robinson !❤❤

[@cdb7876]

I'm paying attention. 🎉

[@nohaste4me]

Yes i have the same 4 favorits!! Incredible!! 😂👍🏻

[@ernestlmorellsr]

He's all about the music, and most musicians who are about the music, will be given an award for individual musical achievements . There's a host of musicians just like Sonny, man they are true musicians, any and every kind of music they are equipped to play, that's why they always get the jobs!

[@alisaiterkan]

I thought I knew all of the drummers who have been impactful to the art of drumming and I have no idea how I could have missed Sonny's massive talent for so many years. His speed, precision, dynamics, balance, percussion-integration are insane. I know that left-foot clave thing has been done before (usually by Cuban drummers, e.g. Horacio, Dafnis) but there is still something very fresh and original in how he does it. Sonny Emory is one impressive musician.

[@jiricervenka8383]

I watched it from the beginnig till the end. And I cannot say the same about most of other top class drummer´s solos. This is a brilliant, juicy piece of music.

[@chrisfaulkner3688]

And that right there is why Sonny Emory will always be one of my favorite and revered drummers ever.

[@ghapighapi1254]

Hey Sonny!!!!!You make it look effortless man!!!I love your drumming!!!!

[@jamescaliendo1030]

Mr Emory, thank you for making me open up "stick control" again and going through it! Such a beautiful musical solo. Again thank you man!

[@amcam124]

His live Earth Wind & Fire stuff is legendary

[@winston-1111]

he might be my favourite drummer. he is very sophisticated in his drumming, awesome technique.

[@derrisleemusic1998]

1:47 That Mozambique is grooving real good!!! 🔥 Sonny Emory is a world-class communicator on drums!!

[@oysterhead5150]

Such a underrated drummer in the industry, Sonny is a legend in his own right, the man kills it behind the kit! Those Live Custom Hybrid Oak sound amazing! I have the second gen of Oak Customs, and they sound amazing. Great video!

[@jumpinjojo]

Please explain to everyone how he’s underrated. What rating system or encyclopedia of drummers are you using when making this comparison? He’s played with Earth, Wind and Fire, Bruce Hornsby, Eric Clapton, etc……

[@kevinharrah2260]

EXACTLY!!!! Everytime i hear someone say this , no matter what their talent is, i simply just dont get it. I have yet to see any evidence of this particular drummer rating system. Hell , i dont even believe there is any such thing as "The Best Drummer". All people are unique in their own different ways with talents they possess. And Thank god for that! i would hate this stuff if all played the same but there was some sort of rating system. As long as Sonny has been around playing the drums and mastering his technique, i would bet my last dollar that he could sit down and Make ANY song produced by ANY band no matter what type of music it is....sound pretty fckn good. BET ME!!!! @@jumpinjojo

[@kevinharrah2260]

Find me ANYONE who has listened and watched him, that has actually responded with........"Ehhh, i dunno he is good BUT...." I want to see THEIR qualifications.

[@zeppelinrules1077]

One of the greatest drummers ever! Needs alot more recognition. Also the tuning on those drums!!! Listen with headphones cranked up

[@2get2Terrapin]

Painting soundscapes on drums. True craftsman

[@bobponham9180]

Cool drum kit, fine sound. And, of course, Great Master at the work!

[@diffdrmr884]

When the vid first started, I thought, man, can that kit be any more beautiful. Then Sonny started soloing.....answered that question. Lol 😂 Such a MASTER !!!

[@KONAMAN100]

What a phenomenal sounding kit, nice one Son

[@maxalltoowell]

Would love to sit behind this kit for hours!!! Awesome playing from Sonny as always!

[@chaijosh]

We should be celebrating drummers like this way more than El Instagram Covers with no musicality or tone.

[@hermanmelville3871]

Sonny gets celebrated plenty. That’s what getting all those sweet gigs all these years is.

[@gabten6285]

You should be celebrating him without hating other drummers.

[@emmanueldarras3539]

one of the greatest drummers in the world, certainly my favorite thank you sonny

[@cfyves]

I've been a big fan of Mr Emory's drumming since I saw him at the Montreal Drum Fest many many years ago.... truly a great player!!

[@gadymarcus5297]

bello.💪💪💪💪💪💪

[@vickoputra5303]

Mesmerizing

[@pauljoseph8338]

One of the best soloists of all time. Look it up. Peace.

[@kellynkarr]

Epic engineering on this. Sounds absolutely incredible! And well done Sonny!

[@cCueBasE]

He tuned the absolute hell of those drums!

[@bennorrell6411]

🔥 drumming, as always from Sonny. That snare has a unique “snap” to it.

[@АндрейПупкин-ю8э]

Это можно слушать и смотреть вечно, просто шедеврально...!!!Звук просто фантастика...

[@wallakazoo333]

Sheeesh once he picked up the sticks again during that left foot 3:2 clave I knew we were gonna be in for a treat. WOW.

[@kevinharrah2260]

GEEEZE KRISTE.....Just found all that damned cowbell i been lookin for forever!!!!!! Sonny, you are a superb master musician with your instrument!!!! Holy Smokes! My day is now complete with a smile , cold brew and 2 thumbs up!!

[@kevinharrah2260]

And THANK YOU so very much for this YAMAHA DRUMS!!! 2nd to NONE!

[@ZackZweifel]

well played solo!! so dynamic!

[@conversacionesbaterapeuticas]

My Godness. What an incredible performance. What an absolute master.

[@citydrums7525]

Lots of tasty tones & progressions...

[@augsdoggs]

A master!

[@johnnywomack548]

WHAT?! My mind is utterly BLOWN. Sonny is amazing. Beautiful sounds coming out of that kit in this video... PURE thunder and lightning. Incredible. Give that sound engineer a MASSIVE raise. What is the engineer's name?? This video is unbelievable. I think I'm going to play one of these Yamaha kits for myself...

[@el.aye.bee.4477]

I never scroll past a Sonny Emory video, and he never disappoints! I would really love to know what all those drum sizes are, they all sound phenomenal! The two bigger rack toms and the floor toms should all be named, "Thunderstorm" because they sure as hell would have any kid running and screaming to seek shelter under the covers!

[@jazzpianoman01]

Master drummer

[@randallhill7979]

Excellent 👍

[@isaacwest5037]

Amazing!!

[@chrissroyale5070]

Just fantastic. The drummer. The Kit. The Sound. Never heard of Sonny Emory but I am impressed. How could he stay under my radar for so long?!

[@luislanda-schreitt2631]

Great drumsolo by one of the greatest drumers.

[@sweetspotdrummer]

Another amazing musical solo from the master. When you've got it, you've got it. That's it.

[@timfrauzel7730]

Insane dynamics ,independence, musicality ,sound. Thank you Sonny!!!!! the work you put in to become a master is a beautiful thing. Your Telesis series is so inspiring and gives hope that with time and effort and patience, we too ,can reach our goals for expression on the kit.

[@kennethnash6809]

I became a fan of Sonny's drumming years ago when I saw him with the "Crusaders" opening for the "Chick Corea Electric Band" at Avery Fisher Hall (Lincoln Center) in NYC . And of course his solo was amazing !

[@ronagoodwell2709]

Hats off to Sonny Emory. Holy shitsticks, Dude!! You're like a slinky hiding a hand grenade.

[@Raphaeldrums]

❤

[@christantonugrohosir802]

That tone👀

[@livinglife9207]

🔥

[@claudiobarazalopes5172]

Love Sonny and the sound of Yamaha drums.

[@algarnersr.]

G.O.A.T. What a gift!!

[@vaughnchauncy8360]

I agree...this skillet speaks for itself, the proof is in the puddin,proof positive..I believe it's got to with the popularity of hit songs per se as might be compared to other popular drummers...many unknown songs have some of the most skilled drummers, I can name plenty from 60's and 70's..I listened to the featured songs and all the rest on Lo's and cd's.This guy is superb

[@normanbakker3587]

Absolutely amazing………. One of the best drummers I have seen so far. A lot of the same names get most of the credit but Sonny is one of the names that ought to be in the top 10 drummers of all time. You have a new fan Sonny! Keep going. Brgds Norman.

[@tm4333]

Sticks of silk! So beautiful

[@drycoconut5898]

Very tasteful

[@markmullen1852]

Best solo Ive heard in quite some time. Awesome.

[@MrDarkstar620]

Man, I need to get in his pocket--and not for the money. Glad to see one of the quiet greats still doing it.

[@schmargle]

So fluid and musical. Love it.

[@djammerosl879]

Yeah one bassass piece of drum👌🏾

[@andyschechinger]

What a great musical Drumsolo. Love it!

[@stikkman61]

Masterful!!

[@chrismccraven4059]

One of the GREATEST!!!

[@codersexpo1580]

This guy did a drum seminar in Phoenix AZ...OMG...years ago...25-30 with Terry Bozzio (I'm sorry Terry, I love you man but this day you were upstaged). Sonny did a simple roll on the snare that was unbelievably even/smooth for a few minutes, then began to switch between singles and doubles ...so smooth you could not tell the difference. His playing was so precise, so melodic, so creative...then he started to do a double base groove with one base drum...I literally got out of my seat and walked over to take a look at what the hell he was doing to pull it off. To this day I can't tell you what or how he was doing it. Just blown away! He has been in my top 10 drummers list ever since. (...and yes Terry you're there too ;-)

[@attilakotan8269]

My favourite ! :)

[@ronniecambra5868]

That groove at the end with his left playing the hi hat is so sick!

[@RolfWamFjell]

Deep drum knowledge and strong creativity displayed.

[@eddavis8096]

Sonny is the 🐐

[@luisfernando-mm3jt]

Still kicking

[@gregoryamorrisjr2877]

Smmfh……. Badass😊

[@hayfordfrempong6369]

Sonny is my favorite Drummer I saw him playing with Earth Wind And Fire, Kenny G, Lee Ritenour And Eric Clapton

[@rafaeltardelle]

Solo fantástico, fluído, com linha bem construída e o som da bateria é INCRÍVEL, parabéns pro afinador e pro engenheiro de som. Claro o batera sabe tirar um belo som também 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@DynamicRockers]

Excellent! 7:44 There's a new top of the line Yamaha Hi-Hat stand coming soon apparently :)

[@craigwilliams501]

...all $570 of it! Ouch! It's gonna be a couple of years before I can get one used.

[@ricardomagalhaesbateria3991]

❤👏👏👏👏👏❤️Fantastic!!!!🥁

[@bobrouse8634]

Beautiful sounding kit.

[@thetonymoore6977]

Beautiful technique, dynamics and feels. #killerdrums

[@joshuajuaire8757]

I love his playing

[@chrisspagnuolo5934]

SONNNNNNNNNNNNNNYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY AMAZING

[@omartapiagallegos1940]

Amazing and without sweating

[@pmillergroove1]

After 5:26, we FINALLY heard cymbals other than hi hats. Masterful… #itsthelittlethings 💪🏾💯

[@davidsummerville351]

Hi Sonny, good to see you! 😎🤓

[@jazzban]

Yamaha Ginza Studio 😍I want to play there! I want to be a part of the YAMAHA artist roster!

[@scottpitner4298]

What a kit!

[@jackpotsearlytapes]

That left foot is amazing.

[@mag_94]

So effortles

[@sgk993]

Beautiful playing. Beautiful drums. Amazing!

[@MrSonordrumr]

That was awesome!!!!!!!!

[@thk7411]

amazing!

[@jin3791]

so beautiful!

[@TheLongManDrums]

Absolutely Drilling

[@leftydrumma5568]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥