Guitar Center Crowns Jamil Byrom 2005 Drum Off Champion
(Guitar Center | Posted 2006-02-06)
Showcasing his chops in front of more than 2,000 screaming fans and some of todays most prominent drummers, Dallas' Jamil Byrom was crowned the nations best undiscovered drummer at Guitar Centers 2005 Drum Off Grand Finals. In addition to the Drum Off battle between six of the nations top amateur drummers, Guitar Center (Nasdaq: GTRC) brought on board The Bronx, mega-drummer Travis Barker (Blink 182/The Transplants), Adrian Young (No Doubt), and punk legends Bad Religion to create one of the drum communitys most high-profile events, according to Jack Sonni, vice president of marketing communication for Guitar Center.
Guitar Center presents opportunities for the national community of musicians to become recognized for their talent as individual artists, said Sonni. Thanks to the strategic relationships weve forged with our partners, the 2005 Drum Off Grand Finals was far and away one of Guitar Centers largest, most successful events. All of the finalists are incredibly talented, and Drum Off allows them to do their thing in front of the top musicians in the industry.
Representing Dallas, Texas, 27-year-old Byrom started playing drums in church at the age of 13. Known for his smooth yet relaxed style, Byrom loves to play everything from funk to gospel to smooth jazz. Aside from connecting with the crowd, Jamil stood apart from the other five contestants with an improvised set of traditional jazz chops, seamless rolls and unique groove playing.
I started to compete in Guitar Centers Drum Off competitions when I was 15, and it feels incredible to win, said Byrom. It was amazing to share the stage with the other five contestants, not to mention Travis Barker and Adrian Young. With this recognition, Guitar Center has provided me with the opportunity to connect with bands and develop my career, which I hope leads to creating an instructional video.
Byrom was selected from more than 3,000 undiscovered drummers nationwide who participated in the four-tiered competition that began in August 2005. According to the 15 judges, which included Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), John Dolmayan (System of a Down), Dean Butterworth (Good Charlotte), Atom Willard (Angels & Airwaves), Peter Erskine (Weather Report/Steely Dan), and Stephan Perkins (Janes Addiction), Byrom excelled in the categories of originality, technique, style, stage presence and overall performance.
In addition to a 2006 Scion xB and the coveted title as the nations top amateur drummer, Byrom took home a DW Collector series five-piece maple kit, a Gretsch Custom kit with Gibraltar rack system, a Zildjian Custom box set and cymbal bag, and endorsement deals from both Evans and SABIAN, among other prizes.
To receive more information or schedule an interview with a Drum Off contestant or Guitar Center spokesperson, please contact Neilson/Clyne, Inc. at 615-662-1616.
Photo Caption: Dallas drummer Jamil Byrom performs his winning set at Guitar Centers Drum Off 2005 drum competition to take home top honors as the nations best undiscovered drummer.
