Noel Okimoto
Independent - United States

Overview

Born and raised in Honolulu, Noel has been playing professionally since the age of ten, and is now considered one of the best drummers in Hawaii. He got his Bachelor's Degree in Percussion at the University of Hawaii. Noel has played in Hawaii, the Mainland, and internationally with Freddie Hubbard, The Woody Herman Orchestra, Stan Getz, Bobby Hutcherson, Riche Cole, Bill Watrous, Ernie Watts, Bud Shank, Barney Kessel, Lew Tabackin, Sadao Watanabe, Wynton Marsalis, and Ronnie Cuber, among others. He was also a member of the Gabe Baltazar group for five years.

He has recently performed with jake Shimabukuro,Makoto Ozone, Jeff Richman, Larry Coryell, Nestor Torres, Gene Harris, Take 6 & more. Noel also recorded an award winning jazz CD in 2004, 'Ohana' that also received good reviews in Downbeat magazine & other national publications.  Up and coming events include an ensemble performance with taiko master, Kenny Endo in the fall of 2008.

As if that weren't enough, he is also a very accomplished orchestral percussionist, vibist, composer and clinician. He has played percussion with many luminaries, including Henry Mancini, Nelson Riddle, Steve Allen, Natalie Cole, Bob Hope, Rosemary Clooney, Patti Page, and Dionne Warwick.

Links

Noel Okimoto.com