In October 2018, the talent of our drummer Adam Ponce was noticed by legendary drummer Simon Phillips who saw potential and helped Adam get an exceptional deal from TAMA. Today Adam represents TAMA with an incredible drum kit that Simon used on Toto’s ‘Tambu’ record, Simons own ‘Symbiosis’ solo album and various recording sessions to even a Toto world tour!
‘I’ve been working with Simon Phillips for about 1 1/2 years now. What started as a session and probably the scariest 4 days of my life eventually turned out to be the beginning of a great friendship. Learning and watching him work on the drum kit and behind a recording console has really been a great adventure and learning curve. Not only being one of the most respected drummers in the world, Simon truly is a stand up friend and brother! From his generous offering to loaning me one of his signature cymbal sets, to giving me his very own personal signature Gladiator snare drum, to know what I still can’t believe, entrusting me with one of his previously owned drum kits! A drum kit that he used with Toto and various recording sessions! It started with a simple call! ‘Adam (Simon speaking) go to Tama tomorrow and pick up a ‘very large’ package! Then said, ‘take them home and take good care of them’, still in a state of shock I’m truly humbled by all of Simons generosity. Never in a million years would I have ever thought any of this would be possible! This is definitely a part of my life I will never overlook or take for granted.’ (Adam Ponce)