taiko | Musicosity

taiko

TaikOz

TaikOz is a percussion - largely taiko - ensemble based in Sydney, Australia. The ensemble was founded in 1997 by <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Ian+Cleworth" class="bbcode_artist">Ian Cleworth</a> and shakuhachi dai-shihan, grand master <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Riley+Lee" class="bbcode_artist">Riley Lee</a>. The group now features eight performers, all exponents of wadaiko, or Japanese drumming. TaikOz performs year-round, as well as providing classes to interested members of the public. The ensemble has released three CDs: Taiko No Sekai, Live At Angel Place (a live recording, also released on DVD) and Daichi... Big Earth.

Kodo

<a href="http://www.last.fm/music/%E9%BC%93%E7%AB%A5" class="bbcode_artist">鼓童</a> (Kodō) is one of the elite taiko drumming groups today. Based in Sado Island, Japan, they have been a major force in the post-World War II revitalization of taiko drumming, both in Japan and abroad. They regularly tour Japan and the United States. Although the main focus of the performance is taiko drumming, other traditional Japanese musical instruments such as fue and shamisen make an appearance on stage as do traditional dance and vocal performance.