Taiko drumming...

[SkippyDaStudent85]

I went to this really cool taiko drumming "concert" at a nearby college. It was this group from Chicago called Kokyo Taiko. I had never seen taiko drumming before, so it was quite an experience.

I decided to go out and buy this 2 disc CD/DVD set of taiko drumming by this group called Kodo. They are really awesome!

What do the rest of you think of taiko drumming and/or Kodo?

[Uncle Frank]

Here in Maine, we got to see the group "ONDEKOZA" ! They had a terrific
show with a lot of variety. Some of the drums were gigantic! They did a little comedy and played several anchient Japanese instruments. I don't know if they are still around, but their show is worth seeing. I think knowing how far they traveled to do a show in Maine, made me like them all the more.

Frank

:blush:

[bossel]

Taiko drumming is great! But buying a CD? I think, it only makes sense as a live experience.

[epigene]

Hi Skippy & Frank!

Ondekoza and Kodo are the two most famous drumming troupes in Japan. They tour overseas on a regular basis.

Japanese taiko drumming has become very popular in Japan today. In the past, taiko drumming was something we saw only at "bon-odori" summer festivals. Local communities around the country are digging into their traditions to find drumming that had developed in their respective regions and organizing troupes.

My daughter fell in love with taiko drumming when she was in elementary school and joined the local taiko group. As a working mother, it was a big headache for me in summer, because I had to take her to all the "bon-odori" festivals where her group performed! :relief: They even had concerts!!

I've heard that taiko drumming has spread to other countries through overseas Japanese. You might find a local group in your part of the world! It's really fun to learn! :cool:

[SkippyDaStudent85]

Taiko drumming is great! But buying a CD? I think, it only makes sense as a live experience.

That is why I bought the 2 disc CD/DVD set. The DVD is of a live performance.

Believe me, I know watching it on DVD is nowhere near the same thing, but it is still very awesome to watch either way. Also, I really like the overall sound of taiko drumming, so it is also very good to listen to.

[hoffa55]

I just got back from seeing Kodo, in Danville, KY. I also picked up the DVD right after the show. There just isn't words to describe....

I can't wait to see them again!!!

[Damicci]

太鼓の達人を買って下さい。
Please buy Taiko no tatsujin.
If you enjoy taiko drumming it is a definate must have.　
It is out for PS2.　：）
太鼓の達人が大好きです。

[lem2000]

If you like Taiko, and ejoy watching it, you will enjoy it 10x more playing it together with others. Kodo is awesome, but they are like a machine. I have seen less experienced and technical groups that shows a re heart and love for what they do. I know for the Kodo people it is a passion, but I was not moved by their shows. I have attended quite a few of the Taiko Festivals in Berkeley California (each November), as well as playing/attending Taiko in Hawaii, New York, Suwa and Tokyo. It is a great community to be a part of, and I think very rewarding to know/learn how to be part of a group where the whole is stronger than any individual.

Alot of people overseas (like myself in the US) were able to see the fabulous Taiko performance after the Nagano Olympics, but I was partially involved in some of the practices the year before, and it must have been wonderful to see and feel.

Okay, enough rambling .. ;)

-lance

[Ben W Bell]

I keep trying to see Mugenko (the UKs big Taiko group) but can never seen to get to anywhere they are playing. They've toured the UK, parts of Europe and parts of Japan and do training classes every winter. I sooo need to see them live.

[Utena79]

Since the first time I saw Taiko in person I've been hooked. There is just something so basic or instintive in it's appeal. It's not easily dismissed; I mean you can't help but physically feel it, much less hear it. In the states I've only seen small clubs perform, there isn't much of a Japanese population in Georgia (sadly). But during my stint in Japan I went to as many matsuri as possible and was afforded the great honor of carring an Omikoshi with a group of women who were also ROCKIN' taiko players. I understand why someone mentioned it is DEF better to see the show live so you can FEEL the music but I have to say that I would rather at least get the small high from at least hearing it than to not be able to experience it at all.