Taiko are traditional Japanese drums, which are struck with drumsticks called 'bachi'. There are a number of different drums, made with animal skin nailed to either end of the hollow wooden body.
The youtube clip below is my favourite piece of the group I was a member of while I lived in Japan, 'Nita no honoo taiko' (The Flaming Drums of Nita).
One thing the area is known for is steel used in sword making. The larger taiko in the centre (see clip) represents the tatara (furnace) used in this process.
What the video doesn't really show adequately is the vibe and energy the drummers get from each other during a performance. Enjoy the video, and if you ever get to see a live performance, please go :-)
Reply to this I love the drums of North Asia - such as the Korean and Japanese versions - they are my favourite proponents of this instrument.
Reply to this Sensational Jo. I can see you in red...the one in the white headband. Welcome to the World Music Forum...and thanks for a drumming thread.
Reply to this MASTER DRUMMERS OF BURUNDI
Amazing live...blew me away at Womadelaide 2012.
Reply to this RHYTHM FOLI....From BARO in GUINEA
"There Is No Movement Without Rhythm"
An extraordinary video by Thomas Roebers
Reply to this I couldn't let a drumming thread go on much longer without giving these guys a mention. I saw them at an international festival here, they were my first pick but didn't win unfortunately.
I think part of the reason I liked them so much was the way the act suddenly incorporated who I imagine was the son of the lead drummer. The toddler ran into the circle of drummers and up to 'dad', wanting to join in. Everyone loved it.
Reply to this The direct link won't work on that one it seems, but the 'watch on youtube' one is ok.
Reply to this I added the BPI post before watching the 'Master Drummers' one - you're right, fantastic live and outdoors.
Loved the Baro clip :-)
Reply to this Hmm...Now this is the kind of drumming I like. It evokes visions of palm trees, cold beer and the surf crashing gently against a sandy beach. What more could any self respecting traveller want? 😉
Reply to this Spot on Nick with the description!
Here's another taiko clip, a good example of the choreography work that can go into some pieces.
Reply to this I love the way African drums go right to my belly, take me out of my head and make me dance until I drop! I've also seen a couple of incredible taiko groups; my fave was an ascetic group who live, meditate and drum together--their precision, communication and energy were astounding. Every Sunday in my hometown, there is a big drum circle and dancing under palms at the beach--drums from lots of traditions that come together for magic!
Reply to this Saw a surreal performance recently by an INDIAN percussionist...playing music composed while meditating in JAPAN...played on a "HANG"...a SWISS instrument like an upside down wok..with some bumps in it.
Played by stroking it with his hands...making sounds like a drum, bells and the sounds of water.
Can't believe it...I've just found a video of two dudes playing THE HANG
[Edited: 2012 Sep 24 08:12 - Dancing Dave:192151 ]
Reply to this FOR JO...this one is quite a ride...hope it transports you
"KODO - SPIRIT OF TAIKO"
Reply to this Thanks Jo and David, it was Kodo that I first saw about 20 years ago. They appeared in loincloths, rippling their muscles and throwing all their energy into the playing of these drums. I'm impressed that you played taido, Jo.
Thanks for all these amazing videos,and I was transported by the ethereal hang--I'll revisit that puppy. Cheers!
Reply to this For Rachael (RJT) & Laila the Tuareg (Denise) & me
DJEMBE TUTORIAL
And our Djembe Teacher showing how it's done
BANGOURAKE from GUINEA (in the blue & white shorts)
[Edited: 2012 Oct 06 09:22 - Dancing Dave:192151 ]
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