duggup

Recently I ran across a video shot in Barcelona in 2004 by Kedar Misani of the Shumei Taiko Ensemble. It consists of a string of bites from an outdoor performance.

Taiko is a growing in popularity in America and there are numerous groups of drummers in Japan – several of which play professionally all around the world.

Taken from a press release leading up to the 2nd Taiko-Awakening the Spirit Confence in 2007. Koji Nakamura a former member of the Shumei Taiko Ensemble, explains:

“Taiko can teach us many things spiritually, “ Koji says. For many years, he was the leader of the Shumei Taiko Ensemble. They traveled the world to perform their spirit based music at places such as the UN, the Parliament of Religions, and many others. “There is, of course, the physical aspect of this demanding art. But, spiritual development is the key for the taiko drummer.”

Taiko has been played in Japan for many thousands of years. It is used in planting and harvest festivals. It was used to call the troops on the battlefields. It has deep ritual and ceremonial meaning in Shinto and Buddhism.

With all the power of an approaching storm the Shumei Taiko Ensemble blends the traditional form with the modern. It was founded in 1982 to advance peace by bridging cultural differences through music.

Shumei Taiko Ensemble, under the musical direction of Meisho Tosha, foremost master of the Japanese bamboo flute and the Shumei Ensemble’s Music Director and Resident Composer, the Ensemble found its own voice. New music was created, a distinctive performance style evolved, and the Ensemble’s signature balance of drums and flutes was perfected. It was under Mr. Tosha that the group came to life on its own terms.

Visit their website where there are realtime audio clips and quicktime videos available.