Kodo

Recently I was really lucky to have my friend Keiko invite me to see 鼓童 (Kodo).  I guess that might be loosely translated as Drum Children or Children of the Drum.  They are a very famous wadaiko band (Japanese drums).

All I can tell you is if you have a chance to see them GO!  They are totally awesome!

I've never played the drums or any instrument for that matter but they way the play it seems like they must be some of the most fit people in the world.  They aren't just swinging with their wrists like playing a snare drum they are swinging their entire arms sometimes from far above their head to below their waste.  Sometimes so fast their arms are just a blur.

They played all kinds of wadaiko from the giant drum you see above to relatively small ones like the one on the center right below.

There were parts where they played so quiet couldn't imagine they could consistently hit the drums so lightly then the would get so loud I thought the tiles might come off the ceiling.
In another part through perfect synchronization between 8 drummers they made sounds like water drops hitting a pond and other effects as well.  Incredible!

You can see the guys below are practically doing sit ups the entire time they are performing!

They sell CDs but unless you have the ultimate sound system where you can crank it up I'm sure it doesn't compare to the real thing where you can feel the drums with your entire body.

They have toured the world before so if they come to your area and you get the chance go check them out.
All images not copyright me copyright their respective companies. Everything else copyright me.
Comments:

I wanna go! [ e ]

I have wanted to see these guys for a long time!

For some reason their tour schedule seems to miss Osaka!  What's the deal!?

posted by Harvey_anonymousJune 19, 2004 at 23:43

saw them [ e ]

I saw them when they came to Italy.
They had just one evening, in Milan, in a weekday, and the teathre was packed.

posted by davideAugust 20, 2004 at 4:20

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I like the way they not only play those drums, it is like they are attacking them.

posted by anonamanFebruary 16, 2005 at 7:09

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Saw them in LA a couple of weeks ago and wanted to thank you for the heads-up. It was absolutely one of the most unusual shows I’ve ever attended. When I first called for tickets, it was sold out but the attendant asked if I wanted to go on the waiting list which I did. They ended up adding a show on Satruday evening and we ended up with terrific seats. It was amazing to see how physical these performers really are.

 

Thanks again!

posted by walsh92663February 17, 2005 at 18:28

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I will have to try and see them. I play Taiko myself and so anytime I can see a show I go to see if I can improve on techniques.

posted by anonymousNikkiSanFebruary 23, 2005 at 14:43

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I have been in a local taiko group for around 6 months now and I have performed with my group already on several occasions. I saw two of my groups performances before I joined them. Even though my taiko group is fairly small they produce a lot of sound and enthusiasm that will lead anyone to the edges of their seats. I have seen a few other taiko groups perform from <st1:country-region>Japan</st1:country-region> here, and it was great!! I really hope to see Kodo perform one day. And maybe even in the far future move to <st1:country-region>Japan</st1:country-region> and possibly become join their apprenticeship program. <--That is my dream. ^^

posted by taikomemberJuly 29, 2005 at 22:52

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I have their DVD/CD combo.  Love 'em.

posted by YCOctober 20, 2005 at 3:43

Taiko Workshops [ e ]

Check out www.taikoschool.com for Taiko workshops in the UK!!

posted by TaikoschoolcomMarch 18, 2009 at 6:12