Kodo: Taiko

Last month I went to see Kodo. Kodo is a Japanese music group that plays traditional Japanese instruments; primarily taiko drums, but also shinobue(Japanese flute), koto, shamisen, and other instruments as well. Their music is mostly instrumental, but a few songs have vocals too. The music produced by this group is unrivaled; it is amazing, and it is one of a kind. I love their explanation of the name Kodo-I think it really defines who they are. "In Japanese the word Kodo conveys two meanings. Firstly, 'heartbeat', the primal source of all rhythm. The sound of the great taiko is said to resemble a mother's heartbeat as felt in the womb...Secondly, read in a different way,the word can mean 'children of the drum', a reflection of Kodo's desire to play their drums simply, with the heart of a child. All members live communally on Sado island in Japan. Those hoping to join the group must first complete a two year apprenticeship while living communally on the island before they are even considered for admittance into the group.

The performance was held in a town called Uchiko. It had a real old world quality about it, almost like a mini Kyoto. It was fun to wander through the narrow streets and check out all the traditional old houses before the performance. The theater itself was quite a beauty too. It is a traditional old Japanese theater. Inside there are no chairs like one might find in a western style theater. Only tatami mats and cushions. The theater was packed so we had to sit on the second floor balcony, on the side of the stage. It was crammed even in the less desirable seats. Sitting shoulder to shoulder on the floor with hundreds of other theater goers gave the place a real intimate vibe. Before the show even started I could already tell that this was going to be a very cool new experience for me.

The show began. The air seemed charged with excitement and anticipation. The players were wailing away on their taikos and you could feel the vibration in your core. As they continued to play, subtle smiles appeared on their faces and it was easy to see that playing music was pure joy for them. They really do play their drums with the heart of a child. The show was about two hours in length and finished off with the largest taiko of all. It was about 8 feet high on its side and looked as thought ten men could fit inside it. The player pounded that taiko with all his might until he looked as though he might collapse.

Throughout the show I was literally on the edge of my tatami cushion and I think the joy they felt while playing was translated into their music and absorbed into my ears. I left feeling like I had experienced something so special. I think they do an excellent job of preserving and reinterpreting traditional Japanese music while using it to connect with people from all different cultures and backgrounds all around the world.


http://www.kodo.or.jp/news/index_en.html

Above is the link to their website where you can read more about them and sample their music. Click on "About Kodo" for an awesome video of them!