Centuries ago, Japanese used the taiko (“big drum”) to muster warriors, communicate orders and scare off the enemy. Today, taiko ensembles in Japan and farther afield attract concert-hall audiences. Stanford Taiko started in 1992 and some alumni have gone on to perform professionally. Two of them, Shoji Kameda and Kristofer Bergstrom, both ’99, started a Los Angeles-based foursome called On Ensemble, which has released its first CD, Dust and Sand.
A recording can’t capture the energetic choreography that goes into the group’s live performances, but these original compositions stand easily on their own with intricate rhythms and exotic instrumentation. Besides employing other percussion, flute, Japanese zither and found sound, On Ensemble has mastered Tuvan throat-singing and turntable techniques. It all adds up to a mesmerizing, otherworldly listening experience.
