For some, that Kodo is based on Sado Island might encourage the stereotype of the Japanese master taiko drum troupe living and working in splendid isolation fully dedicated to its traditional Japanese art. But what Japanophile types may not realize is that Kodo, perhaps uniquely among its peers, has moved beyond the traditional: touring the globe, sending albums soaring on Billboard's World Music Chart and, as in its latest project, working with some very untraditional luminaries.
As a prelude to the Oct. 11 release of Kodo's new album, "Mondo Head" (on the Sony Classical label), produced by the former Grateful Dead drummer and world music enthusiast Mickey Hart, the Sado Islanders are showcasing their old-school taiko chops on the One Earth Tour. If you want to see Kodo in their pure, unadulterated element, this is a good chance.