Here is good news for all Kenny Endo fans, and if you aren't a fan you will be once you attend one of his performances. Kenny is a master of the taiko. Most of you know that taiko is drum, and then there is "odaiko," a huge drum. In general, taiko is to drum like the tea ceremony is to a tea bag. It is something special, moving, primitive, exciting and beautiful to watch as any of you who have seen the exquisitely choreographed performances of the Kodo drummers of Sado well know. Then there is Samul Nori from South Korea with phenomenal endurance and a way of getting outdoor audiences up on their feet in a dance celebration around the blazing fire. Kenny is in good company. He excels in combining instruments and musical influences, but he is at his best addressing the huge odaiko. A program once billed him as a performer of Edo festival music. That's a nice image, but those "Edo-ko" never knew music like Kenny's.
I do like daiko. And Kenny.
You can see why on June 29 or 30. Call (03) 5603-1661 to reserve your tickets. Kenny, with his group (Indian and Japanese flute and percussion), will be celebrating his 25th year on drums.