My Kodo Discography Pick 06 | Taiyo Onoda: Legend (DVD)

Taiyo Onoda

 

On 2013, “Kodo One Earth Tour: Legend” came to the university I was attending. This was the first time I saw Kodo live. The three back-to-back O-daiko (big drum) performances were highly memorable. I could not make out who was performing since I watched from the third floor, but I remember thinking, “just how many performers are back stage on standby in their fundoshi (loincloth), waiting for their turn…?”

At that time, I was just working on my odaiko solo, so I practiced and composed it by recalling impressions and memories of the performance. Two years later, “Kodo One Earth Tour 2015: Mystery” came to the U.S., and I bought this Legend DVD at the venue without hesitation. I watched it many, many times. This production deeply impressed me and showed me that Kodo has some of the best odaiko performers.

 

DVD | Legend

↓Watch trailer

https://www.kodo.or.jp/discography/od009_en.html

↓Buy at Kodo Online Store

http://kodo.shop.multilingualcart.com/goods_en_jpy_76.html

 

My Kodo Discography Pick 02 | Jumpei Nonaka: Irodori (Album)

Jumpei Nonaka (Junior Member)

When I was little, every year when my family went to Earth Celebration we would constantly play this album, Irodori, in our car. According to them, I would keep playing the title track over and over again! (lol)

Photo: koji

Every time I listen to this CD, it brings back those memories of summer and makes me feel nostalgic. So I really love this album.

In fact, I still have and treasure that same CD we were listening on those trips!

Album | Irodori

↓Listen to sample tracks (Japanese webpage)

https://www.kodo.or.jp/discography/cscl1525_ja.html

↓Buy at Kodo Online Store

http://kodo.shop.multilingualcart.com/goods_en_jpy_97.html

My Kodo Discography Pick 04 | Moe Niiyama: Heartbeat Best of KODO 25th Anniversary (Album)

Moe Niiyama

Here’s my recommendation: Heartbeat—Best of Kodo 25th Anniversary!
This album is filled with definitive Kodo pieces.

My dad has been a Kodo fan since way back, and he always had this CD playing in his car. When he drove me to and from taiko practices throughout my childhood, sometimes we’d hum along to the rhythms as we listened to this CD, and sometimes it got us talking about the future.

Even now that I have become a Kodo member, when I listen to this album it reminds of those times in my dad’s car. It’s left a lasting impression on me.

This CD transports me back to the start of my journey!

 

Album | Heartbeat—Best of Kodo 25th Anniversary

 

↓Listen to sample tracks

https://www.kodo.or.jp/discography/sicl155_en.html

↓Buy at Kodo Online Store

http://kodo.shop.multilingualcart.com/goods_en_jpy_6.html

My Kodo Discography Pick 05 | Masayasu Maeda: Mondo Head (Album)

Masayasu Maeda

The album I recommend is Mondo Head.

When I was a senior high school student, I listened to it almost everyday on my way to and from school. This album completed changed my definition of wadaiko (Japanese taiko drumming) and made me think “Wadaiko is music!” for the first time. That’s obvious to me now, and I credit Mondo Head for that redefining moment.

Mondo Head is a collaborative work with amazing percussionists from around the world. I can’t get enough of their approach to music, the range of their instruments, the freedom of their sound, and all that improv! Though it was recorded almost 20 years ago, it’s forever new.

If I ever hit a creative wall, I listen to this album and it reminds me of all the things we can do with taiko.

 


Two of my favorite tracks are Kashira and Daraijin.

Kashira because, well, that insane groove gets me every time! (lol)
I know Kodo’s played it on tour in the past. I want to play it, too!

And Daraijin because it drew me to tabla and its broad range of tones.

I want to create music that will still be good when I listen to it in 20 years time. Music that taiko players will envy 20 years from now!

Album | Mondo Head

↓Listen to sample tracks (Japanese webpage)

https://www.kodo.or.jp/discography/sicp1_ja.html

↓Buy at Kodo Online Store

http://kodo.shop.multilingualcart.com/goods_en_jpy_86.html

My Kodo Discography Pick 13 | Yuta Sumiyoshi: Kaiki (Album)

Yuta Sumiyoshi

“Kaiki”  

I would have been only one year old when this CD came out. (haha)

For some reason, it was the only CD we had at home, and when I was a child, I listened to it many times. 

Even now, I still find myself humming all the songs…
Sobama Moon
Oyoohdai
Hitotsu
This flow absolutely rocks!

Hitotsu was also featured in the recent “Michi” production!

Even as a Kodo member, I felt so excited when I heard it performed live.

The pieces are rather avant-garde, even today.
Perhaps Kodo is slowly starting to get bound by things like history and tradition. 

I want to learn from the freedom and energy of this 90’s album and create music that isn’t hindered by preconceptions!

CD | Kaiki

Listen to sample tracks
https://www.kodo.or.jp/discography/srcl2480_ja.html

Buy at Kodo Online Store
http://kodo.shop.multilingualcart.com/goods_en_jpy_94.html


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