Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Taiko = Drum

Anyone else into taiko? And instead of yoga (which I don't do), wouldn't this be a great fluid, dynamic, whole existence, immersing, primal, connective thing to do?

And isn't it interesting how such art, art as communication on several levels, transcends language--is in fact REAL language (is poetry without the clutter of words, pure poetry)? And then, how in some ways--in my simple mind--taiko is like so many other ritualistic performances across cultures?

If you compared and distilled all spoken / written languages, you'd see they all come from the same base root. However, that's exhaustive and boring--taiko cuts to the chase in obvious ways.

Plus, I personally like to bang on things and make music. I get this from my dad and his (terribly annoying) steering wheel / brake pedal serenades.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hmmm, was that a video you posted? It didn't come up for me. (Alas, poor Luddites, guess our computer's just not up to 'em.) But anything involving drumming sounds good to me! I have a bodhran and pound on it enthusiastically to welcome the new day, much to the annoyance of pretty much everybody. But you're right, it's good for the soul...

Unknown said...

I have a few taiko CDs... but would really like to have an opportunity to make some noise of my own someday, too... someday.

So I do the steering wheel percussion... but seriously, how does the brake pedal thing work? I'm feeling a little whiplashed just thinking about it. :)

Benjamin Vogt said...

OFB--It WAS a video. Ah well. First I ever tried. Just trying to be hip, you know....
Kim--CDs? Hmmm, I'd have to at least stick to videos because I like to also SEE that rhytmic expression and precision. (He taps the break pedal lightly, sheesh!)

Great Lakes Taiko Center said...

I love taiko too. It's interesting to listen to, it's even better to see live, and it's just incredible to actually do it yourself. It truly can transcend ... well, everything.

themanicgardener said...

I love taiko! We saw Ondekoza Live and Kodo when we lived in Sendai; way more fun for kids than any symphony, and simply incredible, period. Our younger son, eight at the time, got to participate in a school taiko performance.

What group is this? Ondekoza is a newer, inventive group that has a good bit of humor in some of their pieces, which was unexpected and just fun.
--Kate

Benjamin Vogt said...

Kate--Actually, I know very little about taiko performers, so I honestly can't be of much help to you. I suck. I do like the more inventive vids I've seen, however, so I'll check out Ondekoza.