I must admit that I hadn’t seen TAIKOPROJECT before and upon entering the Walt Disney Concert Hall, was wondering what I would have to say about it. I had no expectations and no preconceived notions. After witnessing the formidable TAIKOPROJECT in full force and celebrating their 25th Anniversary, I now have a great deal to say!
Their gorgeous full color program outlined the pieces to be performed clearly and included much appreciated information about the company and the Executive and Artistic Directors, Bryan Yamami and Masato Baba, respectively. Also outlined were the two guest artists: “Quetzal”, a Grammy Award winning ensemble and Sumie Kaneko, a Yamada school koto and shamisen player extraordinaire and vocal artist. This was an impressive line-up and set the stage for an explosive evening of entertainment. The stage was preset with Drums of various sizes and shapes and other sundry musical instruments scattered here and there.
TAIKOPROJECT at Walt Disney Concert Hall – Photo by Kentaro Terra.
The lights dimmed and Bryan Yamami entered the space with Masato Baba and began the festivities by slowly introducing rhythms which then developed and intertwined as every company member joined in one-by-one. It was complex, subtle and nuanced. They made the drums speak to us. They also made them dance. By the time all fourteen members were assembled the drums had reached a crescendo and set the heightened cadence for what was to follow.
The production values of this company are excellent, and great care is given towards the transitions between pieces and the placement of the musical instruments throughout the evening. Whenever a piece ended immediately after the applause an instrument was heard coming in solo and taking us to the next work. There are myriad company members who play various instruments, and all of them well. Whether a flute or drum, xylophone or cymbal, it was always a surprise and interesting segue to the next work.
TAIKOPROJECT at Walt Disney Concert Hall – Photo by Kentaro Terra.
For the drums I noticed a particular stance was involved which was a wide lunge with one foot forward allowing the upper back to really aid in the handling of the sticks and batons utilized when hitting them repeatedly and with great vigor. This was a visual power move and quite satisfying to the eyes and ears as well. The heart beats faster and partakes of the energy necessary in order to keep up the pace. Because the company all performs together it is often that everyone onstage is in the same position beating their drum and they move in unison. The choreographer listed in the program is Yumi Saito, also one of the performers. This choreography is vastly welcome to the eye enveloped in the soundscape of the reverberations. These weren’t only Taiko drummers but Drumdancers! The entire stage moved when they did as every beat and movement was choreographed from beginning to end – A Ballet in percussion and every bit as detailed. Truly, the handling of the batons before they were brought down upon the drum was equal to any port-de-bras I have seen. Well done Saito.
TAIKOPROJECT at Walt Disney Concert Hall – Photo by Kentaro Terra.
The performers transported us and brought us, brought me, to unbridled Joy. It was in the way of how they were performing, how they moved, how they laughed and shared their ecstatic joy with everyone present. The physicality of their performance was felt across the stage and throughout the house. There were also modern interpretations of music sprinkled in and singing as well. “Quetzal” band members: Quetzal Flores, Juan Perez, Alberto Lopez, Evan Greer, Rocio Marron, Sandino González-Flores, and Dr. Martha Gonzalez changed up the rhythms and brought vocals into the mix. They had a poignant tribute for the friends and supporters of TAIKOPROJECT who showed solidarity with Quetzal’s community during the protests and I.C.E. raids. Also singing was Sumie Kaneko in her soaring upper register and haunting style, matching the vibrancy of the TAIKOPROJECT beautifully.
TAIKOPROJECT at Walt Disney Concert Hall – Photo by Kentaro Terra.
The lighting by Scott LeGrand was subtle and served to keep us riveted to the stage at all times while the costumes by Sueko Oshimoto were made to allow great freedom of movement and balance the eye so that the silhouette of the performers always stood out. These were tank tops with straps across the back so that the arms were bare and outlined against the drums and background. The drums moved in each piece and made different configurations depending on the feel that was being conveyed. There were little breaks here and there as the opening number, “Expanding” had a call and response woven into it, and another, “Shepard” had the entire cast halt and focus on one person at a time who had a blasting solo. One piece was based on the simple clapping of hands with no instruments at all. There was a ritualistic piece, “Many Sides” utilizing a slow progression of performers as acolytes in a sort of sacred calling. They took turns at the large drum in the center and then returned to their set places within the pattern of their meditation. At times, the simple structure of a work was made more complex by the movement of the people around the drums and by adding additional performers into the work. This became ridiculously complicated at one point causing me to laugh in delight as I could not ascertain whether the visuals were more like an intense Ninja warrior battle or a fabulous razor-sharp Rockette routine.
TAIKOPROJECT at Walt Disney Concert Hall – Photo by Kentaro Terra.
This was their 25th Anniversary celebration and it was fantastic, an exuberant showcase equal to all of the years of hard work obvious in the performances onstage. It was a heartfelt tribute to the company and a heroic display of prowess. There was a moment of gratitude and thanks towards: Duane Ebata, Qris Yamashita, Akitoshi Asano and Jerry Yoshitomi. Also, thanks was given to the supporters and families and the incredible Taiko performers: Liz Au, Jen Baik, Andrew Chen, Courtney Deguchi, Keiko Harada, Jenny Mimura, Blaine O’Brien, Yumi Saito, Doug Sakamoto, Gaku Sasaki, Audrey Tu On, Brian Yamagata, as well as Bryany Amami, and Masato Baba. Congratulations to TAIKOPROJECT in all aspects of their journey and may it continue for another 25 years!
To learn more about TAIKOPROJECT, please visit their website.
For more information about the Walt Disney Concert Hall, please visit their website.
Written by Brian Fretté for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: TAIKOPROJECT at Walt Disney Concert Hall – Photo by Kentaro Terra.
