Taiko Fusion: Breaking New Ground

with On Ensemble and Maze Daiko

Friday-Saturday, November 14-15, 8:00PM

Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Avenue, Alameda

$20 in advance, $25 at the door

http://www.rhythmix.org/events/onensemble.html

http://onensemble.org

“The On Ensemble is at the forefront of a growing artistic movement in the drumming world. Recognized for relentless innovation, On Ensemble has made a name for itself by infusing the powerful rhythms of taiko with overtone singing, odd meter grooves and soaring melodies. The members’ fearless musical explorations have taken the ancient instruments of taiko into new realms and have established a distinctly modern expression for the art form. The group’s unique sound has been praised as ‘completely original and brilliantly conceived.’

Maze Daiko blends global inspiration with a wide range of percussion to create contemporary interpretations for taiko. This dynamic ensemble layers intricate rhythms and fills the stage with vitality and energetic choreography. Maze Daiko performs original compositions influenced by world cultures including Japan, Africa, and Cuba with the physical elegance and vibrant sounds of taiko. The group’s name is derived from the Japanese word for ‘mix’ (mazeru) and taiko (daiko) is the Japanese word for ‘drum.’ In collaboration with the On Ensemble for this special evening, the two collectives explore new dimensions of Japanese movement and expression.  Added bonus: Ozumo Restaurant will be serving small bites of Japanese delicacies as well.

The On Ensemble features Masato (Maz) Baba, Eien Hunter-Ishikawa, Shoji Kameda and Abe Lagrimas who collectively combine their study and deep appreciation of Japanese traditional music with equally formative experiences as DJs, electronic music producers, Jazz drummers, and rock bassists to produce and record some of the most compelling music in the taiko world.

The members of Maze Daiko have toured throughout the U.S. and Japan – Janet Koike, Kathryn Cabunoc, Tina Blaine, Carolyn West, and special guest Jeannie Mckenzie all have years of collective experience in other taiko or musical groups, including San Jose Taiko, San Francisco Taiko Dojo, Emeryville Taiko, D’CuCKOO and the Rhythmix Ensemble.”