Search - Michael Askill, Ian Cleworth, Lagos :: Taiko

Michael Askill, Ian Cleworth, Lagos
Taiko
Genres: International Music, New Age, Pop, Rock

Track Listings (8) - Disc #1
1. Kenjo
2. Kamakura - Michael Askill, Traditional
3. Go
4. Shinrabansyo - Michael Askill, Amano, Sen
5. Reflections - Michael Askill, Amano, Sen
6. Takeda's Poem
7. Miyajima
8. Moon Over Water

CD Details

All Artists: Michael Askill, Ian Cleworth, Lagos, Piper
Title: Taiko
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Black Sun Records
Release Date: 3/12/1996
Genres: International Music, New Age, Pop, Rock
Styles: Australia & New Zealand, Meditation, Relaxation, Progressive, Progressive Rock
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 013711502121

Synopsis

Album Description

From the plaintive cry of the shinobue flute to the booming thunder of the huge taiko (drums), the sounds of Japan echo through this latest release from Australia's preeminent new music ensemble.Michael Askill, Ian Cleworth, Rebecca Lagos, and Colin Piper have created a sonic journey that is at once vibrant and reflective. Inspired by the philosophy and sounds of the traditional taiko drumming of Japan, Taiko reflects Australia's unique position in the musical world - as a Western country keenly aware of its position on the Pacific Rim. This quartet of percussionists joins with Japanese flutest/composer Sen Amano and shakuhachi virtuoso Riley Kelly Lee in a series of musical dialogues, playing on the dichotomy between East and West that has colored so much of Australian art.The music of Taiko ranges from the Zen-like simplicity of Kamakura, a traditional Japanese work for the flute known as shinobue; to the excited pounding of Sen Amano's Shinrabansyo, featuring the taiko and gongs of the Arahan drum ensemble; to the subtle pointillism of Moon Over Water, an Ian Cleworth composition using dozens of unusual percussion instruments, shells, and found objects.

CD Reviews

Underwhelming

Michael Thompson | Arvada, CO USA | 07/23/1999

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I fully realize that it is impossible to reproduce the Taiko experience on an audio recording, but this fell so far short of its billing that I was quite disappointed. After experiencing Taiko live (a local amateur group) for several years, I finally decided to buy some recordings. After looking over the paltry few available, I selected this one, since it was billed as featuring master drummers, and some shakuhachi music as well, which I also love.First of all, the recording itself seems to be of a very low audio level so you have to turn the volume way up even to hear it. Since Taiko usually shakes the stage, this is very surprising.The pieces themselves feature a few interesting passages, but none of the energy of a live Taiko performance. I did not get the impression the musicians were enjoying themselves or their music.The dynamics of the arrangements were quite limited. Taiko features mostly large drums with participants interacting with each other in intricate rhythmical patterns. I got the impression most of these pieces could have been played just as well by one person on a standard American trap set.I wanted to lend this to a friend because I find it so difficult to explain in words what Taiko is all about, but I don't think this particular CD would be any more illuminating. Guess I'll keep looking."

Reply to Colorado review

Michael Thompson | 05/01/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am listening to Michael Askill's Taiko now. I purchased it on a whim because I am a taiko drummer and like Mr. Askill's other CD's. I read the colorado review after my purchase and figured I had probably wasted my money. On listening to the CD I could not disagree with the colorado review more. This is an excellent CD and a good example of taiko. It is not a quiet CD but is shaking the walls of the house. I recommend this CD for anyone interested in Taiko or in a good percussive CD."