Japanese taiko drumming can be described as thunderous footsteps that put listeners into a visual and aural rhythmic trance.
The ancient art form, which originally involved large Japanese drums, has been transformed into a modern movement of dance, martial arts and the traditional drumming. The Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble, which will be performing at Popejoy on Sunday, has created its own modern twist on traditional taiko, which has been around for thousands of years.
"We're a small taiko ensemble that uses other Japanese instruments," said Bruce Ghent, artistic director of the four-member group. "Dance is involved, but it isn't the traditional festival dancing, it's a modern contemporary movement that portrays the landscapes of the Japanese culture."
In its original form, taiko was mostly found in folk music celebrations and at festivals in Japan, Ghent said. Different versions of the taiko drum were also used in Japanese theater and in time of war.
In the 1950s, Kumi Faijo was created. This form divides the music among many drummers with each player adding a different rhythm or element to the sound.
"What you see today is not really traditional," Ghent said. "Instead of just playing a pure musical song, we try to present some type of theatrical concept or image, involving choreography, costumes and theater."
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
At Sunday's performance, audience members will witness a multifaceted performance with a rich cultural heritage, Ghent said.
"I just want people to be moved, and also make them think about something."
The group, which has been performing together for four years, will be on tour for two-and-a-half weeks promoting its new album, Out of the Box. The show at Popejoy will be the only performance on the tour that will collaborate with the Dance Brigade of San Francisco and Masayuki Koga, a master shakuhachi player and director of the Japanese Music Institute of America. A shakuhachi is a traditional Japanese bamboo flute.
Out of the Box is the Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble's first CD.
For many artists, particularly a group as intricate as a taiko ensemble, recording proved to be difficult.
"We had to keep it full of energy and spirit when you're not performing in front of an audience," Ghent said. "I would say that was the most difficult part of recording."
Future plans for the ensemble include expansion of the group and working to make the organization a full-time operation.
For now, Ghent just wants people to enjoy the vibrant music and energetic performances.
"I want our music to not only move the soul, but to engage the intellect," he said.
