Our Shows
Since 1988, Uzume Taiko has enthralled audiences at festivals, schools, concerts and special events across Canada, the United States, Europe and Japan with its dynamic synthesis of music, movement and theatre. Using a diverse collection of percussive and melodic instruments as well as taiko drums, Uzume Taiko has developed a dynamic fusion of old and new styles of drumming — bringing a vibrant, contemporary sensibility to an ancient art. With the choreographed physicality of martial arts, the heart-stopping pulse of the O-Daiko and the rhythmic sensitivity of a jazz ensemble, the drummers of Uzume Taiko create an exhilarating sensual experience.
Drum Spirits
Musician Dave Corman joins Uzume Taiko on guitars, keyboards and percussion in Drum Spirits. The addition of a Western drum set adds a new element to the show and Corman’s rhythmic and melodic guitar playing calls out to the drums in an exciting and entrancing musical conversation. Drum Spirits combines tradition and a little bit of rock n’ roll to create a show that is described as “atmospheric”. Drum Spirits brings the West and the East together beautifully.
Hara
Uzume Taiko’s newest show is a collaboration with Vancouver percussionist Paul Bray, who brings his love of Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian music to the fore and blends it with Uzume Taiko’s powerful Japanese taiko drumming and percussion. Created in 2008, Hara explores new territory in the world of percussion. Both Japanese taiko Afro-Latin music focus heavily on drums, beats and percussion, and this fusion of the two has produced a performance that is powerful in its ability to reach out and touch audiences to the core.
Oozoomay!
Oozoomay!, featuring the Uzume Taiko Ensemble with special guests Ben Rogalsky and Uzume Taiko founding member Eileen Kage, has toured throughout Europe since its inception in 2008. Rogalsky’s voice, his performance on mandolin, banjo, harmonica and suling, in addition to his experience composing and performing music, have made him and innovative and fearless collaborator. Combined with Kage’s immeasurable talent and extensive knowledge of taiko, and the Uzume Taiko Ensemble’s choreography and musicality, this show is an unmissable experience.
Taikophony
Taikophony was created in 2007 as a collaboration with Scottish Highland bag piping trio Mearingstone and shakuhachi master Alcvin Ramos. Interchanging music composed by Mearningstone’s composer Michael O’Neill and that composed by Uzume Taiko, this performance touches at all aspects of the musical spectrum. From misty and melancholy songs extolling the virtues of the Scottish Highlands, to boisterous and intense drumming that evokes the spirit of a pre-industrial Japan, Taikophony is a show in which Uzume Taiko proves yet again their ability to cross cultural boundaries to create striking and inspiring music.
