Search - Kodo :: Tataku: B.O. Kodo 2 94-99

Phenomenal percussion album

Moses Alexander | Alabama, USA | 03/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD contains a good mix of stuff, both traditional & untraditional/experimental/fusion stuff. "Shake-Itsukamata" will have you up & dancing within about 2.4 seconds (if it takes that long.) It is propulsing & driving and everything fast, loud and rowdy one would want from a percussion ensemble. The cymbals are awesome."Ucho No Uta" is one of the newer style pieces. It has some atmospheric keyboard stuff on it. Although it is the worst track on the album it still isn't bad, it would be good morning exercise music I suppose. "Kirna's Theme" is a short flute piece and a suprise inclusion considering there is NO percussion on it. It is very pretty though. "Aoki Kazi" is quite stirring, it includes some string instruments as well as flute & drums. Very moving piece, it reminds of something that might have been on the "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" soundtrack. (I'm not saying that Chinese & Japanese music sound alike, but there is a similar synthesis of percussion with western sounding forms.) It is a definate highlight."Nanafushi" has an irresistable groove, the main drums are similar to western snare drums and have almost a marching band feel to them (Japanese style marching band of course.) To make an interesting comparison is "Nanafushi" next to "Strobe's Nanafushi." This is from the famous Kodo: Remix cd. You could easily hear this song in a loud nightclub in Tokyo, New York or London. Fun & driving...and completely untraditional. "Bird Island" is a frentic piece with flutes & drums. One can just imagine themselves surrounded by birds that are singing their hearts out. This one is very cool.The disc closes with "Niji No Nagori" which is one of the strongest tracks on the CD. It is a slow piece that incorporates not only drum & flute, but also various percussion devices, handclapping & voice (which is a very nice touch.) Eventhough there is some fast drumming in it, the slow flute part makes it seem like a slow groove. THe voice is amazing. It is the perfect closer for the disc.This would be a perfect intro to the world of KODO, or all of taiko style drumming for that matter.Highly recommended."

Brilliant mix by a wonderful group

J. Moore | Garden of Earthly Delights | 03/20/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great mix of Kodo's music. It's almost tough to appreciate how good they are if you've never seen them live. Thes are a band of dedicated athlete / musicians who's performances are spectacular to watch and listen to.This album is a good collection of their stuff form some of their other albums. I particularly enjoy the last track "Niji no Nagori" which includes haunting vocals and tremendous dynamic and rhythmic range.If you are a Kodo fan , you will love this album. If you're new to Kodo, this is a good album to get a sense of their range."