The Kiyoshi Nagata Ensemble Drummers

Recently I was very fortunate to attend a concert of the talented Kiyoshi Nagata Ensemble (Nagata Shachu, as the group changes their name in 2008), when they came through here in Traverse City, USA.

The Ensemble is made up of four Canadian-Japanese drummers who pummel any number or range of taiko (drums). There was a huge drum, that had to have been at least as tall as the man playing it, which made a rich and deep sound. Some of the noises the taiko make are incredible, and the drummers hit their mark every time! It was stunning!

A live performance is really something to behold. If the Ensemble comes to your town, don't pass up the opportunity to watch their performance! If you would like a sample of their drumming styles (which is really nothing compared to the real, live thing) please follow this link, and click on the song "Bidou" at the right of the page. (If the link doesn't work, sometimes simply downloading the track link helps.)

Here is a list of upcoming tour dates. To find out more about the KNE, go to their official webpage.