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On Ensemble
Musician
turtlefield76
Style: World
Joined: August 31, 2006
Last Sign In: 2 weeks ago
Videos Watched: 3,744
Subscribers: 29
Channel Views: 2,984
Band website:
www.OnEnsemble.org
With Japanese drums at the foundation of its world fusion mix, On Ensemble takes the ancient instruments of taiko into new realms. Infusing the powerful rhythms of ensemble Japanese drumming with influences ranging from hip-hop and electronica to Tuvan throat singing, On Ensemble's unique sound has been praised as "completely original and brilliantly conceived." Modern Drummer magazine calls On Ensemble "an exciting taiko ensemble looking at new ways to apply traditional Japanese drums."

On Ensemble's four members are individually recognized as leading artists in their field. Sought after as teachers, workshop leaders, composers and performers, Masato Baba, Kristofer Bergstrom, Shoji Kameda, and Kelvin Underwood have over 60 years of collective taiko experience. As On Ensemble they combine their study and deep appreciation of tradition with equally formative experiences as DJs, electronic music producers, Jazz drummers, and rock bassists to create a repertoire of ground-breaking music.

From outdoor festivals and concert halls to gymnasiums and classrooms, On Ensemble has shared its unique music and outreach programs with audiences throughout the United States and Japan. After a debut concert in northern Japan and its first western-US tour in the spring of 2002, the group received the Duane Ebata Memorial Fund Award, "in support and recognition of emerging artists of promise who are furthering the development of Asian Pacific American performing arts."

In 2005, On Ensemble released its first studio album "Dust and Sand" to critical acclaim. The independently produced album spent several months on the New Age Reporter charts reaching as high as number three in October of 2005 and continues to enjoy national airplay. In 2006, the ensemble released its first DVD "Neiro". In 2007 the ensemble released their first live CD and their second DVD "Live at the Cerritos Center" and is currently working on their second studio-recorded album.

Constantly looking for new ways to utilize taiko, On Ensemble seeks out collaborations with adventurous artists. In 2006, the ensemble spent a week in Montreal developing and performing "Project GO" with multi-talented percussionist, Patrick Graham. In 2007, On Ensemble combined forces with Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble to present SYTE/ON: TAIKOx2 to a sold-out house at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. In the same year, On Ensemble collaborated with renowned choral-music composer, Eric Whitacre, to develop and perform the world-premiere musical, "Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings" to great critical acclaim. In March of 2009, On Ensemble will be presenting a concert with taiko master, Kenny Endo, at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.

For all of their avant-garde musical explorations, On Ensemble is supported by one of Japan's most important traditional-culture bearers, Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten, instrument maker to the emperor of Japan. This support empowers On Ensemble to utilize authentic, rare Japanese instruments in its fearless exploration of taiko.

Formation Date: August 08, 2001
Record Label: Turtlefield Music
Label Type: Independent
Band Members: Masato Baba, Kristofer Bergstrom, Shoji Kameda, Kelvin Underwood
Influences: Too many to name! Shasta Taiko, Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble, Autechre, Mouse on Mars, Old and New Dreams, Saul Williams, Zakir Hussain, Tabla Beat Science, Miles Davis, John McLaughlin, Sukeroku Daiko, The Bad Plus, Tool, Invisible Scratch Pickles, Squarepusher, Mum, Antipop Consortium, Boards of Canada, Doudou Ndiaye Rose, all of our teachers, sensei and artists who continue to inspire us.
City: Los Angeles
Country: United States
Albums:
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End of Obama's speech at the DNC
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The scene at the end of Barack Obama's speech and the DNCC from the floor of Inves...
10 months ago 1,562 views turtlefield76
On Ensemble: Neo-traditional taiko fusion
10:16
On Ensemble - After Rain Find more about On Ensemble at our website: http://...
2 years ago 6,757 views turtlefield76
On Ensemble: Taiko & Percussion
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On Ensemble - Zeecha!!! Find out more about On Ensemble at our website: http...
2 years ago 2,734 views turtlefield76
On Ensemble: Taiko & Throat Singing
8:56
On Ensemble - Yamasong Find out more about On Ensemble at our website: http:...
2 years ago 2,224 views turtlefield76
On Ensemble: Taiko
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[TRANSLATED] On Ensemble: Taiko
[TRANSLATED] On Ensemble: Taiko
On Ensemble - Watashi Watashitachi Find out more about On Ensemble at our websi...
2 years ago 2,998 views turtlefield76
On Ensemble: Taiko & Turntable
6:20
On Ensemble - Turns Find out more about On Ensemble at our website: http://O...
2 years ago 1,627 views turtlefield76
On Ensemble - Taiko & Fue
6:53
On Ensemble - Little Man Find out more about On Ensemble at our website: htt...
2 years ago 3,809 views turtlefield76
On Ensemble: Taiko & Koto
5:46
On Ensemble - Gengakki Find out more about On Ensemble at our website: http:...
2 years ago 4,021 views turtlefield76
Channel Comments (4)
setag1 (10 months ago)
Ragtube com was here checking u out. Please check me out...Ragtube com
allyissocool555 (1 year ago)
You guys were awesome at john muir middle school.! i rlly love the way taiko sounds. keep on playing.! and always come back to john muir middle school burbank CA!
origamikids (1 year ago)
Thank you very much for your subscription!
Happy airplane folding! :-)
nivsha (2 years ago)
I am so inspired. Wow! Amazing work On Ensemble. Thank you for your gifts to the world. I am blown away really!

Sincerely,

Vi An