Want to Subscribe?
Sign In or Sign Up now!

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.