L.A. Matsuri Taiko Historic Video (5)

LA祭太鼓 L.A. Matsuri Taiko performing "Taiko Soran Bushi" in 1995. Composed by Master Etsuo Hongo. Guest artists: Tosha Kyonari(Tsuzumi), Daniel Flowers(Guitar), Mark Tusler(Drums), Macrae Adams(Keyboard), Leigh Sata(Taiko), Kazuko Myoshi(Flute).

Los Angeles Matsuri Taiko was established in 1977, as the first Hongo Taiko School groups formed by Master Etsuo Hongo. Hongo studied taiko drumming in Japan and brought this art form to the US in 1973. He was based in Southern California and taught and trained hundreds of students over the years.

Hongo has composed many original songs for taiko drum ensembles, which are still being performed by his groups today. Hongo's style is described as one with powerful sounds, various challenges in techniques, exciting movement and visual presentation like no other.

During the 1970's, 80's and 90's, his unique and innovative style introduced moves that were perfomed by no other taiko drum groups. Flipping (bachi), throwing bachi between performers, jumping over a taiko, spinning the whole arm(s), kicking a leg over a taiko... just to name a few - those movements were never seen before with American taiko, and they are Hongo's original creation.

What makes Hongo's technique even more special is that those movements never detract from the sound of his songs. If you listen to the sounds, the song sounds perfect by itself and you would never guess such dynamic movements are being performed during the song. One once said, "You could never expect what comes next!"

In recent years, Hongo has expanded his teaching in South American countries, such as Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.

Please visit http://www.lamatsuritaiko.com for more videos, photos and information about Hongo and his groups! We are on Facebook & MySpace as well.

(*) All Hongo's original songs are strictly owned by him. The songs, video and audio - partially or a whole - can be performed or used only with his permission.

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Music

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