Sunday 17 May 2009

Yamato - Drummers of Japan

It's already three weeks ago that my wife N. and yours truly went to a concert of Yamato, the drummers of Japan. I saw them three times before, so this was the fourth time to see them, but for N. it was the first time. She was really impressed by their performance.

In all the performances that I saw there were similar elements, but the whole setting was different every time, but the energy and level of performance was the same every time.. The lighting on stage was beautifully done and like the three times before it was a real visual and energetic spectacle which was very enjoyable to watch.

Although the emphasis was on the drums and the rhythm (which shouldn't be a surprise for a percussion/drum group) there was also some musical variety with, next to the main instrument the taiko drums, the use in a few compositions of other instruments like the shamisen, a traditional three string instrument which sounds a little bit like a banjo, bamboo flute and the koto, another traditional Japanese instrument, which is played horizontal (see first video) and sounds a little bit like a harp.

I couldn't find any video's on YouTube from the last tour, but the two that I've embedded give a good impression of the stage show of Yamato. If they ever perform in a place nearby you definitely should go. We both can recommend it. Don't get a CD or DVD. It doesn't get close to a live performance. Yamato, the drummers of Japan is something you should feel and experience. Enjoy the video's.