Infusing the powerful rhythms of taiko (Japanese drums) with musical influences ranging from jazz, rock and electronica to Tuvan throat singing, On Ensemble creates ground-breaking music.

7 MP3 Songs
WORLD: World Fusion, JAZZ: World Fusion

Show all album songs: Ukiyo Live Songs


Details:
"The youngsters of On Ensemble just simply tore up the second half of the show. This is one of the most innovative and musically fresh groups ever to take the stage in the big hall (Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts). From the magical sound of the opening âGengakkiâ and its 13 string âokotoâ playing to the lyrical and delicious âWatashi Watashitachiâ the On Ensemble was playing with utterly esoteric instruments vibrant music you could hear on the radio and really dig... This is a very talented and unique group with the guts to take a centuries old art form to another level."
Glen Creason, Performance Review, CerritosInk, March 2007

"On Ensemble is an exciting taiko ensemble looking at new ways to apply traditional Japanese drums... Be it English lyrics, throat singing, melodically rhythmic koto passages, traditional flutes, or electronic manipulation, the exciting range of taiko drums solidly supports the pieces. From the deep tones of the largest taiko to the intricate patterns of the shime daiko the compositions are interesting with plenty of exciting drumming."
Martin Patmos, âDust and Sandâ CD Review, Modern Drummer Magazine, April 2006

"Using traditional taiko (Japanese drum) music as a springboard for their contemporary world fusion mix, On Ensemble beautifully combines folk, jazz and rock into a tightly-woven fabric making full use of acoustic potential before adding tasteful electronic colors. Their music has a calm and meditative center about it- there is a steadiness, a wholesome, humble beauty that journeys inward for more variety as opposed to adding on ideas from the outside. Featuring both instrumental tracks and those with vocals, their innovative vocabulary bends and refreshes the imagination."
CD Baby, "Dust and Sand" Review, August 2005

"With their latest release, Dust and Sand, On Ensemble propel the art form into mesmerizing territory with a swirling amalgamation of flutes, koto, turntables, and Tuvan throat singing astride propulsive poly-rhythmic drum patterns. The result is an album that is completely original and brilliantly conceived..."
Brian Moore, âDust and Sandâ CD Review, TransformOnline, November 2005

UKIYO LIVE
With taiko (Japanese drum) as the foundation for its world fusion mix, On Ensemble is taking an ancient art form into new realms. Infusing the powerful rhythms of taiko with musical influences ranging from jazz, rock and electronica to Tuvan throat singing, On Ensemble has crafted a repertoire of ground-breaking music.

UKIYO, the ensemble's fourth annual home concert series, features multi-percussionist Patrick Graham and fue specialist Kaoru Watanabe. This live recording captures something On Ensemble fans have come to expect; collaboration between adventuresome artists with a shared passion for avant-garde musical exploration.