Where do I start with Kodo? In the 90s my favourite TV show was always Michael Palin, on his Full Circle shows in the late 90s he visited Sado Island to stay with the Kodo Drummers. Ever since then i’ve wanted to see them, but to get to shoot pics of them too? Brilliant.
The show started quite early, the show began at 19.30 in the Bridgewater Hall. As this type of drumming ( Taiko ) is very physical, they did 2 fairly short halves to the show.
It was eerily quiet as they started from almost silence and built up from that. I wasn’t expecting Singing or even Fue ( Bamboo Flute ) and it made the experience even more beautiful.
Ive always liked Traditional Japanese music and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. The discipline and fitness these musicians learn is phenomenal. I won’t try to review how they performed as I know what I like and loved their performance. Will definitely go and see them again.
Photos by Philip Goddard
