Pre-eminent Canadian taiko group Nagata Shachu closes out their official 18^th annual season (Toronto Taiko Tales – Global Beats from Around the City) in The Annex featuring a rare, spirited collaboration with Toronto roots ensemble DRUMHAND!
Original cultures and genres crash as the pounding rhythms of traditional Japanese instruments and Taiko meet New Orleans parade band/roots music in a unique collaboration between Nagata Shachu and acclaimed ensemble DRUMHAND. Using hands, sticks and mallets, many of DRUMHAND’s compositions feature the one-stringed ‘stomach harp’ of Brazil or the box-shaped Gome foot-drum, alongside flutes and horns from around the globe, and the group’s folkloric-style vocals appear in a variety of languages. 

Founded in 2008, DRUMHAND members are; Marcus Ali (saxophones, flutes, vocals), David Chan (percussion, vocals), Larry Graves (percussion, vocals), Steve Mancuso (percussion, vocals) and Rebecca Hennessy (trumpet, vocals).

DRUMHAND has released three albums; ‘Contretemps’ (2014), ‘CHEER ON THE SUN’ (2013) and ‘THE TRAVELLING SCHEME’ (2012), and recent performances include the Small World Music Festival, Circuit at Ottawa's Great Canadian Theatre Company (GCTC) with Propeller Dance and the Beaches Jazz Festival.

NAGATA SHACHU VIDEO: https://youtu.be/Sje2BTLJoNY.

DRUMHAND VIDEO: https://youtu.be/HyDzATTfejc.

TICKETS: $20.00 (students, seniors) to $30.00 (adults); http://drumhand.brownpapertickets.com.

FACEBOOK EVENT: https://www.facebook.com/events/237296663412950.

ARTIST QUOTES:

Artistic director Kiyoshi Nagata states, “I was immediately drawn to DRUMHAND’s infectious African, Cuban and Brazilian dance rhythms, mixed with New Orleans influenced horns and woodwinds. I feel that their music makes a perfect compliment to Nagata Shachu’s more disciplined style of taiko drumming. My hope is that we will create new works and a sound that has never been heard before in this city!”

DRUMHAND founder Larry Graves states, “When Kiyoshi contacted us to be a part of Nagata Shachu's collaborative series we didn't hesitate, knowing the level of artistry that was involved. Everyone has learned a great deal through our work together and some exciting new repertoire has been developed. We look forward to sharing it all with the audience on Saturday.”

Nagata Shachu members are; Kiyoshi Nagata (taiko, shinobue/flute), Aki Takahashi (shamisen, vocals), Tony Nguyen (taiko), Kayo Homma-Komori (taiko), Jason Huang (taiko) and Naoya Kobayashi (taiko).

Nagata Shachu has toured extensively and played rare collaborations with artists including Japan’s Shogo Yoshii, pianist Ron Davis’ jazz/string ensemble Symphronica, acclaimed percussion quartet TorQ and Juno nominated Toronto Tabla Ensemble. Nagata Shachu has released seven original CDs and four DVDs (the latest is Toronto Taiko Tales, April 7, 2017).

Kiyoshi Nagata is Canada’s pre-eminent taiko soloist, whose career spans over three decades. His principal studies were with ‘Kodo’ in Japan and Daihachi Oguchi (artistic director of Toronto’s Suwa Daiko). In 1998, he founded Nagata Shachu, and currently teaches at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music and at the Royal Conservatory of Music.

ABOUT:

Since forming in 1998 and while rooted in the folk drumming traditions of Japan, Nagata Shachu's principal aim is to rejuvenate this ancient art form by producing innovative and exciting music (through concerts and workshops) that speaks to today’s audience and creates a new voice for the Taiko. Taking its name from founder Kiyoshi Nagata and ‘shachu’ (old term for a performing troupe), Nagata Shachu has toured throughout Canada, the USA and Europe.

For more artist information please visit:
NagataShachu.com

DRUMHAND.ca

Drumhand.bandcamp.com