The Japanese group showcased its classic repertoire and aesthetics in a powerful concert that enthralled the audience by prioritizing performance principles over individual personalities.
By John Lavitt
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 02-06-2025
A professional taiko drumming troupe, Kodō is based on Sado Island, Japan. They have helped to popularize taiko drumming, both in Japan and abroad. Taking over the stage at the Walt Disney Concert Hall as part of the KCRW Series, the drumming troupe’s performance was nothing less than intoxicating. Kodō’s Warabe Tour 2025 highlights the purity and innocence of musical expression.
Although the Kodō musicians are mostly taiko drummers, they also play flutes and Japanese strings and are vocalists. What is impressive is the equality of the performers, both men and women, on stage, as everyone plays their part to perfection. Indeed, there was not a moment when one of the performers stood out as if they were trying to take center stage beyond the role given as part of the whole, even during several magnificent solos. It was a challenge to figure out who was singing during the vocalizations because the concept of a lead singer role was absent.
The variety of the show is impressive, with a balance of vastly different moments of artistic expression. At times, the troupe feels like they are part of a martial arts fairy tale being told by Akira Kurosawa. A Japanese game show’s goofy humor and joyous flavor are accentuated in other moments. However, no matter what the iteration, the music always comes first.
I took a talented friend to the show to expand my understanding of the performance. Miles Robinson, the drummer for The 5th Dimension, has played in front of audiences worldwide. Responding to the show, Robinson expressed amazement at the performance, saying:
“As the drummer in a touring music group for over 45 years, I have had the blessing of witnessing many incredible performances. However, last night at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, I had an experience like no other. The Japanese drumming group Kodō was spectacular. Fourteen young men and women displayed some of the most powerfully explosive expositions of master drumming technique and execution. Indeed, they performed with exquisite precision, dynamics, spirituality, and grace.”
Indeed, with the focus and discipline of Japanese Kabuki Theatre, personas are taken on as the drumming becomes a rhythmic dance across the stage. From the beginning to the end, the performance was enthralling. Moreover, the performers’ joy was infectious. This talented array of young musical artists in incredible athletic shape cherish what they are blessed to do.
To close out this review of a truly wonderful experience, let us return to Miles Robinson and his take on the genius of Kodō. With a big smile, he revealed his feelings:
“At the Walt Disney Concert Hall, we beheld a display of robust, explosive percussive music executed with exceptional dynamics that were simultaneously deeply primal and eloquent. The orchestration of drums, melodic percussion, flutes, and plucked string instruments made this performance by Kodō so inspiring and fresh. It felt like ancient Olympiads performing Taiko drum martial arts flawlessly and precisely.”
