Links & Other Phun Stuph

Links to Other Taiko & Drum Sites

Kawada Taiko Drums - (http://www.kawadataiko.com), what can we say, the grapevine says the taiko "pros" use Asano, or Miyamoto. But, Kawada's prices are hard to beat. We have two of their shimedaiko, and have been playing them to death. So far they have stood up to a lot of abuse, we recommend them.

Rolling Thunder Taiko Resource - (http://www.taiko.com), Dave runs a great web site with links to almost anything "taiko." If you are looking for a resource, check this out.

Ondekoza - (http://members.aol.com/ZaOndekoza), the original group from Sado Island, who and along with Kodo, are responsible for the current worldwide popularity of taiko.

KODO - (http://www.sme.co.jp/Music/Info/KODO/index.html), to many people Kodo is taiko, their popularity has defined the art form. However, don't just stop after looking here, there are many professional groups in Japan - check them all out!

Amanojaku - (http://www.pat.hi-ho.ne.jp/amanojaku/Estart.html), Amanojaku is one of our favorite taiko groups. Amanojaku is based in Tokyo, and under the direction of Watanabe Yoichi, formerly a leader of "Sukeroku Daiko." The group has a few members but the core consists of Yoichi and 2 women drummers, Ogawa Hiromi and Kawana Mayumi - who are just amazing. Amanojaku is one of the most innovative groups on the taiko scene, combining many rhythmic influences with some truly beautiful taiko movement.

Marco Lienhard - (http://www.taiko.com/rt_presents/marco.html), Marco was for many years a member of Ondekoza, playing both taiko and shakuhachi. Currently he tours playing shakuhachi, and as a guest drummer with other taiko groups. He also conducts workshops for both taiko and shakuhachi. We have been fortunate enough to have Marco come to San Francisco and tudor us in special workshops.

San Jose Taiko - (http://www.taiko.org/), San Jose Taiko is one of the oldest and most innovative taiko groups in the United States. They perform regularly around the United States, and occasionally overseas. Don't miss the opportunity to see them. In addition to performances, those living in the San Jose area should check out their taiko workshops.

http://members.aol.com/larues/taiko.html

World Sphere Taiko - (http://www.worldsphere.net), World Sphere Taiko is a company based in Seattle, Washington. Dan Lindenmeyer is the taiko builder, and owner of World Sphere. Dan builds excellent taiko, using a combination of parts he manufactures himself and materials purchased through Kawada Taiko. His taiko are affordably priced, check his web site for purchase information. You can see some pictures of Dan's taiko on our DIY Taiko Photo Gallery page.

Kajiyama Taiko - (http://www.kajiyama.com), Kaji Yama Taiko is another Northern California community based taiko group. Kaji Yama Taiko is the creation of Trevor Tadashi Davidson and Jeff Shannon Davidson. This father and son team studied and performed with San Francisco Taiko Dojo for three years. "Kaji Yama Taiko" translates to "Fire Mountain Drums." The group derives its name from the 1991 Oakland Hills Fire Storm, which is where they continue to live and build their drums. We have performed with Kaji Yama Taiko many times. Phil is currently teaching classes with them in Alameda.

Eden Aoba Taiko - (http://www.concentric.net/~masaf), Eden Aoba Taiko is based in Hayward, California, and is under the direction of Masa Fukuizumi. They are a community based taiko group with a large childrens group in addition to their adult group. Eden Aoba Taiko was formed in 1997 to promote Japanese musical aspects of drumming to community members. It is also Eden Aoba's purpose to learn respect, harmony and unity through drumming together. We have enjoyed performing with Eden Aoba Taiko at many Bay Area events.

Drums From a Small Planet - (http://www.mninter.net/~thomasjp), Kenne Thomas from Minneapolis, MN. runs this web site. Kenne plays taiko, and lived and studied in Japan for many years. He is currently involved with various Japanese music and dance groups in Minneapolis. In addition to playing taiko, Kenne plays many percussion instruments from around the world. He is also music teacher, and community activist. Check out his bulletin board, and if you live near Minneapolis, check out his workshops, too.

Drums.com - (http://www.drums.com), a good drum site, with lots of manufacturers' info, classified ads, and links to other drummer's homepages and drum websites.

Drumweb.com - (http://www.drumweb.com), plenty of product and manufacturers' info, tons 'o links, bulletin boards, classifieds - bring your lunch, you're going to be there a while.

Rhythmweb.com - (http://www.rhythmweb.com), run by Eric Stuer - a fan of Ziggy Modeliste, so he knows what's what. His site really branches out to many aspects of rhythm and drumming, with lots of links to world music and ethnic drumming web sites. Rhythmweb also focuses on the spiritual side of music (you can bet someday they'll all be playing taiko).

Kalani Music - (http://www.kalanimusic.com), multi-percussionist, performer, and teacher - Kalani has a great site with some drumming exercises, an events calendar, and a large links page. Kalani can be found at many drum industry events demonstrating products and leading workshops. A good place to go for some inspiration.

Pete Lockett - (http://www.petelockett.com), Pete Lockett is one of the most versatile multi-percussionists currently in the UK. Pete has immersed himself in percussion and drums from every part of the globe, including taiko and other Asian percussion. Currently Pete is collaborating with taiko drummer & shakuhachi player Joji Hirota in a project called "Taiko to Tabla." Information and sound files can be found on Pete's web site.

Evelyn Glennie - (http://www.evelyn.co.uk), Evelyn Glennie's web site. Evelyn is one of the world's premier percussionists, and can play anything you can shake a stick at. We are all BIG admirers of Evelyn. Check her site for her tour information, and a list of recordings.

Percussion World - (http://percussion.simplenet.com), Percussion World covers a wide variety of drumming techniques and styles. From marching band & snare drum, to rock, latin and jazz. Lots of good links and online drum lessons. If you want to brush-up your chops & technique, jump here.

Drums & Drumming - (http://www.nowopen.com/drums), In our quest to become *international* we found Mike's page out of Australia. Surf by and find out what's up or down, "down under" in music and drumming. You will be greeted by a sound file, so turn up your speakers.

Links to Other Interesting Sites

Pamela Z - (http://www.sirius.com/~pamelaz), Phil met Pamela Z in his Japanese class at CCSF. She is one of the most talented performers out of the SF bay area. Check out her page, better yet see her live.

Hideo Sekino - Shakuhachi - (http://www.bayarea.net/~analatom/sekino/hideo.html), Hideo Sekino is a wonderfully talented Shakuhachi player who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. We have had the opportunity to collaborate with him for performances at the San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival, the Emeryville Outdoor Dance Festival to name a few. He has a very intuitive understanding of both Shakuhachi, and Fue (Japanese bamboo flutes) as well as taiko.

Michi Online - Journal of Japanese Arts - (http://www.michionline.org), "Michi Online" is a gathering place for everyone interested in the cultural arts of Japan. It is both an electronic journal and a collection of online resources for the Japanese arts community. "Michi Online" is published by the Sennin Foundation, Inc., a federally tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation.

Lennon Rehearsal Studios - (http://www.lennonstudios.com), this is where we rehearse in SF. A great place! Named after a great musician, and a hero of our generation.

Japanese Fue (flute) Websites:
(http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~dl1s-ymgc/)
(http://www.mitene.or.jp:80/~shoyama/efuemenu.html)

LanMinds - (http://www.Lanminds.com), our internet service provider. Take a look at their page. If you need internet service, give them a call.

Return to Tatsumaki Taiko's Homepage

OTHER BOOKMARKS - CHECK THEM OUT

JANET
http://www.janet.com/
(Sales and service for Japanese software, and all types of computer hardware)

Bridge to Japan
http://www.daiwa-foundation.org.uk
(A jump-station to Japan)

Jeffrey's Japanese<->English Dictionary
http://www.wg.omron.co.jp/cgi-bin/j-e
(Looking for the right word, but just can't remember....)

Classified by Keyword: Index
http://wanda.ee.tokushima-u.ac.jp/urls/word/
(Surf Japan)

Favorite Ukiyo-e (wood block print) Sites