Kenny Endo Taiko

Rhythm Central: Taiko, Tabla and Timbales

Taiko artist KENNY ENDO comes together with tabla master ABHIJIT BANERJEE and award-winning Latin percussionist JOHN SANTOS for a percussion summit that celebrates three of the world's most euduring drum traditions and creates three world premieres, composed by each of them, that interweave theirs styles and instrumentation.

With the drum at center stage, the three take the most basic roots of music and rhythm that speaks to all cultures--we all have a heartbeat, after all--and creates sophisticated and complex percussion dynamics that will have the audience cheering. Unlike other percussion exchanges that often resemble jam sessions, this project creates three new and integrated works, each drawing from its roots but creating a synthesis that embraces them all, a metaphor for our global connections.

KENNY ENDO, Taiko (Japanese drum)
"Jazzy...earthy...sassy....Music that comes from the spirit!" (Nadir Magazine, Tokyo)
One of the leading personas in contemporary percussion and rhythm, Kenny Endo is at the vanguard of the taiko genre, continuing to pave new paths in this Japanese style of drumming. A performer, composer, and teacher of taiko, he has received numerous awards and accolades. He was the first foreigner to be honored with a natori, stage name, in Japanese classical drumming. Kenny Endo is a consummate artist, blending Japanese taiko with rhythms influenced from his jazz background and collaborations around the world into original melodies and improvisation. For more information. www.kennyendo.com

ABHIJIT BANERJEE, Tabla (Indian drums)
"In this age of World music, renowned percussionist Abhjit Banerjee and his ensemble ...strike a different note...." Hindusthan Times, Kolkata
Kenny met tabla master Abhijit Banerjee through UCLAs Appex project, and was subsequently a guest artist with Banerjees Tarang Ensemble in India. Through these collaborations, the seeds of this project emerged. Banerjee is considered among the front ranking tabla players from India, one of the most-sought after artists in the realm of Indian classical music. He is renowned for his unique style and creative approach, for his sensitivity, skill and deep sense of musicality. In addition to his contributions to Indian music he has left his mark in a diverse field of crossover music both as a performer and composer. www.abhijitbanerjee.com

JOHN SANTOS, Latin percussion
"..he can always get a groove going."
East Bay Express, Oakland
Five-time Grammy nominee, and US Artists Fellow, John Santos is one of the foremost exponents of Afro-Latin music in the world today. He is known for his innovative use of traditional forms and instruments in combination with contemporary music, as well as for his groundbreaking work in bringing together styles, rhythms, concepts and artists from different generations. With over 35 years of performing and teaching, he has earned much respect and recognition as an educator, composer, and record and event producer. www.johnsantos.com

.