KODO-HEARTBEAT: BEST OF KODO (CD)
Sony Music Japan

Kodo is a premier Japanese taiko drum group touring 29 cities across North America while on their 'One Earth Tour,' hitting Boston's Symphony Hall, March 22nd. The giant taiko drum delivers rumbling sounds synonymous with Kodo. Together they deliver 'Best of Kodo--25th Anniversary,' 14 pusating tracks. Delve into Kodo's world with the vibrations of, "Lion," "Zoku," "Ibuki," the spirited "Shake," followed by "Miyake" and the obsessive "Kyosui (O-daiko)." The group previously known as Ondekoza, had a powerful impact at its North American debut in the 1970s, running here in the Boston Marathon, and then hopping on a cart to start a full-on taiko performance. The rhythmic "Yatai-Bayashi" sets the pace, trailed by the rapid beat of "Berimbau Jam," stepping up to "Strobe's Nanafushi," the formative "Floor," the heartbeat sound of "Biei (Ethereal Flow)," and end with the double-barreled "Chonlima" and "Kuyurage." The throbbing sounds of the taiko drum is powerful!

By Bob Morello