fubuki daiko - Agence Danielle Lefebvre

FUBU K I
DAIKO
Catapulting Japanese
drumming into the
21ST Century
FUBUKI
DAIKO
In ancient Japan, taiko drums were used to frighten invaders and
communicate with neighbouring villages. For over 20 years, Fubuki
Daiko has been reinventing this traditional art form--merging primal roots
with modern sensibilities. Collaborations with a wide range of groups
including the Winnipeg Singers, Moses Mayes and Ron Paley's Big
Band have continued to fuel their pursuit of excellence and innovation.
The group has thrilled audiences throughout Canada, the US, Mexico,
and Poland with their musicianship, humour, and sheer physical stamina.
Fubuki Daiko’s repertoire is comprised mainly of original compositions.
Hard driving percussive pieces alternate with gentle bamboo flute
melodies. Precision choreography and spontaneous full body movement
create a visual and aural spectacle that is part martial arts athleticism,
part dance, and all rhythm.
The core members, Hiroshi Koshiyama, Naomi Guilbert, and Bruce
Robertson, each have over 25 years of taiko experience, including a fouryear apprenticeship under Grandmaster Seiichi Tanaka, the father of
North American Taiko. After performing at Carnegie Hall with the San
Francisco Taiko Dojo and leaving with Tanaka's blessing, they relocated to
Winnipeg, Manitoba where they expanded into the current ensemble.
The group’s leader, Hiroshi Koshiyama, is the only Canadian formally
trained in the art of the Japanese Lion Dance by world renowned lion
dancer Nosuke Akiyama. He has appeared in Philip Kaufman’s feature
film Rising Sun and performed on the film’s soundtrack.
Fubuki Daiko’s self titled CD received a Prairie Music Award for
Outstanding Instrumental Recording.
FUBUKI DAIKO
PO BOX 222, STATION MAIN
WINNIPEG, MB R3C 2G9
EMAIL: [email protected]
WWW.FUBUKI.CA
PERFORMANCE S
F U BU K I
DA I KO
THE PERFORMANCE
Fubuki Daiko performs an almost exclusively original repertoire that
combines their North American roots with their traditional training.
The result is a unique phenomenon that is part martial arts athleticism,
part dance, and all rhythm. Humorous and educational narratives
between pieces help to establish an immediate connection with
audiences and demystify this ancient musical tradition. Interactive school
performances include hands-on and question and answer sessions.
“Move Heaven and Earth to get to their show. It really is one of
those experiences that alters how we look at things.”
Nils Ling, actor, playwright, CBC commentator
“Some of the most overwhelmingly visceral and hypnotic
music on the scene today.”
Rachel Stone, Stylus magazine
“This show has it all: musicality, choreography, drama, history, culture
and ohh boy has it got rhythm! If you weren’t catching this beat you
must be dead because these rhythms are as contagious as they are
well choreographed.”
Jennifer Jaensch, Artsbeat - Huronia
“High energy showmanship”
Bartley Kives, Winnipeg Free Press
“Breathtaking, grand spectacle. The band resemble human tornadoes
circling their drums as they strike the skins.”
Lee Richard, Stylus Magazine
“An auditory and visual extravaganza”
Lisa Moule, Opasquia Times
“Savvy members of Fubuki Daiko mix tradition with innovation.
The blurring of cultural boundaries...made for an evening of
constant surprises.”
James Heflin,Valley Advocate, Amherst, MA
F U BU K I
DA I KO
C H I L D R E N ’ S F E S T I VA L S , S C H O O L P E R F O R M A N C E S
A N D A RT I S T S I N T H E S C H O O L P R O J E C T S
“An intregral part of the festival’s success, providing top quality
entertainment in a highly professional manner.”
Neal Rempel, Winnipeg International Children’s Festival
“The members of the group were great to work with and were
excellent role models for the students visiting the site as young and
old saw natural athletic ability mixed in with the intensive drumming.”
Dee Adrian, Thunder Bay Children’s Festival
“It takes a very exciting show to captivate a large group of elementary
students for a whole hour!”
F. Scramstead, William S. Patterson School
“Some of our senior citizens showed up in wheel chairs and blankets
and they really got into the show.”
P. Formanek, Hardcastle School, Saskatchewan
“I have not worked with any other group that is this organized with
that special gift that captivates the children for an entire week.”
L. Gilbart, William S. Patterson School
“They made every student feel special.”
S. Outhwaite, Killarney Collegiate
“Students were able to see the value music can play in their everyday
lives. They were exposed to something completely new.”
L. McPahil, Rosenfeld Elementary School
“Amazing and immediate connection with the students.”
M. Sheppard, Austin Elementary School
“I was amazed at the product and the process. They were extremely
professional and expected respect, and did so in a fun, learning manner.
It was one of the best arts programs I have ever seen!”
C. Deans,Victory School
F U BU K I
DA I KO
P E R F O R M A N C E S - F U L L C O N C E RT
CANADA
Sean O’Sullivan Theatre, Brock University - St. Catharines, ON
Orillia Opera House - Orillia, ON
Empire Theatre - Belleville, ON
Capitol Theatre and Arts Centre - Windsor, ON
The Octave Theatre - Kingston, ON
USA
Irving L.Young Auditorium, University of Wisconsin - Whitewater, WI
University of Massachusetts - Amherst, MA
Festival Concert Hall, NDSU - Fargo, ND
Seabury Center, Berea College - Berea, KY
Kilworth Chapel, University of Puget Sound - Puget Sound, WA
Southern Theater - Minneapolis, MN
Beier Auditorium, University of Montana Western - Dillon, MT
Alberta Bair Theater - Billings, MT
Washington Pavillion - Sioux Falls, SD
-
F U BU K I
DA I KO
F E S T I VA L S
CANADA
Winnipeg Folk Festival - Winnipeg, MB
Stan Rogers Folk Festival - Canso, NS
Trout Forest Music Festival - Ear Falls, ON
Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival - Salmon Arm, BC
Winnipeg New Music Festival - Winnipeg, MB
Open Ears Festival - Kitchener, Waterloo, ON
Canadian Tulip Festival - Ottawa, ON
Elora Festival - Elora, ON
Festival of the Lights - Charlottetown, PEI
Pan American Games - Winnipeg, MB
Pride Toronto - Toronto, ON
Winnipeg Fringe Festival - Winnipeg, MB
Winnipeg International Children’s Festival - Winnipeg, MB
London International Children’s Festival - London, ON
USA
International Taiko Festival - Berkeley, CA
2007 North American Taiko Conference - Seattle, WA
Ethnic Festival - Walker, MN
U.S. National Dragon Boat Races - Ft. Dodge, IA
Duluth Superior Dragon Boat Race Festival - Duluth, MN
CORPORATE PERFORMANCES
Hockey Canada
World Curling Championships
Pfizer Canada
Sega
Rogers AT & T
Lucent Technologies
Asia Pacific Foundation
Canadian Hard of Hearing Conference
Canadian Respiratory Therapist Convention
Institute of Public Administrators
Manitoba Association of Registered Nurses
Manitoba Pharmacy Association
Manitoba Teacher’s Society
Winnipeg Fire Department Fire Chief’s Conference
PRE S S
!
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F U BU K I
DA I KO
PRESS
Originally published in the Pioneer, Jan. 22, 2014!
FABULOUS FUBUKI!
By Jennifer Jaensch
Wow and wow again! The Fubuki Daiko
concert at the Orillia Opera House November
3rd was an incredible musical experience, and
I’m sorry to report that more people weren’t
there to appreciate this awesome performance.
Those that were in attendance know just how
much more there is to an evening of Traditional
Japanese Drumming that ‘just drumming’.
Fubuki Daiko are a tight group of four friends
(and family) who truly move to the beat of their
own drum.
Musicality, Choreography,
Drama, History, Culture and
ohh the rhythms!
The Opera House’s Mark Hurst worried
whether or not he may have brought these guys
back to town too soon (they were here last
year for an equally impressive performance with
a similar audience response)...he may be right,
but I think the biggest issue is letting people
know what they’re actually missing.
And they are missing out on something
very special. This show has it all: musicality,
choreography, drama, history, culture and ohh
boy has it got rhythm! If you weren’t catching
this beat you must be dead because these
rhythms are as contagious as they are well
choreographed - each member of the group
holding their own and moving seamlessly from
one percussion instrument and location on
the stage to the next.
Originally published in the Orillia Review
September 12, 2007
All of the songs are performed from memory impressive in it’s own right - but with everyone’s
arms and drumsticks flying at precisely timed
intervals it’s amazing no-one lost an eye! Of
course these four have been at this together for
eight years now - Bruce joining the other three
a couple of years after the groups inception in
San Francisco a decade ago.
Based in winnipeg, Hiroshi Koshiyama is the
only Canadian formally trained in the art
of Japanese Lion dance - an element they
introduce into the show with great humour and
appeal to all ages. Hiroshi and fellow Fubuki
member Naomi both also play the flute - a
bamboo one at that - which adds a distinctive
flavour and melody to the already intoxicating
rhythms of their music, most of which they have
also composed.
Naomi’s sister Kimi Guilbert is the fourth
member of the group whose name by the way
means Blizzard Drums - and that is a most
fitting description. The arm muscles on these
people are incredible - illustrating the physical
demands required to play the taiko drums.
Whe the huge drum is wheeled centre stage
and beaten from both sides - each drummer
with arms above their heads, muscles taunt,
gutteral yells inciting them on - it’s unlike
anything else you’ll ever experience.
I came away from this concert with a new
found respect and admiration for the art of
Japanese drumming and for the dedication and
talent of Fubuki Daiko. I have a copy of their
cd Zanshin, released in April 2004, and I haven’t
stopped listening to it...I just wish I knew how
to drum along! Check them out yourself at
www.fubuki.ca.
!
!
!
!
F U
!
!
!
!
Fubuki Daiko Brings Art Of Taiko
Drumming To Sackville
By Ken Kelley
BU K I
FABULOUS FUBUKI!
By Jennifer Jaensch
DA I KO
PRESS
Originally published in the Mus cnerd Chronicles
February 3, 2014
Originally published in the Orillia Review
September 12, 2007
The Mount Allison Performing Arts Series hosts a performance of
“It is so incredibly satisfying to be able to share this knowledge with
thunderous proportions Tuesday night when it welcomes the
students,” he says. “It is particularly satisfying to see how well kids
All of the songs are performed from memory Wow
and wow
again!
The Fubuki
Daiko
Winnipeg-based taiko drum ensemble
Fubuki
Daiko
(translated,
their
who might be troubled take to the drumming. Teachers are
impressive
in it’satown
with who
everyone’s
concert
at
the
Orillia
Opera
House
November
group name means “Blizzard Drums”).
constantly
amazed
theright
way -a but
student
typically has trouble
and
drumsticks
flying
at
precisely
3rd was an incredible musical experience, and endsarms
up thriving in this kind of learning. timed
intervals it’s amazing no-one lost an eye! Of
I’marts,
sorrychoreography,
to report thatathleticism,
more people weren’t
Their live show encompasses martial
course
these
this is
together
for tradition,
meditation and, of course, a healthythere
dosetoofappreciate
rhythm. this awesome performance. “And
because
thefour
wayhave
we been
teachattaiko
based upon
eight
years
now
Bruce
joining
the
other
three
learning is completely regimented and so a child in the autism and
Although the origins of taiko drumsThose
date back
moreinthan
1,000 years,
a couplespectrum
of years after
the groups
inception
in way we explain
that were
attendance
know just how Asperger’s
responds
especially
well. The
the modern style of taiko drumming
originated
in post-Second
World
technique
matches
the ago.
way that their minds work.”
Francisco
a decade
much
more there
is to an evening
of Traditional the San
War Japan. It has experienced phenomenal
over
the‘just
lastdrumming’.
50
Japanese growth
Drumming
that
years; it is estimated that there areFubuki
more Daiko
than 8,000
schoolHiroshi
system,Koshiyama
Hiroshi says
that the group teaches
Basedofinthe
winnipeg,
is the
are ataiko
tight groups
group ofinfour friends Outside
Japan.
a week
to students
range
onlytwice
Canadian
formally
trainedwho
in the
art from 14 to 65 years in
(and family) who truly move to the beat of theirclasses
age.ofBecause
no written
music they
for the students to learn,
Japanesethere
Lionisdance
- an element
own drum.
While almost any drummer will tell you that their musical instrument is
Hiroshi
notesinto
thatthe
it takes
lot of
discipline
to and
become an effective
introduce
showawith
great
humour
one of the most physical of all instruments, taiko drumming takes that
taiko
drummer.
appeal
to
all
ages.
Hiroshi
and
fellow
Fubuki
to a whole different level. As opposed to the “traditional” drummer
“It is a lot of practise and training but our student group actually
member Naomi both also play the flute - a
who uses his arms and feet to play, taiko drumming is a full-body
performs fairly regularly,” he says. “We are always keeping an eye on
bamboo one at that - which adds a distinctive
experience.
students that show an inclination to performing as much as possible.”
flavour
and
melody
thebest
already
intoxicating
Hiroshi
says
that
one oftothe
perks
of performing as a part of
rhythms
mostofofshows
which that
they they
have are able to
The founding members of Fubuki Daiko, Hiroshi Koshiyama and Naomi
Fubuki
Daikoofistheir
the music,
wide array
also
composed.
Guilbert, have more than 20 years of taiko experience under their
perform. He says that the group is fortunate to be received so well
belts. This includes four years of apprenticeship under Grandmaster
whether they are performing for pre-school children, a punk festival
Seiichi Tanaka, generally known as the father of North American taiko.
Naomi’s
sister KimiSymphony
Guilbert isOrchestra.
the fourth
or with
the Winnipeg
member of the group whose name by the way
Their music has taken them across Canada and the United States and
“The
primitive
nature
of what
doisallows
means
Blizzard
Drums
- andwe
that
a mostthe show to be almost
as far away as Poland and Mexico. They
have played
festivals, concert
universally
appreciatedThe
wherever
we go.onBut
like the show that we
fitting description.
arm muscles
these
Musicality,
Choreography,
halls and schools, collaborating withDrama,
a wide array
of groups
including and
willpeople
be performing
in Sackville,
there the
is a physical
lot of variety to the program
are incredible
- illustrating
History,
Culture
choirs, ballet companies and jazz groups.
withdemands
respect required
to the intensity
of the
pieces
we play.
to play the
taiko
drums.
ohh the rhythms!
“Naomi and I met after we trained together in San Francisco,” Hiroshi
Whe the huge drum is wheeled centre stage
says. “We ended up wanting to be together and so I moved to
“The
show
isn’tfrom
just both
two hours
relentlessly
and
beaten
sides - of
each
drummerloud drumming,” he
The Opera House’s Mark Hurst worried
Winnipeg, launching the group in 1995.”
laughs.
“We
also
include
a
lot
of
soft,
melodic interludes as well as
whether or not he may have brought these guys with arms above their heads, muscles taunt,
full pieces throughout the show.”
gutteral
yells
inciting
them
on
it’s
unlike
back
to
town
too
soon
(they
were
here
last
Fubuki Taiko is rounded out by Giselle Mak and Bruce Robertson.
anything else you’ll ever experience.
year for andojo
equally
performance withFubuki
Bruce was a part of the same San Francisco
thatimpressive
brought Naomi
Daiko has released two albums to date: their self-titled debut
a similar
audience
response)...he
and Hiroshi together. And though he
initially
travelled
between may be right, (2000) won the group the Prairie Music Award for Outstanding
I came away
from thisFour
concert
with
a new
I think the to
biggest
issue
letting
California and Winnipeg, he endedbut
up relocating
Canada
toisjoin
the people
Instrumental
Recording.
years
later,
the group released Zanshin.
found respect
andenjoys
admiration
for theof
artrecording
of
know what they’re actually missing.
group on a full-time basis.
Although
the group
the process
music, making
Japanese
drumming
and
for
the
dedication
and
and manufacturing records can be a time-consuming
and expensive
Giselle first met the group after seeing
perform
a Winnipeg
talent of Fubuki Daiko. I have a copy of their
And them
they are
missingatout
on something
project.
Fringe Festival about 15 years ago. very
She joined
group
a student
cd Zanshin, released in April 2004, and I haven’t
special.the
This
showashas
it all: musicality,
three years later and has been actively
playing
with
the
group
the and ohh “The
stopped
listeningofto
it...I just the
wishtime
I knew
combination
managing
and how
finances associated with
choreography, drama, history,for
culture
last eight years.
a record
completed
can seem
quite daunting
at times,”
to drum
along!
Check them
out yourself
at
boy has it got rhythm! If you weren’t catching getting
Hiroshi
says. “It can be a fun venture too of course but the live show
www.fubuki.ca.
this beat you must be dead because these
‘‘The group maintains a schedule of 80 to 100 shows each year. A big
really provides the best representation of what we do. Having the
rhythms are as contagious as they are well
component of their careers is the educational aspect that goes along
opportunity
to see the visual aspects associated with the show
choreographed - each member of the group
with taiko drumming. Hiroshi estimates that the group spends upwards
holding their own and moving seamlessly from provides the audience with a much richer experience.”
of 15 weeks annually travelling through Manitoba’s schools, teaching
students about taiko drumming. one percussion instrument and location on
the stage to the next.
!
F U BU K I
DA I KO
PRESS
FABULOUS FUBUKI!
By Jennifer Jaensch
Wow and wow again! The Fubuki Daiko
concert at the Orillia Opera House November
3rd was an incredible musical experience, and
I’m sorry to report that more people weren’t
there to appreciate this awesome performance.
Those that were in attendance know just how
much more there is to an evening of Traditional
Japanese Drumming that ‘just drumming’.
Fubuki Daiko are a tight group of four friends
(and family) who truly move to the beat of their
own drum.
Musicality, Choreography,
Drama, History, Culture and
ohh the rhythms!
The Opera House’s Mark Hurst worried
whether or not he may have brought these guys
back to town too soon (they were here last
year for an equally impressive performance with
a similar audience response)...he may be right,
but I think the biggest issue is letting people
know what they’re actually missing.
And they are missing out on something
very special. This show has it all: musicality,
choreography, drama, history, culture and ohh
boy has it got rhythm! If you weren’t catching
this beat you must be dead because these
rhythms are as contagious as they are well
choreographed - each member of the group
holding their own and moving seamlessly from
one percussion instrument and location on
the stage to the next.
Originally published in the Orillia Review
September 12, 2007
All of the songs are performed from memory impressive in it’s own right - but with everyone’s
arms and drumsticks flying at precisely timed
intervals it’s amazing no-one lost an eye! Of
course these four have been at this together for
eight years now - Bruce joining the other three
a couple of years after the groups inception in
San Francisco a decade ago.
Based in winnipeg, Hiroshi Koshiyama is the
only Canadian formally trained in the art
of Japanese Lion dance - an element they
introduce into the show with great humour and
appeal to all ages. Hiroshi and fellow Fubuki
member Naomi both also play the flute - a
bamboo one at that - which adds a distinctive
flavour and melody to the already intoxicating
rhythms of their music, most of which they have
also composed.
Naomi’s sister Kimi Guilbert is the fourth
member of the group whose name by the way
means Blizzard Drums - and that is a most
fitting description. The arm muscles on these
people are incredible - illustrating the physical
demands required to play the taiko drums.
Whe the huge drum is wheeled centre stage
and beaten from both sides - each drummer
with arms above their heads, muscles taunt,
gutteral yells inciting them on - it’s unlike
anything else you’ll ever experience.
I came away from this concert with a new
found respect and admiration for the art of
Japanese drumming and for the dedication and
talent of Fubuki Daiko. I have a copy of their
cd Zanshin, released in April 2004, and I haven’t
stopped listening to it...I just wish I knew how
to drum along! Check them out yourself at
www.fubuki.ca.
F U BU K I
DA I KO
PRESS
BEAT THE DRUM
By James Heflin
The Canadian-JapaneseAmerican drummers of Fubuki
Daiko are emissaries of a
tradition that blends ancient
origins and modern flair.
When Hiroshi Koshiyama takes the mic, you
don’t expect to hear a Scottish accent. Neither
do you expect his claim that “Fubuki Daiko” is
Japanese for “if it’s not Scottish, it’s crap.” But
such cultural juxtapositions were the order of
the day when this drumming group took the
stage at UMass last week. And no, Koshiyama isn’t
actually Scottish. He’s a San Franciscan of Japanese
descent who lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba with his
wife and bandmate Naomi Guilbert, who’s halfJapanese, half French-Canadian. And Fubuki Daiko
means blizzard drums.
The blurring of cultural boundaries is certainly
to be expected from such a group, which also
includes Guilbert’s sister Kimi and native San
Franciscan Bruce Robertson (who, in keeping
with the tenor of the evening, pointed out that
he’s the only member “actually from Japan”),
but they are also playful emissaries of a specific,
ancient tradition. All have several years of
experience in that tradition, and three members
studied with the renowned San Francisco Taiko
Dojo, where they learned from Seiichi Tanaka,
considered the father of North American taiko.
The anything-goes aesthetic made for an
evening of constant surprises, a hard thing to
pull off when a group uses primarily the same
few drums in each piece. The tremendous
rumble of taiko (daiko is a variation of the
word, used in compound forms) might get
uninteresting fast, but the savvy members of
Fubuki Daiko mix tradition with innovation.
Not always successfully, perhaps -- Robertson’s
piece paying homage to Canadian rock band
Rush seemed awkward and even a bit staid in
comparison to the complex evolutions of the
group’s more traditional compositions.
Originally published in the Valley Advocate
March 17, 2005
It may be that the intricate nature of the
ensemble drumming -- a post-World War II take
on ancient Japanese solo and duo drumming
of misty origins -- is to be expected of an art
form developed in the 20th century. And indeed,
Daihachi Oguchi, one of the first to create
ensembles with Japanese drums, was a jazz
drummer. He set melodic patterns and different
rhythms against background rhythms, using the
drum roles as a symphonic composer might.
Largely as a result, taiko offers a great deal more
than dramatic pounding of big drums. Smaller,
high-pitched drums often keep a constant beat
while the larger drums weave in and out, creating
melodies and patterns at times resembling the
polyrhythms of West African drumming.
That separation of roles and resulting complexity
show in Fubuki Daiko’s playing -- against a set
backdrop, one drummer might play a part that
accelerates and decelerates, paying but nominal
attention to the other players.The only purely
melodic instrument on hand is the Japanese
flute. Add to that the spectacle of the dance-like
moves required to hit the drums with very large
sticks, and you have the elements to make an
intriguing show out of a minimal set of variables.
Seiichi Tanaka set out to make taiko a
commonplace term in the West, much like
karate or sushi. His San Francisco dojo is open
to all comers for just that reason, and it’s little
surprise that his students would move to
Winnipeg and spread the taiko word. It may not
be for everyone, but this marriage of martial arts
(Tanaka stresses its importance to taiko), dance
and musical skill can border on dazzling, and
there is, after all, something elementally satisfying
about producing a thunderous roar.
F U BU K I
DA I KO
PRESS
Originally published in the Brandon Sun, Oct. 2, 2007
A D V ER T ISIN G
F u bu k i
Da i ko
Ad M at s - C o l o U r
FUBUKI DAIKO
“fubuki”
and “zanshin” cds available now
Fubuki Daiko is appearing
WEEKday, MONTH, YEAR
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Da i ko
Ad M at s - C o l o U r
FUBUKI DAIKO
“fubuki”
and “zanshin cds available now
Fubuki Daiko is appearing
WEEKday, MONTH, year
LOCATION or VENUE, TIME pm
tickets AVAILABLE AT LOCATION
PHONE NUMBER
w w w . f u b u k i . c a
SQUARE FORMAT
F u bu k i
Da i ko
Ad M at s - C o l o U r
FUBUKI DAIKO
“fubuki”
and “zanshin cds available now
Fubuki Daiko is appearing
WEEKday,
MONTH,
Year
LOCATION or VENUE,
TIME pm
tickets AVAILABLE AT LOCATION
PHONE NUMBER
w w w . f u b u k i . c a
Horizontal FORMAT
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More photos are available in digital format on our website:
www.fubuki.ca