On Ensemble, Kaoru Watanabe & Sumie Kaneko Set for ARATANI WORLD SERIES Tonight

Sheer exuberance and spirituality of approach push the On Ensemble to the forefront of the Taiko world. On Ensemble shares a program with musicians Kaoru Watanabe and Sumie Kaneko as part of the inaugural ARATANI World Series of global music and dance. The series celebrates the songs, sounds, and dance of seven ensembles - both local and international - from Africa, India, Hawaii, Philippines, Japan, Bulgaria, Latin America, Central Java, Brazil, New York, and Los Angeles who are carrying forth and transforming their rich cultural traditions.

Founded by childhood friends Shoji Kameda and Masato (Maz) Baba, On Ensemble has forged a new path for taiko by combining their study and deep appreciation of Japanese traditional music, then infusing the powerful rhythms of taiko with myriad musical influences, ranging from rock and electronica to odd-meter grooves, soaring melodies, and central Asian overtone singing. Shoji and Maz were taught taiko at an early age (8 and 6) by Maz's parents, accomplished taiko players and jazz musicians Jeanne Mercer and Russel Baba, who started one of the first children's taiko groups in the United States. Shoji and Maz have been making music together for over 30 years and are recognized as two of the brightest stars in the taiko world.

The group has released three critically acclaimed albums, Dust and Sand, Ume in the Middle, and Bizarre Heroes, and their music was featured in the award winning short film Yamasong. Critics have called their unique sound "completely original and brilliantly conceived." On Ensemble is supported by one of Japan's most important traditional-culture bearers, Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten, instrument maker for the emperor of Japan. Shoten's support empowers On Ensemble to utilize authentic, rare Japanese instruments in their fearless exploration of taiko. In 2013 On Ensemble was the first American taiko group to be invited to perform at the National Theater of Japan for the prestigious Nihon no Taiko concert series.

New York based Kaoru Watanabe and Sumie Kaneko are accomplished artists in their own right who share On Ensemble's drive to create new artistic possibilities for traditional Japanese instruments. Kaoru Watanabe, North America's most accomplished shinobue (bamboo flute) virtuoso, masterfully incorporates Jazz melodies and improvisation with Japanese folk and classical traditions. Watanabe is Artistic Director of Earth Celebration, Kodo's annual world music festival on Sado Island.

Singer/songwriter Sumie Kaneko blends her koto and shamisen training from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts with a background in Jazz vocal performance from Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA).

Together with On Ensemble, these artists transverse boundaries effortlessly create music that speaks across generations and cultures.

"On Ensemble is not your typical taiko group. And the music they create is not your typical taiko repertoire... while taiko forms the major base for their music their sound is much more complex than just Japanese drums. Throughout the evening, they managed to add koto, fue, melodica, trap set, cajon, frame drum, gamelan, chappa and throat singing to the mix, creating a unique and mesmerizing sound... On Ensemble takes taiko way beyond is folkloric roots and moves it into new frontiers." On Ensemble: Taiko and Beyond. Stan Shikuma, International Examiner

"Kaoru Watanabe: a rare musician who traverses the traditional music forms both East and West, classical and contemporary, predetermined and improvisational. His expertise in taiko drumming and bamboo flutes gives his music both force with extreme delicacy. His superb musicianship makes him a joy to create with. He enriches any musical situation with his unique perspective." Jason Moran (Jazz Pianist, Blue Note Recording Artist).

The Aratani World Series presents seven different programs over the course of six months. Curated and Produced by Judy Mitoma, Director of the World Festival of Sacred Music-Los Angeles, the series is a co-presentation with the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center and the World Festival of Sacred Music-Los Angeles.