“TEN”

Ten is the second album by the Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers, recorded in our tenth anniversary year.

The roots of Mugenko lie in the taiko traditions of Fukui, where Neil & Miyuki trained under taiko master Masaaki Kurumaya Sensei before returning to Britain to form the group in 1994. Keeping to strong foundations in traditional taiko technique, Mugenkyo’s aim is to stay true to the spirit of taiko, while at the same time developing taiko as a powerful modern performing art, relevant to the time and place in which we live.

Mugenkyo have evolved in direction and approach, and this album is a reflection of that evolution. In recent years, the group have worked with different artists on a wide variety of collaborations and projects, using a range of instruments and sounds, some of which can be heard on this album.

Track listing:

• Mirage

Shinobue bamboo flute drifts in from another world like a mirage across the desert.

• Todoroki

“The Rumble of Thunder”, an electrifying taiko symphony using the fast mitsu-uchi rhythm, a stormer of a piece and highlight of our live shows.

• Shichisan Groove

A taiko track you can dance to. An improvised precursor to our live “Shichisan Stomp”, using the funky Shichisan rhythm.

• The Search

Yearning Shinobue flute duet developed while working with Hanayui, with a whispered poem inspired by “The Doors of Perception”.

• Odaiko

An Odaiko big drum solo, which takes great strength and stamina to perform. Using every ounce of energy and with intense passion, the player’s personal battle with the spirit of the drum ensues.

• Wheel of Samsara

On the theme of re-incarnation, with gong, chants and singing, written especially for a collaboration performed at the Edinburgh Fringe with “Company East” contemporary dance company from Tokyo.

• Phoenix

A powerful and moving taiko piece using the fast Shiburoku rhythm and improvised solos, originally written by Masaaki Kurumaya Sensei and performed in honour of his eternal inspiration. This piece perfectly captures the spirit of the group.

• Declaration of Rhythm

Hypnotic rhythms, didgeridoo and out-of-this-world dub sounds combine to create a taiko sound never heard before… or since!

• Procession

Happy procession piece reminiscent of the hot and sunny festival season using a Shichisan rhythm played on the east coast of Japan and hand-held Uchiwa drums traditionally played by Buddhist monks.

• Show Clips (Bonus CD ROM video short)

Total CD length: 50:22

     Players:

     Neil Mackie
     Miyuki Williams
     Teresa Brookes
     Adam Walker

Recorded at: Core Studios, Glasgow and CaVa Studios, Glasgow
Mastered at: Hiltongrove Studios, London