AllMovie

Though little known in the west, the wadaiko are in fact a unique type of Japanese percussion; the name translates literally as "wide drum." The drums in question may be of any size, from three feet high to massive drums as big as a small automobile, which the performer "rides" by straddling the top. Very specific qualities are necessary to play these drums properly, including strength, balance, grace and fluidity. In this performance release, ten veteran wadaiko drummers including Taiji Migita, Takahiro Miura, Naomi Koizumi and Keita Orimoto deliver a live set on their chosen instruments. Selections include "Wave," "Dragon Fall," "Living in Nature" and "Firecrackers."