YAMATO The Drummers of Japan put on a performance at the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center last Tuesday that was as much a performance piece as it was a musical concert.

The performers kept the audience captivated with their unique movements, style, sound and high energy. They provided a sound that was not only energetic, but also a sound that you could feel, literally, in your chest and feet, even from the top seats of the upper balcony. It was an amazing performance and a great way to learn about Japanese culture in a way that will stick.

YAMATO originally formed 20 years ago, using traditional taiko drums to create its unique sound. Taiko drums are its main instrument. The drums they used on tour were beautiful. Some were decorated with small brass knobs, but all were traditional taiko, with the oldest of them dating at more than 400 years old. This drum was expertly crafted and made of one piece of wood wrapped to form a barrel, with cowhide stretched over the top and bottom.

The group uses other traditional Japanese instruments as well to create melodies or bring comedy to a piece.

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, YAMATO is doing something that it has never done before. It us allowing a younger generation of drummers to tour. These and the other performers in the ensemble train every day, performing both strength and cardio exercises along with practicing the compositions.

To practice these pieces, they memorize written scores and make vocal beats to help them memorize the music as a group and keep the rhythm steady throughout the song.

Through these exercises, they are able to beat the drums with their full strength but they are also able to carry the large drums around the stage while jumping, dancing and playing them all at once.

The performance itself was an amazing sight to see. The YAMATO drummers create music and a story with just their instruments and movements around the stage. The drummers danced with ease while keeping their drums secure on their chests with straps slung over their shoulders.

YAMATO also brought comedy into the performance. At one point, a line of four artists started swaying together to the beat of the song. While this was happening, one player started swaying the wrong way only to have everyone stop and look at him until he started swaying to the beat, picking up where they left off.

In the third and final number, the audience was urged to join them in clapping out the beat, which made the number come to life. Audience participation in both numbers was amazing. Seeing everyone join in to clap out a beat or to stomp and yell together made the show feel more personal and alive.

The YAMATO drummers did an amazing job of making their art come to life.

The show is unlike any other. Be prepared to clap, yell and stomp, because you will want to do all of it as you feel and hear the music. 

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