Motofumi Yamaguchi
Sound
Biography
Motofumi Yamaguchi joined Sado no Kuni Ondekoza in 1980 and was one of the founding members of Kodo in 1981. He began to study fue (bamboo flute) on his own in 1980, and later went on to firmly establish the instrument’s expressive role within the taiko ensemble. On stage, Yamaguchi is featured on fue, kokyu (Japanese violin), koto (harp) and shamisen (banjo). He is an experienced programme director and one of the group’s principal composers, creating new pieces for Kodo and for the soundtracks of film and plays. In 1988 he began solo work under the title “Ikkan Fugetsu,” and in 2009 he released an eponymously named album— Yamaguchi’s first as a soloist. He became a Kodo Distinguished Member in 2012. In addition to his work with Kodo, Yamaguchi still passionately performs under the “Ikkan Fugetsu” name, and regularly teaches shinobue (transverse bamboo flute) workshops. His second solo album, “Ikkan Fugetsu Vol. 2: Tomoshibi,” was released in May 2015.
Known For
Paul Racine, a high-powered American business executive in Japan, is catapulted into a maze of danger and intrigue after he and his sexy companion are the targets of assassins hired by the ruthless Kinjo. To survive, Racine must join forces with a powerful samurai and together they will fight the force of evil in an awesome battle rooted in centuries of brutal conflict.
The Hunted
Live action documentary footage of a concert by the Kodo drummers of Japan at the Acropolis, Greece, in 1995, with commentary by members of the drum group concerning the concert and the drum troupe
Kodō: Live at the Acropolis
Kodo's first original video performance, recorded at Ryotsu Shimin Kaikan on Sado Island, Japan. Tracklist 1. Zoku 2. Lion 3. Yamauta / O-Daiko 4. Irodori
Kodō
KODO has been exploring the limitless possiblities of the traditional Japanese drum, "Taiko" for over 30 years. In their pursuit of striving to take their theatrical art further, KODO has actively been seeking new collaborations with other musicians and mentors. One result of this can be seen in "One Earth Tour Special", a performance that has Tamasaburo Bando, one of Kabuki's most renowned performers, serving as artistic director. Under Tamasaburo's keen direction, KODO's aim is to reincarnate their performance, not just a mere improvement in quality, but to reinvent their performance with power and grace. It will show KODO's journey back to the basics of drumming to capture the beauty of simple movement. With sold our tours and over 500,000 units sold in the US, KODO will continue to captivate American audiences with the "One Earth Tour Special" release.
Kodō - One Earth Tour Special
This live Video is a recording of the powerful stage finale of "Kodo 30th Anniversary One Earth Tour 2011," held at Tokyo's Aoyama Theatre in December 2011 after an extensive nationwide tour throughout Japan.