WOMAD

Kenny Endo

From Japan, United States

'Tradition as a Basis for Innovation' - Kenny Endo is a performer/composer and a leading spirit in contemporary taiko. Utilizing the traditional Japanese drum in innovative collaborations, his music blends taiko with rhythms influenced from around the world in original melodies and improvisation. Trained in western drums and percussion from early childhood, Endo began his studies of kumi daiko (ensemble drumming) in 1975 with Kinnara Taiko of Los Angeles and the San Francisco Taiko Dojo. In 1980, Endo embarked on a decade-long odyssey in Japan studying with the masters of hogaku hayashi (classical), matsuri bayashi (festival), and kumi daiko. He is the first non-Japanese national to be honored with a natori (stage name and master's degree) in hogaku hayashi, and has an M.A. in Music specializing in ethnomusicology from the University if Hawai'i. Recently, Endo has performed as a taiko soloist with the Honolulu Symphony, the Hong Kong Philharmonic, with percussionist Kiyohiko Semba and the Hawaii Opera Theater Endo's original compositions and performances have been well received by audiences throughout the world. As a composer, Endo has released three CDs: 'Eternal Energy' (1995), 'Hibiki' (1998), and 'Jugoya' (2000). Resident in Hawaii, Endo maintains an active schedule performing, collaborating, composing, and teaching while also serving as Artistic Director of Taiko Center of the Pacific, a school of traditional Japanese drumming based in Honolulu.