2. About Isaku Kageyama “ A rare blend of tradition and innovation” Isaku Kageyama is one of the principal players of premiere taiko ensemble Amanojaku. One of the finest players of his generation, Isaku is a cultural ambassador that performs and teaches the traditional Japanese art form around the world. His distinct sound, strongly rooted in classical Japanese music, adds elements from a wide variety of music genres such as rock, jazz, electronic, Latin, and African, to produce a powerful groove that goes far beyond traditional taiko. Isaku has collaborated with avant-garde trumpeter Toshinori Kondo, DJ Yama aka Sahib, Africa percussionist Winchester Nii Tete, cosmic rock guitarist Cari, and is the band leader of rock-jazz ensemble Hybrid Soul. A powerful musician and icon of traditional Japanese culture, Isaku is one of the primary taiko drummers who will carry the art into the 21st century.
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4. Media Coverage Metropolis October 9, 2009 Japan Beat – “The Beat Ahead” A new collaboration seeks to drum up the future of taiko A new generation of taiko drummers is breaking out of the small world of traditional ensembles and plunging straight into the musical ferment of the 21st century. Isaku Kageyama, 27, and Yuu Ishizuka, 31, two young taiko icons who each have 20 years of experience, are among those making this sometimes risky journey. Even though they are rooted in traditional taiko, they’ve also explored a wide range of collaborations that place the ancient instrument in a modern context.
5. Media Coverage Tokyo Journal 2009 Summer Edition Taiko – A workshop for the soul… and one for the heart! Fortunately, Isaku Kageyama is a very good teacher and cheerfully encourages his students, dispensing useful tips and imparting new tricks about how to improve their abilities. So much so, in fact, that after a while even the clumsiest of his students is able to play a short melodic piece enthusiastically. Whatever one may say, Taiko is not simply about banging a drum; it also points towards an ethical perspective, namely that of hard work and discipline. It challenges you like a sport does. It is an ancient music, yet modern enough to enthrall thousands of young people. But, most of all, Taiko speaks a language which doesn’t need any words because not merely is it attempting to engage your ears, but it inevitably searches out your heart.
