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- Yataibayashi -



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This is a Taiko piece .

Yataibayashi appears on the following albums:

    AlbumShakuhachiKotoShamisen
    Taiko no Sekai  (Listen) Lee, Dr Riley Kelly

      Festival drumming from the town of Chichibu, in Saitama Prefecture, Yataibayashi represents a kind of rite of passage for taiko drummers. Extraordinarily difficult to play, this piece demands the utmost in physical and mental strength. Traditionally performed continuously for hours over one night in every year (December 3), the three chudaiko players beat their set patterns in various combinations of solos, duos and trios. Perched atop the giant, decorated yatai floats, they hold their drums between their legs, leaning back for maximum force, pounding their rhythms in joyful celebration.
      Making up the hayashi ensemble are the bamboo takebue flute, bell-like atarigane and the high-pitched shimedaiko. Their intricate double-time improvisations give respite to the three solo players as the float is raised and balanced on wooden poles allowing the unwieldy chassis to be maneuvered around the tight corners. Encouraged by the drummers and their thunderous sound, the men slowly make their way through the narrow streets of Chichi bu. An extreme test of endurance and power, Yataibayashi draws both player and listener alike into a frenzied vortex of rhythm and feeling.

      This piece was taught to us by Riley who performed it many times (with Eitetsu Hayashi) as a member of Ondekoza. For TaikOz "the Yatai" is the musical and technical base upon which everything else is built.



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