Kodo

Tuesday, February 12th, 2008

Saw Kodo at the Liverpool Philharmonic and I have to say I had a really good time. I’ve heard their music on CD but it just isn’t the same as feeling the vibration of the big drums run through you. It’s not just about big drums though there were subtler pieces played on shamisen, flute and drums. Then there is the complex rythms of massed smaller drums which isn’t to say they can’t kick up some volume when they’re really getting hit.

Add into the mix some acrobatics, some comedy, a dragon formed by a woman playing the drum while standing on a man’s shoulders, four oni and a bit of audience participation and there’s plenty of spectacle. The audience was a real mix from shocking red haired punks through rockeers to classical music lovers. It was great to see so many children in a concert hall too.

I’ve not forgotten about my lighting tutorials – before I started writing this I made notes on the rig that was used tonight so I can use it for inspiration. It was simple but effective. No overly distracting changes just simple fades and with enough variety to add to the show.

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