"The youngsters of On Ensemble just simply tore up the second half of the show. This is one of the most innovative and musically fresh groups ever to take the stage in the big hall (Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts). From the magical sound of the opening “Gengakki” and its 13 string “okoto” playing to the lyrical and delicious “Watashi Watashitachi” the On Ensemble was playing with utterly esoteric instruments vibrant music you could hear on the radio and really dig... This is a very talented and unique group with the guts to take a centuries old art form to another level."
Glen Creason, Performance Review, CerritosInk, March 2007
"On Ensemble is an exciting taiko ensemble looking at new ways to apply traditional Japanese drums... Be it English lyrics, throat singing, melodically rhythmic koto passages, traditional flutes, or electronic manipulation, the exciting range of taiko drums solidly supports the pieces. From the deep tones of the largest taiko to the intricate patterns of the shime daiko the compositions are interesting with plenty of exciting drumming."
Martin Patmos, “Dust and Sand” CD Review, Modern Drummer Magazine, April 2006
"Using traditional taiko (Japanese drum) music as a springboard for their contemporary world fusion mix, On Ensemble beautifully combines folk, jazz and rock into a tightly-woven fabric making full use of acoustic potential before adding tasteful electronic colors. Their music has a calm and meditative center about it- there is a steadiness, a wholesome, humble beauty that journeys inward for more variety as opposed to adding on ideas from the outside. Featuring both instrumental tracks and those with vocals, their innovative vocabulary bends and refreshes the imagination."
CD Baby, "Dust and Sand" Review, August 2005
"With their latest release, Dust and Sand, On Ensemble propel the art form into mesmerizing territory with a swirling amalgamation of flutes, koto, turntables, and Tuvan throat singing astride propulsive poly-rhythmic drum patterns. The result is an album that is completely original and brilliantly conceived..."
Brian Moore, “Dust and Sand” CD Review, TransformOnline, November 2005
ON ENSEMBLE LIVE AT THE CERRITOS CENTER
With taiko (Japanese drums) as the foundation for its world fusion mix, On Ensemble is taking ancient instruments into new realms. The ensemble's four members, Masato Baba, Kristofer Bergstrom, Shoji Kameda and Kelvin Underwood, are individually recognized as leading artists in their field. As On Ensemble they combine their study and deep appreciation of tradition with equally formative experiences as DJs, electronic music producers, Jazz drummers, and rock bassists to create ground-breaking music.
In 2007, On Ensemble collaborated with the Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble to present SYTE/ON TAIKOX2 to a sold-out house at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. Featuring Tuvan throat singing, koto, bamboo flute, drum kit, turntable, taiko and percussion, this live performance captures all of the energy and innovation of an On Ensemble concert.
Recorded March 2, 2007
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
Cerritos, California
On Ensemble members - Masato Baba, Kristofer Bergstrom, Shoji Kameda and Kelvin Underwood
Guest Artists from the Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble - Naoko Amemiya, Ellen Bepp, Jimi Nakagawa and Kallan Nishimoto
Read more...