Taiko
PLATE TECTONICS
Batari see the contemporary clash and fusion of cultures in Australia as similar to the endless collision of Tectonic plates, which have been separate for Aeons and come together, forming such phenomena as the Himalayas, or the music of Batari. We use the limitless potential of sound using ancient and modern technologies to explore archetypal dualities - sound and space, Yin and Yang, simplicity and complexity, etc. This CD is live recording of various performances of BATARI Contemporary Taiko Ensemble during 1999-2004.
About the music
'Gondwana' has existed as a huge primal continent 150 million years ago (late Jurassic), and was divided into five continents. A process of endless circular movement of the plates of the Earth, whereby in the future it will mix into one continent again - predicted by scientists that in 150 million years time Australia will physically crash into Japan. There is also an entire sea current circulating, which moves from the abyss to the surface every 4000 years. Approx every million years the Earth reverses its magnetic polarity. As water metamorphoses itself with various forms, the Earth's circular movement of plates also forms part of a huge, endless cyclical pendulum motion. We use Nature's circular flow as a metaphor to evoke the moment of Plate Tectonics in art and culture.
The music on this CD are all improvised, live recordings from National Folk Festival, ATC, in Australia in 1999 and also group's first national tour supported by the Kultour, National Touring Program by the Australia Council during August and November 2004.
| Produced by | Motoyuki Niwa | |
| Performers | Francis Gilfedder | woodwind |
| Tom Mikula | Taiko/percussion | |
| Motoyuki Niwa | Taiko/percussion | |
| Recording engineer | Darren Atkinson | |
| Remix engineer | Ben Lancini |
About the Taiko Fund
The proceeds from the sale of the Plate Tectonics CD will go to the Taiko Fund. Taiko Fund is a non-profit operation raising awareness of traditional Japanese arts and culture, and also medium for self-development through the practice of Taiko Drumming. The fund will support young people's study on Taiko drumming with various ways such as support international residency, coordinate Taiko workshops in Japan, Australia and Italy, and also international collaboration on Taiko drumming.
If you want to purchase Plate Tectonics CD e-mail: info@mufarm.net or send cheque or money order to Mu Farm; 1554 Kin Kin Road, Wolvi Queensland, Australia 4570.
Cost: AUS$25 for Australia, AU$28 for NZ, US$28 for United States, 18 Euro for Europe, and 2500 yen for Japan. This cost includes postage from Australia.
