Taiko-based bands in Scotland
Painted X-Ray (formerly known as Ilk) – a Glasgow-based band with taiko (Georgie McGeown & Alison Roe), guitar (Jer Reid), bass (Ali Begbie), violin (Rafe Fitzpatrick) – “a band with taiko at its heart”.
Issho Taiko Drummers – Glasgow experimental taiko band with Shane Connolly, Lucy Searle and guest musicians – “Issho Taiko Drummers explore new sounds using Japanese taiko drums and collaborations with other musicians to create a new direction within this musical form.”
Velma – a flute project by Georgie McGeown which sometimes features taiko.
Taiko Groups in Scotland
There are many taiko groups in Scotland, including:
Mugenkyo – Scotland’s first taiko group, founded by Neil Mackie & Miyuki Williams – “Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers are the UK’s longest established taiko ensemble, and Europe’s only professional touring company of this thrilling & energetic performing art.”
Tsuchigumo Daiko – a taiko group in Glasgow – “Tsuchigumo Daiko is a Japanese style drumming group dedicated to studying, teaching, and performing the art of Taiko Drumming. Our aim is to raise awareness of the art within our local community and beyond, promoting its many benefits to general health and wellbeing, whilst highlighting the richness of Japanese culture through our classes, workshops, and performances.”
2taiko – a taiko duo of Alison Roe and Yumi Célia, started in Montréal, Canada, and now based in Scotland and France – “it takes two to taiko….”
Other taiko projects
Some members of Painted X-Ray take part in taiko and dance projects from time to time.
Taiko in Wales
Another Celtic country with a growing taiko scene.
Aber Taiko – “a community-drumming group based in Swansea (South Wales)”
Taiko Mynydd Du (Black Mountain Taiko) – “the first community Taiko drumming group in Wales” based near Crickhowell (and the Black Mountains)
Taranau – ” a women’s taiko group based in South Wales” – with members from Aber Taiko and Taiko Mynydd Du
Other Taiko Friends
Tamashii Taiko, London – founded by Liz Walters, “Tamashii perform exciting and energetic traditional and contemporary pieces” mainly based on the Hokuriku style of taiko from Western Japan – also giving all kinds of classes and workshops
East City Taiko, London – “Drum on the city fringe” – a very cool taiko dojo in Bethnal Green founded by Derek Sansom, focusing on Hokuriku style – with classes by Liz Walters of Tamashii Taiko and Derek – East City Taiko also sell taiko and accessories (at good prices).
Taiko West, Shropshire – founded by James Barrow who’s been teaching taiko in the UK since 1993, “Taiko West specialises in leading high-energy, hands-on Taiko Drumming workshops and Taiko performance projects throughout the UK, offering a professional and flexible approach within an ever increasing range of settings, abilities and age groups.”