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The
Barn at Bury Court, Bentley with Guo Yue - 28th Nov 2009 
We
very much enjoyed your performance on Saturday. My 16 year
old son is very keen on drumming and would love to do a workshop
so please let me know when the next one is.
Melanie Rose
We
saw you at Bury Court on Saturday night and were knocked out
by the performance of you and your team along Guo Yue.
Johnny Rath
Westend
Centre, Aldershot - 27th Oct 2009
Just
wanted to say thanks for a great night out at the West End
Centre recently and that I would very much like to go to the
Bentley Barn evening.
Chris Stone
Taiko
Summer School - Frensham - 3rd-6th Aug 2009
I
still look back with great pleasure to [the summer School].
I really liked your style of teaching and I hope, I can join
a future Summer School again. Are there some plans about 2010
already?
Pit Beck, Switzerland
I
was slightly nervous beforehand about playing with players
who had a lot more experience than me but that proved unfounded
as everyone was very supportive of each other and the tutors
skillfully differentiated the material in a musical way that
kept us all engaged and challenged.
My
expectations were exceeded on all levels. The venue and facilities
were superb. The food was good. The drums were beautiful to
play and the tutoring was pitched at a level that pushed me
but kept me positively engaged throughout. Mark is an expert
in his field with a 'sincerious' approach that fosters development
of all the right attitudes for taiko in his students. I felt
that I was learning a lot all of the time I was on the course.
There was no 'dead' time which for a group of that size is
quite an achievement.
I
think working towards a performance was useful in giving purpose
to the learning. I also enjoyed the revision of basics and
learning a piece as an ensemble - seeing how compositions
evolve 'live' in the room. I found the amount of actual playing
time very beneficial. Doing rather than talking about it.
It was very experiential and I like to learn that way.
Thank
you Mark and Janette for running such a great course. I really
enjoyed the experience - it has cemented my love for Taiko
and I look forward to playing more with you in the future.
Paul Crawford
It
was absolutley brilliant and I came away buzzing....I will
definitely be interested in anything else you hold at the
same venue.
I
love the way you get us to do what you want (or what we can)
without analysing every move; giving an instruction and not
changing it; keeping us working - teaching by doing and letting
us learn by doing and repeating.
It
was EXCELLENT value for money! good sleeping quarters (for
the minimal time we spent there); plenty of other indoor spaces
to use; meals were delicious, well thought out and varied
(and plentiful); beautiful grounds - and time to explore,
morning and evening. Madeleine
Rubach
It
was good to learn the chappa techniques (though my finger
still hurts from doing it wrong!)
I
found the Oshimedaiko practice the most useful, as I don’t
normally have the opportunity to play it. De-briefing of the
performance was useful, “stage-presence” and coaching on stage
entrance and movement between drums. Musicality.
Yvonne Chadderton
'The
course was intensive and provided the opportunity to really
focus on taiko technique and performance. Having looked at
videos from the course, I can verify that Mark and his assistant's
comments really focused in on what I needed to improve, and
supported the development of good technique. My confidence
has improved considerably. The venue was also relaxing and
supportive of 'downtime' after each session.The grounds are
wonderful, and were used by many of us for early morning exercise/tai
chi, which also helped us during the course.
Anna Jones
Brilliant
4 days and I feel stronger already. Wonderful to see your
group play and be part of that. Thankyou for personal feedback.
Deb Poulter
Back
to the basics! like you said, this is usual for any player
at any level. The basics we did on the First day was very
helpful and prompted me that I don't do enough of them usual.
so that's the major thing I take away with me from this summer
school. Also the relationship of taiko movement and rhythms/music,
even though it is so simple and so obvious. I get the word
"Heighten" from you when you kept reminding us be extreme
about the big and small. Later in the course I have realised
actually even "small" yet still requires more focus and intensity,
must not lose the sharpness, especially tone wise. Then, of
course the Last day morning, chappa! Even though I have a
pair of chappa and having been clushing them from time to
time, but never taking any lessons before. So this will start
me off on practice chappa from now on.
Xun Dong
It
was great to get a chance to play on the odaiko and pick up
basics for future practice. Similarly with chappa. The level
of expectation, too, was high and I felt challenged to do
my best all the time.
Several
things were really useful. The focus on musicality as an integral
part of the initial learning of a piece was very valuable.
I can use that as a model for future learning. Seeing ( as
in last year's course) how a song can be structured using
the different skills, equipment and ideas to hand. Realising
just how much the rings I always wear affect my left hand
grip! Basic skills on the chappa. I know I'll be doing this
again in my own practices. Wish I would be putting the odaiko
work to use too :)
This
is the most challenging summer course I have done, because
it was aimed at players with some experience. When ability
is very mixed, it's often easy to get away with less effort.
I hope you'll run a similar course next year. The teaching
was very good, Mark and Jannette. Thank you. You constantly
challenged players to do their best, noticed what needed correcting
and noticed what was good, or where we made effort. You modelled
excellent technique and were always friendly and helpful.
It's not easy to create an environment in which it possible
for people to safely fail while they try things, and I think
you did.
Also,
it was just great to have the unexpected chance to see Taiko
Meantime play. The band were so lovely to us, so supportive
when we played. I would love to come back next year!
Lynne Fox
What
a fantastic few days I had! As you know my experience with
Taiko was very limited prior to this workshop; but I feel
that you and Janette raised my technique and my confidence
in playing to new heights...I just fed off and loved that
energy! Trouble is that you also raised my hunger for Taiko
so now you're kinda obliged to feed my needs! Any training
opportunities you can offer will be gratefully received and
acted on! Thanks for a great (too few) days, i sincerely hope
to be playing Taiko with you again soon.
Bill Parr
Diorama
Festival, London - 24th June 2009
I
heard you on Euston Rd today and was very impressed.
Sue Longrigg
Brighton,
Moshi Moshi Japanese Street Festival - 31st May 2009
Just
had to say how much I enjoyed the performances yesterday!
It was totally electrifying and was so great to see you guys
performing! Lani
Watson
Workshops
at Westend Centre, Aldershot - 26th May 2009
I
absolutely loved taking part in your workshop and was raving
about it to everyone I met for days afterwards! That included
a friend in Hove who had recently lent me a Kodo DVD and as
a result of my enthusiastic description planned to come and
see you in Brighton. I hope the Japanese street festival went
well – and was worth the dash from Wembley! On the workshop
again, I did ache in what felt like every muscle for 3-4 days
afterwards though! Sarah
Tosey
The
workshop was fantastic, please do let me know what else is
happening in the way of drumming as i'd love to participate
on a more regular basis, or just have another go!...Thanks
very much for a fantastic evening, and i hope to see you again
if anymore sessions happen.
Richard Miller
Skoll
World Forum, The Sheldonian, Oxford - 25th March 2009
Dear
Mark! I can not thank you enough for kicking off our 2009
Skoll World Forum with such a fantastic performance. I look
forward to staying in touch and crossing paths again. Kelly
Creeden
Farnham
kids workshops - 16th Feb 2009
Hi
Mark. Thank you very much for the lovely workshop which my
son enjoyed a lot today. My son said it was never enough,
wishing having the workshop every week. Please arrange this
as often as possible in Farnham area. We look forward to seeing
you soon and will wait for the next info from you. Thank you
again.
Miki Standring
What
a fab workshop, we ALL really enjoyed it.
Sonhild Grey
Dear
Mark, Thank you for the workshop. My son enthusiastically
told his friends about his drum lesson. He now puts on a CD
of Taiko drums we have and I see him doing very big circular
gestures with his arms, pretending to play the drums.He always
joins in with the "hah".He certainly got something out of
those two hours! As for myself, I was very happy to finally
hold those sticks and try those drums! It's not just drumming,
it's a dance! Mariette
Labelle
This
is a little note to say that thank you very much for the session
on Monday. My son thoroughly enjoyed himself. Miyako
Wright
My
son was clapping and singing the rhythms all evening. Marie
Kingston
Thank
you Mark! My son and I had a great time and would be very
interested in the next workshop.
Jonathan Williams
Greenwich
Cultural Olympiad, Greenwich Park, 26th Sept 2008
We
took our son to your performance on Friday night and he loved
it. We also had a family friend visiting from Croatia who
came along and said what a fantastic time she had. Many thanks
again. We look forward to seeing you again soon! The
Kingston Family
Royal
Academy of Music, London: three-day intensive Taiko workshop,
31st July to 1st Aug 2008
Thanks
again for an amazing introduction to the world of taiko.
Yan White
Thanks
again for a great experience - lots of useful teaching points
to integrate into our practice. Val
Tate
I’ve
been putting my “beginners” class through their paces this
month and passing on the drumming techniques that I learned
with you, it’s made such a big difference to them straight
away, also the arm stretching exercises are gradually making
a difference to my playing. Yvonne
Chadderton
Dear
Mark, I felt that you were very inspirational and motivating.
Your delivery was clear, concise and driven. It was evident
that you had planned the sessions well. Having been on your
workshop I am inspired to go on to develop my Taiko drumming
skills further. I also thoroughly enjoyed the double bill
concert (Chinese Instrumental Music & Japanese Taiko with
Taiko Meantime) and appreciated the opportunity to attend.
It was enjoyable to perform in a concert at the end of the
three days giving us something to work towards and a sense
of achievement. I would like to thank you for all the hard
work that you put into organising the couse and look forward
to attending future events.
Winston Taylor
You
will be pleased to know I am a much more confident Taiko player
following the course!
Anna Jones
WOMAD
festival, Charlton Park, Wiltshire, 27th July 2008
I
saw both your workshops at the WOMAD festival this weekend,
and the performance that you did on Sunday afternoon with
the three other drummers that joined you, was one of the best
I had seen the whole weekend. There was such amazing physical
energy and it just sounded brilliant. Thank you so much for
giving the workshops they were brilliant. Bithika
I
have just attended your workshop at WOMAD and thoroughly enjoyed
it, I've always loved taiko drumming so it was great to have
a go. Many thanks.
Nicola Smith
I
participated in your workshop that you had at WOMAD recently...
I really loved your little performance and enjoyed seeing
a different way of doing miyake to what i know. Anyway it
was really cool to be able to have a little go again after
not doing any taiko for over a year now! Melissa
Renner
Glastonbury
Festival 2008
I
just wanted to congratulate you all on your Glastonbury gigs.
Each performance was stunning. Taiko Meantime was definately
my favourite act over the entire three days. I had a brilliant
time. Thank you for a great weekend. Here's to next year!
Addie
Greenwich
Theatre, 1st Nov 2007
I
have just watched the excerpts online
[from Greenwich Theatre] and am very impressed with the energy
emanating from the performers, the fun they are all having,
and also the wonderful lighting which enables the audience
to concentrate on the show! Fantastic work! Sarah
Comber
Good
fun with hand cymbals. Miyake - nice display of technique,
showing how it should be done. Guo Yue - crystal sounding
+ emotional. Great flute. The Camel - Infectious beats along
with smiley faces! Odaiko - cheeky little start. The shadows
at the back during main part were brilliant. There appeared
to be no drum and looked like a stick fight - fantastic. Jade
flute - what can I say - sublime. TennonRyu - how it shoud
have been on Kill Bill. Nice choreography too. Atsumari -
cant beat plenty of drums with repeating patterns. Lee
Davis
I
was amazed... Truly original!!! I couldn't stop smiling. The
big drums with the lighting and the tambourines was great.
Gareth Moorton
Absolutely
fun night of taiko. I went with a few of friends and they
all enjoyed it as well!...highlights of the night - Chappa:
worked really well all round that night and very inventive
as well in terms of the composition. O-daiko: Apart from strong
playing, lovely stage setting and lighting design, interesting
way of showing off O-daiko, the way of both of you played
instead of one player being more dominant worked really well.
Miyake: my personal favourite anyway, thought the performance
that night was the best I have heard from you guys. The shime
part of eddy's song in first half made a strong note! showed
off your guys skills. Xun Dong
Truly
amazing! Varmson
Absolutely
brilliant! Different to Kodo and as good as them. Very energising,
invigorating, thrilling, exciting performance. It was all
brilliant. I'm just surprised you were only on for one night.
Sue Varois
Fantastic,
exhilarating. Love to experience Taiko Meantime soon please!
When are you returning? You all look so fit and grand. Delightful
to watch. Tremendous timing and skill. You are all just wonderful.
My heart was out of my body - fantastic. Chew-Yeen
Lawes
Excellent
- very enjoyable. Lynne Wilson
Great
flute - Guo Yue - crystal sounding and emotional. Good fun
with hand cymbals. Miyake - nice display of technique, showing
how it should be done. Lee
David.
Impressive.
Flute player on 'Goodbye Again' was outstanding. Superb, makes
me want to take up Taiko. Very energetic. Good stuff.
Mark Davis
Absolutely
amazing! Megan Armson
Emotional
energetic burst of inspiration - best I've seen! Perfect balance
of performance and lighting. Martina
Clay
Good
choreography. Very energetic. The neighbours complained!
Different,
fun to watch. I think the show was grate from what I saw of
it. Kaan Danis
Consistently
Excellent! Prerona Prasad
Absolutely
fantastic! the most amazing show I have ever seen - great
talent, fab choreography and lighting - mind blowing... I
will definitely come and see you guys again next time you're
in town, and will bring all my friends next time, as I have
raved about it to them! Sue
Fisher
Absolutely
brilliant. I loved the passion you've shown on your faces,
through the drums! Please tell me if there is a DVD on sale.
And I love you ppl! Keep drumming!! Jia-Xuan
Hon
Brilliant!
I couldn't believe that a baby slept all the way through it!
Mia
Absolutely
blew me away! J. Picksley
Brilliant
:-) Mel Cheng
Raw,
energetic, sweaty. You really enjoyed and felt the music.
Would love to see more. Sam.
Absolutely
love the rhythms - I really wanted to join in! For the first
time I wish I was still teaching - I would love the kids to
hear you. Suzanne England.
A
very exciting evening, great energy, professional presentation
and great drumming. I loved the interaction between all of
you, your eye contact, your smiles, the feeling that you were
enjoying yourselves. Kim's story telling was lovely. Anne
Alcock
Wonderful
performance. Brian Sole
Congratulations
on the sold out show! It was amazing! Esther
Stringham
Another
great show! Well done! It was fun, exciting and the band were
looking rather fit!!!!!!! TJ
Dobbs
Just
a quick message to say how much I enjoyed your concert at
the Greenwich Theatre last Thursday - especially the second
half. Great odaiko work from you and Ed and it was nice to
see the proper version of the "catch the pigeon" piece you
taught our kids. And Guo Yue was brilliant. Definitely worth
the journey! K Squibb
Brilliant show...just wanted to say that me and my friends
really enjoyed the show on Thursday night, it was absolutely
brilliant (especially the "Miyake" piece)!! Masami
Torii
Just
wanted to thank you so much for such an amazing evening last
night at Greenwich Theatre… I was totally blown away, the
energy on stage was simply stunning, each piece outstanding,
uplifting and exhilarating all at once! It was also lovely
to see Chris Hunter playing with such confidence; his stage
presence has quadrupled since I last saw him perform. He has
a lovely playful energy. Everyone on stage excelled! Keep
up the good work! Much love Iyshea
McKay
Fantastic
performance last night - thank you! It must take you all about
a week to come down from something like that! Visually great
too - look forward to seeing another one. Alex
Blum
We
saw you perform last night – great show and so good to see
people so obviously enjoying what they do! Michelle
Barsch
That
really was absolutely fantastic last night, a huge visual
and aural treat for all of us lucky enough to have been there,
and we congratulate you and all your musicians on your brilliant
skills and athleticism - thank you! (like all the best things,
it far exceeded our already high expectations!). We were superbly
entertained last night - all thanks once more. John
Coke
Last
night, the gig was fantastic! Well done!! You all must have
worked so much for it…I believe you deserved the great applause
and now rest?? Rie Hiramatsu
Jacobs
Pillow Dance Festival with HODC, August 15th-19th 2007
I am very happy that Second Signal had its US premier at Jacob's
Pillow... We really liked Henri Oguike's choreographic style
- muscular, sinewy and very musical. Your group really complemented
the dance company. I hope that you and Henri continue to collaborate
on future work. I was so very impressed with the musicality
of the piece, and how the dancers really followed the flow
of the rhythm - I enjoyed the decidedly contemporary movements.
It was most exciting for me to see a successful dance/taiko
collaboration - it is something I have wanted to do for a
long time - to be able to integrate my movement and rhythm
training.
Your
miyake was really very nice, especially the dynamics and range
you had in it - and the evocative lighting made an already
impressive piece even more so. The solos were really in the
flow of the rhythm. If the rest of Taiko Meantime is as impressive
as what you presented, it is no wonder that you are in great
demand. Elaine Fong, Odaiko
New England, Boston
Farnham
workshops, August 2nd and 4th 2007
Dear
Mark Just a wee note to say we had a really fantastic day.
Very exciting and challenging, especially having to 'perform'
only 6 hours after picking up the sticks for the first time.
Great fun ! We all had a grand time and hope it will not be
too long before we can have another go. Well done. All the
best for your future ventures. Regards Di
Palmer
Mark,
Many thanks for another excellent workshop, pity I was not
in the shape to do it justice. Still suffering although it
seems to have improved slightly this afternoon. Arthur
Abbot
I had a great time, and whilst I know I will never be any
good at Taiko Drumming,I will aways want to attend workshops
just to keep trying, enjoying myself and meeting people like
youself. Many thanks and best wishes. Jeff
Clark
I
have to admit to being very nervous but had an absolutely
wonderful day and felt totally exhilarated by the end of it
if not a little exhausted!! You are such a good teacher and
very inspiring…..I’m still feeling the buzz now! Debs
Quaile
Many
thanks for the fantastic workshop, I have thoroughly enjoyed
it. Syn-Yee Ooi
Just
a quick message to thank you for the workshop last Thursday.
It was amazing and I (like some others in attendance who I’ve
spoken to) was very impressed with how much you managed to
teach us in the time we had! Ian
Yates
Many
thanks for a thoroughly enjoyable (and therapeutic!!) workshop
in Farnham. It was great and well worth the trip!
Teresa Micallef
Just
emailing to say thanks for a great workshop! it was highly
enjoyable! Justin North
Mark
- I just wanted to write and thank you for an absolutely excellent
day today. I feel great (if slightly achy) after a day where
I was constantly challenged and yet never felt out of my depth.
You were brilliant at leading the group and I think we were
all amazed at what we managed to achieve by the end of a day.
It was definitely worth it. I can’t wait to here when the
next set of workshops will be. Good luck for the gig tomorrow,
sorry I can’t make it, but I will definitely be looking for
tickets for the November gig. Many
thanks again for all your support and expertise today I am
still on a high from it all. I shall keep practising the arm
movements, rhythms and counting to eight. Fabulous!!! Cheers
Claire (itchy, knee, sa, she……..). Claire
Robins
Just
wanted to thank you again for the amazing day I had at your
workshop - it was brilliant, inspiring and fun! You're also
clearly very passionate about it and it must be great being
able to do it professionally. Stephane
Lobet
Mark,
thank you, I had such a great time, shake my soul!! U are
such a good teacher that you make everyone become oneness
with the drum sound. The beat stay with me for 2 day and I
even dream about it, very touching sound! I love to join more
in the future. But meantime, what is the best way to learn
taiko ? Is there any learning kit that i could play while
i m at home? I do miss taiko since sat. It really give me
a lot of hapiness! Camilla
Tse
Pheonix
Theatre, Exeter (UK Taiko Festival), 15th July 2007
I
have to write and congratulate you and the other members of
Taiko Meantime for your performance at Exeter...The entrance
was great, just like warriors approaching.
The
power and the energy you all managed to generate, made for
an electric atmosphere and for me, and I am sure many others,
made this the best performance of the weekend. You know what
I think of youself and Ed, but where did you find those other
superb players, including Nobuko Miyazaki on the flute. My
favourite, as you probably will guess was Miyake, until you
and Ed played Odaiko...stunning. By
the way, your costumes really fitted the way you play, simple,
but it worked. Please pass on my congratulation to Ed, Paul,
Craig, Chris, Kim and Nobuko for a wonderful experience. Arthur
Abbot
I
had been planning to head off home at lunchtime on Sunday
but then decided to watch you guys. I was really glad I did!!
Meantime were fantastic - well done to you all, I know you
must have worked hard!!!
Cathy Darvell
London
Marathon, April 22nd 2007
Now
I look at your website only to discover that Taiko Meantime
was responsible for the great atmosphere past the mile 5 mark
of the London Marathon last month. The rhythm went very nicely
with the adrenaline in us runners! Not what I expected on
that otherwise unremarkable stretch of Woolwich Road, but
after the great send off and then the fantastic crowds in
Woolwich, it helped confirm - for me at least - that miles
1-6 are the best part of the race!
MJ
Urbany
Read
this review: http://www.thegreenwichphantom.co.uk/2007/06/taiko-meantime-drummers.html
Easter Holiday
workshops for children, Farnham and Guildford, 3rd and 4th April
2007
It
didn't take very long at all to see that [my children] were
completely taken in by what you were showing them and telling
them. They reported back to me saying what a "brill" time
they had had and it was "simply amazing". The end of session
performance confirmed quite clearly that they had enjoyed
every minute and now Declan has decided he would like to play
the drums!! Thanks for that!
Jackie
Wagstaff, parent
Fantastic
class. My son is still talking about it! Can't wait for next
time. I thought as a parent you encourged the children to
think, understand and concentrate rather than just "bang a
drum".
Tracy
Elser - Nursery Nurse, Student and mother
Hi
there! May I thank you so much, Mark, for providing an absolutely
inspiring and amazing taiko workshop on the 5th of April 2007
- it made taiko finally come alive in every way for me!
Simon
Knight - member of Oku Nojo Daiko, Oak Farm Community School,
Farnborough
That's
the best ten pounds I've ever spent!
Parent,
after Guildford workshop
My
grandsons really enjoyed your session during the Easter Holiday
and we will certainly attend another time. Thank you.
June
Crisp
Farnham beginners
workshops, 3rd and 4th Feb 2007
Mark
just wanted to say thanks again for the fantastic fun yesterday.
And it was so good to recapture that great team feeling again.
Even though I still couldn't get the hang of the jiuchi (I
had that problem before).
Susan
Andrews
Hi
Mark Just a note to say what a great afternoon yesterday -
I'm just about getting my forearms back.
Fern
Callister
Hi
Mark, Wanted to thank you both for a great day on Saturday...
I really appreciated the opportunity to come to the workshop,
had a good time, and now a few aches.
Nick
Hunting
Thanks
very much for doing the Taiko workshop on Saturday. Was lots
of fun although I am aching today!! Found the workshop really
good, and would love to do more if you have any plans for
more!
Stephanie
Bradshaw
I
had an absolutely fabulous time and I felt fantastic afterwards.
I look forward to the next public workshop.
Sayuri
Hasegawa
London Marathon,
23rd April 2006
Just
wanted to write and say thanks for the drumming at the marathon
on Sunday (Taiko group under a bridge in Greenwich - I'm guessing
it was you
guys!) I lived in Japan for a couple of years and played in
a Taiko group there, so I always like to see other groups. I
was running my first
Marathon and was totally blown away by the support from the
crowds. So, thanks, it really helped me, and I'm sure plenty
of other runners.
Graham
Fereday, 25/04/06
Thanks
for your Taiko bands support on Sunday, I did actually see
you whilst running under the Woolwich flyover, beating a massive
drum, which I
have to say was very motivational. I did receive many comments
from friends who were also running on Sunday to say, that
your band was the most
inspirational! Cheers
Eddie
Rixon 26/04/06
Hamburg workshops with 'Yo Bachi
Daiko', 13th-15th Jan 2006
After
having seen a pure sensational Taiko Meantime performance we
invited their leader Mark Alcock to work with our group. It
came as no surprise that he is as good as a teacher as a performer
and he even exceeded our high expectations. It was like opening
a door to a fantastic new world.
Oliver
Boldt, Yo Bachi Daiko, Hamburg 17/1/06
Thank
you very much for the wonderful workshop in Hamburg!
We
were all really overwhelmed from your powerful way to strike
the taiko and we enjoyed your perceptive and very detailed
way to teach it. It was impressive to see, that it is possible
to combine a lot of energy, tension and concentration with
flexibility and lightness.
In
just 3 days you caused visible changes within the group by
working on the energy and not only on the show elements, as
many groups do. It was just what I needed for my further training
and I hope you will continue working with us as soon as possible.
Beate
Hundsdorfer, Taiko-Connection Berlin 2/2/06
Purcell Room, Rhythmsticks Festival,
Southbank Centre, London, 17th July 2005
I
was blown away with the show on Sunday only having seen you
do a couple of pieces in Bury St Edmonds. To see a full two
hours of drumming was a real treat. Miyake and Odaiko were my
two favourite pieces.
Stuart
Wright 21/7/05
Enjoyed
the show last Sunday. Great to see a full house.
Leo
Stemp 20/7/05
Thanks
for a great night. I thought the music was fantastic
and the lighting was simple yet really effective.
Sean
Owen 20/7/05
What
a brilliant concert. You guys just get better and better.
'Iwai uchi' and the encore were both superb. The coordination
between you all was great. Well done.
Andrew
Moncrieff 20/7/05
Your
performance last night was superb, different and very enjoyable.
The looks on your faces at the end gave the impression that
you all very much enjoyed yourselves as well.
John
McKiernan 18/7/05
Brilliant!
Exciting, dramatic and inspiring. The range of songs from
uplifting to dark and sombre was unexpected and moving - carrying
the audience on an emotional journey. We felt exhausted at
the end too.
Cleo
Dobbs 18/7/05
UK Taiko festival,
Exeter, 9th July 2005
I
enjoyed the gigs in Exeter very much - great show. Will
come whenever I can!
Robin
Pickering 1/8/05
Oxford Brookes University, 6th
May 2005
Oh
man!
You
guys came to Brookes uni last week, and you did a Taiko workshop.
It was so much fun! My arms are still slightly aching, but it's
worth it...all the drums playing in unison, and once we got
into the groove..wow..
Come
back soon!!
James
Long 9/5/05
Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch with
Henri Oguike Dance Co., 8th April 2005
Saw
your show in Hornchurch, essex. Was most impressed. Please send
details of the South Bank show 17th July. Thanks
Derek
Edwards 11/04/05
Malvern Theatres, Malvern with Henri
Oguike Dance Co., 15th March 2005
Absolutely
brilliant last night at the Henri Oguiki concert in Malvern.
I'd heard of the Taiko drumming, but never actually heard it.
Fabulous.
Richard
Bailey 16/03/05
Queen Elizabeth Hall with Henri Oguike
Dance Co., 9th and 10th Feb 2005
The
rib-crushing thump of the massive Japanese taiko drum that heralds
the start of his [Oguike's] new work, Second Signal, prompted
gasps and even an off-guard shriek in the packed Queen Elizabeth
Hall.
Oguike
has cleverly harnessed Taiko's intensely physical, martial-arts
impact to a group dance that mimics its exultant vigour, blow
for blow.
...the
three percussionists of the group Taiko Meantime belabour their
instruments - something akin to the action of felling a tree...
The
result is the most explosive piece of British dance in years.
The
Independent 13/02/05 Full
review...the
size of the drums combined with the musicians' furious attack
produces an almost overwhelming sound...We can see how the drummers'
rhythms hammer through the dancers' moves, how their sound rises
on the swell of the choreography's dynamics.
The
Guardian 12/02/05 Full
review
Do
you have a Cd I could purchase, I am a Dance Teacher I saw
your performance with Henri Oguike Dance company and was blown
away by the experience it would be great to pass on your music
to my students.
Fiona
Lovibond 10/02/05
South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell
with Henri Oguike Dance Co., 3rd Feb 2005
Just
wanted to say what an excellent piece it was - I loved the way
the miyake was used to showcase the dynamism and grace of the
taiko players art. And it's a great compliment to you all that
such an inspired choreographer recognised the contribution you
made to the overall shape and impact of the dance. Well done
Val
Tate 04/02/05
Wyvern Theatre, Swindon with Henri
Oguike Dance Co., 26th Jan 2005
"Fascinating
to watch their strict, stick-wielding brand of choreography."
The
Times 28/1/05 Full
review
"The
playful new opener, Second Signal, features three taiko drummers,
the battering of their instruments given a spectacular showcase
in the middle movement when the dancers leave them alone to
allow us to appreciate their physical movement - oddly like
tennis, with pulverising forehand and backhand strokes. Oguike
picks up their punchy style in the springy dances he gives
his troupe fore and aft, but he's confidently offering the
musicians as the stars."
The
Daily Telegraph 01/02/05 Full
review
Damilola Taylor Centre, Peckham,
16th Dec 2004
I
was at the Damilola Taylor Centre when you played, oh, so fantastically
that you had me completely under your spell, seeing dancing
cranes, green valleys and towering mountains: all the elements
of the world were there. Wonderful! Who would not want to play
your drums?
Mary
Edwards 11/01/05
Wales v Japan Rugby match, Millennium
Stadium, Cardiff, 26th Nov 2004
i
really enjoyed seeing you all in cardiff last year just before
the (98 to nil) rugby match in the centre of town.
I
was walking around the streets and followed the sound of the
drums because they sounded so exciting and powerful.
It
was great to have the pieces explained before you played each
one - it would be nice if you explained how each of the cries
or shouts variuous drummers used now and then worked ie what
they meant if anything.
It's
great to see what people can achieve with skill, concentration
and coordination, keep it up.
anyway
well done, excellent drumming, i`ll look at the website and
try to come to another session sometime
Matt
06/01/05
Heard
you at the opening of the Japan v Wales Rugby game great
work very up lifting great sound . well done .
Where
do I get more information re: recording or listening
to your orginal and great music . even down loads would be
welcome ?
Hope
to hear you again in Wales soon Feb 05 . 2005
brian
Brian
Insole 15/12/04
Outstanding!
Taiko
Meantime played in Cardiff for the Wales Japan rugby match
and their performance was excellent! Not only was the
gesture a welcoming nod to our visitors, but also a superb
quality public performance from an incredibly talented team.
The
best money that Cardiff Council spent this financial year.
Kris
H 26/11/04
V&A Museum, London, 5th Nov 2004
I
wanted to thank you again for your maevellous performance on
Friday. You made such a spectacle on the steps of the V&A
and all that noise drew crowds from Victoria! I have heard an
endless torrent of praise - the audience were all bowled over.
Antonia
Howard Sneyd 8/11/04
Was
forced to stop in front of your performance at the V&A
- simply could not walk by! I was late and on my way to another
performance at the Albert Hall, but this was so vivid, so
all over powerful - I was entranced. I have never heard anything
like this.
I
really loved the whole feeling - it is more than music, a
combination of music, dance, drama - I was simply mesmerized.
Thank you !
Lucie
Payne 10/11/04
Car Free Day, Greenwich, 19th Sept
2004
The
performance in Cutty Sark was wonderful. I was so impressed.
Yoko
Ozaki 27/09/04
I
saw you play today in Greenwich - finally! It was a
great show - it literally brought tears to my eyes.
Laura
Seidman 19/09/04
We
came to see you play today at the Greenwich car free day.
Thanks for a great performance, we really enjoyed it.
Kirtsy
McNeice and Martin Pugh 19/09/04
I
would have congratulated you after the performance today but
you were looking pretty much swamped with people! Just wanted
to say I thoroughly enjoyed the performance. It was nice to
see a piece in there that I knew as well.
Francesca
Debenham 19/09/04
I
enjoyed the taiko yesterday. Very athletic and very authentic.
You had a good-sized crowd watching, too.
Chris
Atkinson 20/09/04
My
five year old son, Daniel, and I saw a performance of
the Meantime Taiko drummers at the Greenwich festival this
afternoon. He was entranced, totally absorbed by the group's
strength and rhythm. He talked about it all the way home and
is still talking about it now. He has decided to be a Japanese
drummer like Mark Alcock when he grows up.
Catherine
du Toit 20/09/04
Rhythmsticks Festival, Southbank
Centre, London, 17th July 2004
Dear
Taikomeantime
By
chance, I was at the South Bank with my 2 young sons when "taiko
meantime" had just started hteir free concert. I have absolutly
no "musical" ear, but my body was just full of the vibrations
given by the drums, and I could feel myself moving to the powerful
rythmes. I would love to participate in workshops for "very
beginners, with the kids ", if you'd organise any.
Thanks,
and thanks to the team for the wonderful gift of their music
to the public on Saturday.
Anne-Do
Bauchot 18/07/04
Great
to see you guys at the Southbank on Saturday and it was a
lot of fun at the workshop- cheers.
Nicola
Tsoukatos 18/07/04
I
thoroughly enjoyed the southbank workshop. I thought your
group's performance in the square was amazing too.
Justine
Smith 05/08/04
Ightham Mote
(National Trust), Kent, 3rd July 2004
You
were the best act of the evening.
Bob
Searle 04/07/04
British Library, London - 'Silk Road
Live', 4th May 2004
Just
a quick line to say thank you so much for your help and enormous
contribution to the Silk Road event. The Taiko drunmming show
proved itself suitably robust considering the weather and was
truly spectacular. It was brilliant to have such a flexible
group willing & able to work round the weather!
Jonny
Ward, 06/05/04
London Marathon, 18th April 2004
Thank
you soo much for your awesome contribution to this years London
Marathon. What a fantastic sound you make - really clear and
sonorous. I was fortunate enough to be one of the 33,000 runners
to run past your group on Woolwich Rd - the sound could be heard
a good 1/4 mile away and really spurred me on. The crowd you
attracted were all obviously loving the music too and the atmosphere
on that corner was absolutely electric!! Can they please organise
for you to play along Pall Mall a bit later too??!!?
Elizabeth
Ynez-Tulsen 29/04/04
Regent's Plaza, 1st April 2004 (with
Hana Yui and Yoshikazu Fujimoto)
It's
absolutely wonderful to see all the hard work you guys have
clearly put in paying off: it really was amazing and all the
friends I dragged along were instantly hooked!
Anna
McCarthy 26/06/04
I
went to both your recent performances - the Lilian Bayliss
theatre and Regent's Plaza. The performance at the Lilian
Bayliss theatre was fantastic - so much better than I could
have ever imagined and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am
impressed by Taiko Meantime's high level of professionalism.
In fact you were so good that I just had to go and see the
performance at Regent's Plaza! You did not disappoint
there and I went away with lifted spirits. Thank you
for the opportunity to see Hana Yui again and the Kodo drummer's
performance on the O-daiko - a once in a lifetime opportunity.
I am now a huge fan and will endeavour to attend as many of
your performances as I possibly can!
Sarah
Wedgebury 07/04/04
Just
wanted to say that it was really really nice and powerfull
- the concert last Thursday. The performance and coordination
were great. I'm really glad to have the chance to come and
see you all! Well done!
Rossana
Porta 05/04/04
The
open air performance today was magic - especially the O-daiko.
William
McDowall 01/04/04
Lilian Baylis Theatre, 23rd and 24th
March 2004 (with Hana Yui)
I
saw Taiko Meantime for the first time at the Lilian Baylis Theatre
when they performed with top Japanese group Hana Yui...It was
the first time I had seen Taiko live and I was knocked out by
the professional approach and high standard of performance.
The pieces they played were incredibly exciting and although
I wondered whether I might find a whole evening of this kind
of music a bit repetitive, I was in for a pleasant surprise.
By the end of the concert, I was disappointed the evening was
at an end. I really look forward to hearing Taiko Meantime again
and want to introduce my friends to this wonderfully energising
form of entertainment.
Robin
Pickering 05/04/04
It
was a great gig. I really enjoyed it. It was worth coming
to see it from Tokyo. I really wanted to see a foreign taiko
group's performance, since I also practice taiko in Japan.
In Japan, I practice original Miyake. I am so impressed with
your arrangement of the Miyake. It was quite unique and it
was great. I am surprised with the originality.
I
also like Camel, Iwai Uchi, Atsumari and also the encore.
It was so much fun for me to see people playing taiko with
joy. So I really enjoyed your gig since I know all of you
enjoyed playing the music. The Shinobue (bamboo flute) was
great as well. And Mark's and Chris' chappas were really attractive.
And
Hanayui ladies, they were great! I felt full of love and energy
from them.
Masami
Suzuki 30/03/04
What
a fantastic performance. We really enjoyed it. How wonderful
for you to have played with Hana Yui.
Deb
Poulter 27/03/04
Wonderful
evening - an entirely new experience, and unlike anything
we've ever experienced. Certainly come again. Thank you!
Gloria
Gifford 24/03/04
I
went to see your performance last night at Sadler's Wells
and loved it. To be perfectly honest, I didn't know
anything about Taiko Meantime before I went, and was quite
disappointed when you came on the stage and were all English!
However, right from the first song I was bowled over, and
I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Heidi Graham 25/03/04
I
saw you at the Lilian Baylis last night. Wow, you were
good! Thanks for a great evening...nice to see that you were
all enjoying it as well.
Richard
Suggitt 24/03/04
I
thought the performance was excellent - varied and fun! Especially
enjoyed Iwai Uchi...Brilliant!
Why
not go on tour in the North of England!
Sheila Hunter 24/03/04
Just
a quick one to say really enjoyed the show last night (at
Lilian Batlis Theatre, London)! Well done and thanx
Vivienne Macdonanld
25/03/04
Brixton Telegraph,
12th Dec 2003
Message
to the Taiko drummers who played at the PEACE REVOLUTION at
the Telegraph pub on Friday night!:
You
guys were absolutely fantastic. I was playing with the Samba
band and became so carried away with your hypnotic rhythms that
I'm ashamed to say I proceded to "join in" your performance.
This was quite out of character and I just wanted to apologise
to you all profusely and sincerely. I in no way intended to
appear disrespectful but am aware that I may have done!.....
Hope you can forgive me!
Tracey
(Rhythms of Resistance) 16/12/03
Oxford University, 4th Oct 2003
It
was terrific; you now have a huge fan-club. Everyone enjoyed
it enormously and one of my japanese colleagues said it was
every bit as good as anything he had heard in japan. In case
that was faint praise, I asked him how often he did hear Taiko,
and he said 'about three times a year', so he does know what
he is talking about.
Many
thanks, and please thank all your group for me; one of the main
things i liked was you all appeared to be enjoying yourselves.
Dr. Oliver Impey
03/10/03
Greenwich Car
Free day, 21st Sept 2003
Thank
you so much for such excellent performances. It was really beautifully
presented and as you already know went down a storm with the
crowds.
Bradley
23/09/03
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