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LEONARD ETO
Born in New York, Leonard joined the Japanese Taiko drum group, KODO in
1984, for which he served as the principal player, organizer, music director
as well as composer. Leonard's original style of the taiko ensemble influenced
not only following taiko groups, but also entertainments such as Stomp,
Blue Man and other areas of the Western music scene as well. In 1992, Leonard
left KODO to pursue a solo career, and since then has been producing his
own projects. One of the unique qualities that defines Leonard’s artistic
character is his exchanges with international artists which have taken
him to over 35 countries. 1994 was a special year for Leonard for he won
high acclaim for his performance with such greats as Bob Dylan, Michael
Kamen (composer), Bon Jovi, The Chieftains, INXS, Ray Cooper, and Roger
Taylor (Queen) at "The Great Music Experience" at Todaiji, the temple of the Great Budda, in Nara, Japan. Through his
participation in the Megadrums Europe tours ('90, '93, '99) as well as
a variety of festivals and recording sessions, he performed with such world-renowned
artists as Zakir Hussain (tabla), Andreas Vollenweider (harp), Milton Cardona
(per.), Doudou Ndiaye Rose (per.), Max Roach (ds.), Michael Shrieve (Santana),
Siouxsie Sioux, The Creatures and others. 2004 became yet another year
of expedition for Leonard as he joined Siouxsie Sioux’s U.S. tour and London
concerts as special guest and earned much recognition. In the same year,
Leonard led his own taiko unit Leopro on a tour in South Africa, Madagascar, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
Recently, Leonard has been breaking new grounds and his performances are
continuing to gain momentum. He is the leader of a project called Blendrums (album "Blendrums" released in 2007) where percussion provides the main instrumental focus.
Leonard also collaborates with dance acts and performs creatively with a string quartet (album "Aoi Tsuki" released in 2007). In 2009, he went on a European tour of Blendrums. The
unforeseen combination of acoustic guitar and tap dancing along with other
new superb expressions of taiko were highly praised at all concert venues.
Yet another feature to Leonard's unique make up is the originality of his musical creations. His original works have been featured in such Hollywood film productions as "JFK", "The Lion King" ,"The Hunted" and "The Thin Red Line", and they have also been used in ballet performances by Nina Ananiashvili, with whom he performed in 1998 and Patrick Dupond, as well as for the figure skating performances of Elvis Stojko. "Tsu-Ku-Tsu", a work specially commissioned by Pilobolus, the renowned American modern
dance company, has quickly become one of Leonard's representative works.
"Tsu-Ku-Tsu" premiered in Boston in May 2000 and opened to critical acclaim and enthusiastic audiences in New York at the JoyceTheater in June 2000, where it enjoyed a three week run. A.J Hewat of the New York Times raves, "He's got rhythm, They've got moves: It's a fit".
Leonard’s musicality is articulated by H. Kawasaki of Mainichi Shimbun as follows: “The luminous, festive essence and primal joy in Leonard’s music can easily transcend ethnic barriers. Just let yourself flow with the freedom manifested as the sounds he creates - that is all you need to do”. Together with his ample experience overseas, Leonard’s universal musicality has played the crucial role as the foundation of his activities.
The greatest influence on Leonard's music has been the environment in which he grew up. His father, Kimio Eto is the founder of the Ikuta Eto school of Koto playing, and he had performed with such eminent artists as the conductor, Leopold Stokowski and Harry Belafonte, among others. His eldest brother is a recording director, and the elder is the percussionist, Steve Eto.
Contact:
leo@leoeto.com
Profile (PDF)
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Leopro (Taiko ensemble):
Leopro is the first Taiko ensemble founded by Leonard since he became a solo performer ten years ago. The group members change according to the program. Since the establishment of the Leopro, Leonard's musical compositions and stage performances are becoming more and more energetic.
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Instruments (Taiko):
The Hirado O-taiko, Oke taiko, and Chappa Cymbals may be regarded as Leonard
Eto's "Three Indispensable Instruments". They used to be considered
as mere accompaniments, but Leonard gave each a greater role in his style
of "Taiko Ensemble" in the 80's. As a result, these instruments
gained importance not only in KODO, the group which Leonard had directed,
but in musical entertainment throughout the world.
Hirado O-taiko (Flat-bodied Big Drum):
This instrument gives out brighter sounds than the full-bodied O-taiko
because of its shallow body. A colorful variety of sounds can be obtained
by using different Bachi sticks. Leonard Eto invented the method of using
a long Bachi stick. He also devised a revolutionary style of playing this
O-taiko when he was composing "ZOKU", and that is to place the taiko in a slanted angle on tree stumps. The style has won much popularity ever since.
Oke taiko (Tub Drum):
Oke taiko has become more or less the hallmark of Leonard Eto. Inspired
by the traditional drumming methods of South Korea, China, and India, Leonard
developed an entirely novel expressional style utilizing the unique sound
and rhythm that can only be obtained from Japan's Oke taiko.
Chappa Cymbals (Hand Cymbals):
Leonard gradually created new style and rhythm for Chappa Cymbals through years of experiments with KODO members in the 80's. The Chappa Cymbals have thus evolved from accompanying instrument into a leading, solo instrument.
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DVD
"PRESENCE"(2003 / NGBA1001)
CDs
Best Album "GRATITUDE"(2008 / NGCL1003)
"AOI TSUKI"(2007 / NGCL1002)
"Blendrums"(2007 / NGCL1001)
"OCEAN"(2006 / NGCA1025)
"Blend"(2005 / NGCA1020)
"Duets"(2002 / NGCA1006)
"Leo+1"(1998, 2003 Reissue / NGCA1013)
"ALIVE in Tenkawa"(2001 / FFCA1002)
Produced by Steve Eto, Leonard Eto
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CDs&DVD
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