LEONARD ETO Born in New York, 1963, 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. In 1992, Leonard left KODO to pursue a solo career, and thereafter produced his own projects such as the LEO PROJECT, which incorporates dance and live painting and his improvisational performances in Club"Leo". 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 (1990, 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: he joined Siouxsie Sioux’s U.S. tour and London concerts as special guest and earned much recognition; furthermore, he toured South Africa, Madagascar, Bahrain, and Kuwait with his Taiko ensemble, Leopro. 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. 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". 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. MySpace www.myspace.com/leonardeto 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. 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. ■US Representative Sam Kawa / Club Leo Music Phone: (1) 718 809 2551 email: samkawa@earthlink.net 53-32 Oceania Street, Bayside, NY 11364 USA DVD "PRESENCE" (2003) NGBA 1001 Produced by Leonard Eto CDs "AOI TSUKI" Released date: October, 2007/ NGCL 1002 Produced by Leonard Eto "Blendrums" Released date: April, 2007/ NGCL 1001 Produced by Leonard Eto "OCEAN" (2006) NGCA 1025 Produced by Leonard Eto "Blend" (2005) NGCA 1020 Produced by Leonard Eto "Leo+1" (1998/2003 Reissue) NGCA 1013 Produced by Leonard Eto "Duets" (2002) NGCA 1006 Produced by Leonard Eto "ALIVE in Tenkawa" (2001) FFCA 1002 Produced by Steve Eto, Leonard Eto CDs&DVD