Yamato Drummers

Yamato Drummers are endearing, energetic and effervescent. A group of approximately 10 performers play various drums, ranging from massive to tiny, with real musicianship aligned with playful showmanship. The noise is fantastic, and the mood enthusiastic, although the first half could have benefited from some more variety in sound, colour or staging perhaps. One attempt for a change featuring a three-stringed instrument called a shamisen fell flat however.

A small cymbal section in the second half was a theatrical, innovative highlight, and an extended bout of audience participation went down very well, eliciting a generous ovation. The evening overall was an enjoyable riot of lurid synchrony.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 31 March 2017
Rating:
Joe Fuller