In the fall of 2005 we released "Dust and Sand" our first studio-recorded album. The album was much better received than we could've expected. It reached as high as number 3 on the NAR charts in October of 2005 and continues to get radio play across the country.
Press Quotes for "Dust and Sand":
"Using traditional taiko (Japanese drum) music as a springboard for their contemporary world fusion mix, On Ensemble beautifully combines folk, jazz and rock into a tightly-woven fabric making full use of acoustic potential before adding tasteful electronic colors. Their music has a calm and meditative center about it- there is a steadiness, a wholesome, humble beauty that journeys inward for more variety as opposed to adding on ideas from the outside. Featuring both instrumental tracks and those with vocals, their innovative vocabulary bends and refreshes the imagination."
CD Baby August 1, 2005"On Ensemble is an exciting taiko ensemble looking at new ways to apply traditional Japanese drums... Be it English lyrics, throat singing, melodically rhythmic koto passages, traditional flutes, or electronic manipulation, the exciting range of taiko drums solidly supports the pieces. From the deep tones of the largest taiko to the intricate patterns of the shime daiko the compositions are interesting with plenty of exciting drumming."
Martin Patmos, Modern Drummer Magazine
April 2006"With their latest release, Dust and Sand, On Ensemble propel the art form into mesmerizing territory with a swirling amalgamation of flutes, koto, turntables, and Tuvan throat singing astride propulsive poly-rhythmic drum patterns. The result is an album that is completely original and brilliantly conceived..."
Brian Moore, TransformOnline
November 2005"The self-produced Dust and Sand by the young Japanese drum group On Ensemble is an inventive, surprising recording. Incorporating Japanese flute, Tuvan throat singing, koto, and a variety of percussion instruments, the group finds endless ways to accompany their taiko, the drum core of On Ensemble’s sound... Getting lost in the rhythms of Dust and Sand is easy and enticing. If you play the album on your store stereo, customers will ask you about this unusual, innovative Eastern music."
Mara Applebaum, New Age Retailer Magazine
Spring 2006 Issue"Their music incorporates the explosive drama of Japanese taiko drums, dazzling percussion, bristling electronics and World music themes. There are a number of surprising interpretive vocals on the album that keeps the music fresh and exciting... assures a standing ovation (at least from me) for the group."
RJ Lannan, New Age Reporter
December 30, 2005
"Dust and Sand" CD - Released 2005
Little Man - 6:41
Gengakki - 5:42
Fingertips - 4:35
Same Planet - 3:31
Two by Four - 4:49
Someday Six - 5:11
Zeecha - 6:13
Taiko Overtone Quartet - 9:04
Order our CD from iTunes, CDbaby.com, or Amazon.com:
CD reviews on the web:
Modern Drummer Magazine - CD review
PhiLL(er) - CD review
NewAgeReporter.com - CD review
TransformOnline - CD review
Flagpole - CD review
Tastes Like Chicken - CD review
BlogCritics.org - CD review
