"Kodo" is an ensemble dedicated to the study, dissemination and
exploration of the Japanese drum art Taiko. "Kodo" is comprised of about
40 people who live and train at the Kodo Village in the forest area of
the Ogi peninsula, in Japan.

>From the very successful release of the "Ibuki" album in 1996, studio
wizards have created this refined remix of the traditional drum music to
demonstrate just one more use for the versatile and heart pumping beats
of the Taiko artists.

"Sai-So" (meaning re-born) is a studio developed dance album, culled
from Kodo's "Ibuki." It's highly polished and each of the 10 cuts has
it's own flavor. From the dynamic "Strobe's Nanafushi (Satori Mix)" of
the first cut, to the "Strobe's Satori Beats" of the last cut, there is
consistent energy throughout the entire CD.

The artists on this album chose their favorite "Ibuki" songs to remix,
and the taste of each remix reflects the individual vision of each
artist. They are: DJ Krush, David Beal, Bill Laswell, David Baron,
Lindsay Jehan, Strobe, Kevin Yost, Inteligente and Kasz. For those of
you who enjoyed the movie "The Hunted," you will be happy to learn that
the ninth cut on this album carries over the theme of that score.

This album is replete with fue (various woodwinds) and Kakegoe ( shouts,
vocal calls; used to accent the music, signal shifts in rhythm, and to
encourage other performers). However, instead of being a standard Taiko
concert album, this one has been "cooked" especially for club and dance
use. As a result, it is smoother, more urban, and is even pushing on the
doors of the futuristic. It's conceivable that this CD could replace
your first cup of coffee.

Now, as far as Taiko itself is concerned, this album does not even
attempt to create the spontaneity of a live Taiko performance, and
therefore I must judge it solely as a dance album. It's not remarkable,
but you can bump and grind yourself into oblivion with this CD. It may
even be the new Millenium's answer to "What do we dance to?" I tried it
during my aerobic workout, and it passed muster. Fans of techno will
most likely enjoy this addition to the genre. Taiko purists may find
"Sai-so" tedious and watered down. I've added it to my exercise tape/CD
collection.