ED2015 5/5 Reviews ED2015 Music Reviews

Japan Marvelous Drummers (NPO Kawasuji Japan Marvelous)

By Jon Stapley | Published on Thursday 27 August 2015

The description “traditional instruments of Japan” doesn’t quite convey the explosion of raw power and noise that is ‘Japan Marvelous Drummers’. So be prepared: this show is big, loud, and utterly wonderful. With astounding skill and stamina, eight musicians work their way through not only drums of all kinds but also Koto harps, flutes and clarinets, presenting everything with charming good humour. The feats of strength are staggering – watching a man struggle to hold up a drum the size of a tumble dryer while two musclebound drummers beat it mercilessly is an image that will stay with you. The drummers deserve to pack out the George Square Theatre before the end of their run, and I sincerely hope they do.

Assembly George Square Theatre, until 30 Aug.
tw rating 5/5 | [Jon Stapley]