LEONARD ETO
Leonard Eto is one of the most accomplished and innovative contemporary taiko players, whose vision and creativity have deeply influenced the way taiko is performed and viewed in the world today. The distinctive hallmarks of his playing are the fluidity and luminous, dance-like quality; the coexistence of power and effortlessness, and the immense joy expressed in his music and performance.
In 1984, Leonard joined the Japanese taiko drum group Kodo and soon became the principal player, organizer, musical director and composer. In 1992, Leonard left Kodo to pursue a solo career. His quest gradually evolved from collaborative activities, travelling to perform in over 55 countries. He continues to challenge his own technical and expressive skills, and has developed the freedom and spontaneity to communicate with any musical style.
In 1994, he won high acclaim for his performance with such great artists as Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi, The Chieftains, INXS, Ray Cooper, and Roger Taylor (Queen) at “The Great Music Experience” at Todaiji, the temple of the Great Buddha, in Nara, Japan.
Through his participation in the Megadrums Europe Tours (’90, ’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. In 2004 Leonard joined Siouxsie Sioux’s U.S. tour and London concerts as special guest – a highly praised performance.
In 2000, “Tsu-Ku-Tsu”, a work specially commissioned by Pilobolus, the renowned American modern dance company, premiered in Boston. It opened to critical acclaim and enthusiastic audiences in New York at the Joyce Theater 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”.
In 2012, Leonard was appointed as a “Japan Cultural Envoy” sponsored by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Working mainly in Europe for one year from August in 2013 to July in 2014.
In 2024, “Kemono Michi” which was presented in Milan, was recognized as the work most enthusiastically loved by audiences and won the Audience Award in 2024.
Leonard is an esteemed composer. His original works have been featured in Hollywood film productions such as “JFK”, “The Lion King”, “The Hunted” and “The Thin Red Line”. His compositions have also been used in ballet representations by Nina Ananiashvili – with whom he performed in 1998 – and Patrick Dupond, as well as for the figure skating performances of Elvis Stojko.
Leonard was born in New York in 1963, whilst his father, the koto player Kimio Eto, was making a career in the States performing with such eminent artists as the Philadelphia Orchestra under the conductorship of Leopold Stokowski and Harry Belafonte, among others. The musical environment at home and his father’s pioneering path to expand the expression of a traditional instrument into new realms deeply inspired Leonard’s own quest in music. His brother is the percussionist, Steve Eto.
Contact: leo@leoeto.com
■DVD
“PRESENCE”(2003)
“Power of Blendrums”(2011)
■CDs
“Leo+1″(1998, 2003 Reissue)
“Duets”(2002)
“Blend”(2005)
“OCEAN”(2006)
“Blendrums”(2007)
“AOI TSUKI”(2007)
Best Album “GRATITUDE”(2008)
“Power and Patience”(2011)
“Soloist” (2021)
Best Album “GRATITUDE Ⅱ”(2024)
■Singles
DON DEN (2020), Pancomelen Forever (2020), Straight Ahead (2020)
■Others
“ALIVEⅡ in Yokohama”(2010)
“ALIVE in Tenkawa”(2001)
Produced by Steve Eto, Leonard Eto
